Qantas reopens international bookings from July 2021 [now December]

[jinks485]

Qantas has very optimistically reopened bookings for much of its international network including USA and London from July this year, as per ET.

Qantas reopens bookings for all international flights from July 2021 - Executive Traveller

I just had a quick browse through QF's website and there are some reward seats available for those interested in booking speculatively!

 

[AIRwin]

No sale and some dates still show 2020

 

[lurker]

@jinks485 thanks for the heads up!

Would love to rebook some F reward seats now that bookings are open (even if they're cancelled again).

I had 2x F SYD-DFW cancelled last year and was looking for that Qantas F experience for my siblings. Doesn't look like the 388s are anywhere obvious on the schedule and maybe there are no plans to bring them back from the desert anytime soon - anyone know what the plan is with the A380s?

 

[Matt_01]

No sale and some dates still show 2020

The QF proof reader needs some retraining, as you pointed out some dates are still 2020. QF may have invented a time machine to have another go at the 100th birthday bash.

 

[33kft]

The difference between this and roulette is that with roulette you have better odds, and if you win, you double your money.

Safe to say I might sit out international bookings for a while.

 

[RichardMEL]

QF have already said the 380's are parked for the long term. There's no reason for them to bring them back this year unless for some reason demand picks up massively. Remember QF has previously indicated 2023 (if at all) for the 380's. I could see 2022, but obviously it is a moving target...

TBH I think July is being VERY optimistic and perhaps a bit silly. Cynics have suggested it is for a cash grab that they know they will have to cancel, hold on to funds to keep them afloat while dragging refunds... maybe.. but I am not QUITE that cynical yet...

but reality is I just can't see it. Even if Oz starts vaccinations in March/April it is unlikely enough of the population will be vaccinated enough by then (ignoring those who outright will refuse which appears quite a large number) but other countries too will struggle. Maybe asia will be quicker and have a very high take up rate I imagine (IIRC Singapore have already started?) but there are likely to still be requirements to quarantine even for those with the vax if not at various destinations but when re-entering Oz.. no doubt that will HAVE to be relaxed at some point.. but July? I can't see it happening (and that is even assuming Oz govt will open our borders for general travel again anyway which remains to be seen).

I could see some "bubbles" perhaps, but I think even NZ who are most likely would be a bit shy with the current situation going on (as relatively small as it is) so it will be small steps I think....

still it gives people something to aim for and a sense of progress... me I will wait and see how things go over the next 3-4 months.

 

[flyer89]

Cynics have suggested it is for a cash grab that they know they will have to cancel, hold on to funds to keep them afloat while dragging refunds... maybe.. but I am not QUITE that cynical yet...

As someone who detests cynicism I have to sadly agree. It could also be a clue as to how dire QF’s financial position is. They’ve just missed another boom period due to domestic lockdowns. At the beginning of the pandemic they supposedly had enough in cash reserves to last until the end of 2021. They certainly don’t have more now given the events of the past year.....

 

[oz_mark]

I could see some "bubbles" perhaps, but I think even NZ who are most likely would be a bit shy with the current situation going on (as relatively small as it is) so it will be small steps I think....

Given the fragility of domestic borders, and we've already seen some overseas bubbles pop, I think it will be mid year before I even start to think about going international.
I doubt I will be out of the country this year.

 

[oznflfan]

As someone who detests cynicism I have to sadly agree. It could also be a clue as to how dire QF’s financial position is. They’ve just missed another boom period due to domestic lockdowns. At the beginning of the pandemic they supposedly had enough in cash reserves to last until the end of 2021. They certainly don’t have more now given the events of the past year.....

I love and practice cynicism.

 

[albatross710]

is it a case of QF delivering a service to people whom want to dream? QF have the booking engines, the refund processes etc. Let people get in the game as they are going to book somewhere. There are people that genuinely want to fly to see people, so why not at least get them in the game.

for me, the price is not factoring in the risk.

I just feel in the post-covid future I will expect to be able to book at shorter notice with less draconian refund/cancellation policies.

 

[MH_fan]

International travel in July is extremely optimistic. I'd put my money on reasonable international travel options from Oct/Nov this year. It will give the US/UK/Europe almost a year of vaccinations and 6 months of it here in Australia. I'd personally be more confident about making a booking from Nov onwards.

 

[justinbrett]

International travel in July is extremely optimistic. I'd put my money on reasonable international travel options from Oct/Nov this year. It will give the US/UK/Europe almost a year of vaccinations and 6 months of it here in Australia. I'd personally be more confident about making a booking from Nov onwards.

Yeah, agreed. We don’t necessarily need to wait for other countries, but once the rollout is complete here (October they are saying) and the last vax is effective, then Qantas can start flying everywhere providing they ask for a vax certificate.

The fact this is happening might motivate the 20% of people who don’t want to get the jab but aren’t fundamental anti vaxxers, who think they can hide behind closed borders forever.

 

[jb747]

Sounds like an unsecured loan to me....

QF have already said the 380's are parked for the long term. There's no reason for them to bring them back this year unless for some reason demand picks up massively. Remember QF has previously indicated 2023 (if at all) for the 380's. I could see 2022, but obviously it is a moving target...

