Qantas Seat Selection Costs

[RichardMEL]

But went to all the effort of creating tables with SC and QFF point earning. Bit half baked, but thanks! Will try a few days out to snag a seat further forward

Indeed they have. There's also entries for F for domestic and short haul, and same for JQ which is hilarious

Doesn't mean they have to offer the fares or cabin for sale.

I'm sure the F suites on that "Taylor