They no longer have the crew to bring them back any time soon. The vast majority of the Captains are permanently gone. To get them (the aircraft) back now would take a training effort equivalent to that which introduced the aircraft in the first place. And the difficulty of that will be compounded by the fact that quite a bit of the 330 side is also now gone.

When new types come into service there is a transition from the old to the new. In the case of the 380 much of the motion was from the Classic 747, and later the -400 and 767. Now, all of the types are run down to varying degrees.

 

[Gold Member]

<Diplomatic/Positive hat donned>
I want to travel internationally as much as the next enthusiast, but I cannot see July happening for all the obvious reasons that many others have stated already. But good luck to anyone booking these flights, and if they occur, this will truly be a wonderful occasion to celebrate.

<Realistic hat donned>
This is nothing but an interest free loan cash grab from their loyal customer base. Qantas is putting the Shareholder first and the Customer last to reduce the chances of more dilutive capital raisings. The arduous refund ”process” will leave paying customers waiting many months to get their money back well after the flights have been cancelled.

 

[serfty]

Cynics have suggested it is for a cash grab that they know they will have to cancel, hold on to funds to keep them afloat while dragging refunds... maybe..

I'm often Cynical and am in this case. I cannot see Qantas operating international long haul midyear flights to such a frequent schedule.

Sounds like an unsecured loan to me....

Yep, their three months for a refund after cancellation. So no $$$ back until September at earliest.

 

[Bundy Bear]

There are people traveling and 787 can carry a bit of freight so I think Qantas are a little optimistic about traveling by July but putting a schedule in people can start planning. December 2021 and January 2022 are going to be popular.

 

[Melburnian1]

QF have already said the 380's are parked for the long term. There's no reason for them to bring them back this year unless for some reason demand picks up massively. Remember QF has previously indicated 2023 (if at all) for the 380's. I could see 2022, but obviously it is a moving target...

TBH I think July is being VERY optimistic and perhaps a bit silly. Cynics have suggested it is for a cash grab that they know they will have to cancel, hold on to funds to keep them afloat while dragging refunds... maybe.. but I am not QUITE that cynical yet...

but reality is I just can't see it. Even if Oz starts vaccinations in March/April it is unlikely enough of the population will be vaccinated enough by then (ignoring those who outright will refuse which appears quite a large number) but other countries too will struggle. Maybe asia will be quicker and have a very high take up rate I imagine (IIRC Singapore have already started?) but there are likely to still be requirements to quarantine even for those with the vax if not at various destinations but when re-entering Oz.. no doubt that will HAVE to be relaxed at some point.. but July? I can't see it happening (and that is even assuming Oz govt will open our borders for general travel again anyway which remains to be seen).

I could see some "bubbles" perhaps, but I think even NZ who are most likely would be a bit shy with the current situation going on (as relatively small as it is) so it will be small steps I think....

still it gives people something to aim for and a sense of progress... me I will wait and see how things go over the next 3-4 months.

Not only do we have to convince the Federal Government to open international borders - a task made more difficult by nitpicking state governments who summarily close internal borders - but other nations have to accept our travellers.

Some have already flagged Australians are able to be admitted, but if we were, would there be sudden changes to conditions (beyond a test or a jab) imposed, such as quarantining? And even if overseas nations were welcoming, would we have to quarantine or undertake other measures when we returned to Australia?

I want to travel overseas like many AFFers and others, but given the performance from non-NSW state governments over a few 'cases', it's way too early to book, and when I do, it won't be with Qantas.

Not only did QFd (and QFi) miss out on lucrative pre-Christmas revenue, but the Victorian/NSW border is suggested as closing until at least the end of January 2021 by figures in the Victorian government, so it means QF loses the remainder of the Christmas school holidays passenger traffic, revenue and profits. February is one of the lowest months for travel bookings, despite business travel traditionally fully resuming, so QF will end up with more debt and what some who are more versed in financial metrics than me claim is a perilous financial situation.

Taiwan is one nation that's handled the situation extremely well. Why aren't we allowed to travel there? Fear in diplomatic circles of further enraging the bullies in mainland China?


I'm glad I'm not a QF shareholder as another capital raising may be required before June 2021.

 

[tinkybelle]

ive booked bali for july just incase

 

[stm1sydney]

but reality is I just can't see it. Even if Oz starts vaccinations in March/April it is unlikely enough of the population will be vaccinated enough by then (ignoring those who outright will refuse which appears quite a large number) but other countries too will struggle.

Even if 100% of people vaccinate (with vaccines which are 95% effective), our crazy state premiers like Palacechook and Andrews, who are pursuing a 100% elimination strategy (and thus close borders if there are six cases a day in another state), will not allow international travel for the foreseeable future.

A 95% effective vaccine does not comply with their elimination strategy.

 

[DC3]

Refuse vax (I.e., not compulsory) = no travel from Oz
Take the vax = okay to depart from Oz (and return)

Start rollin’ up those sleeves.

Scomo may be peeping, here.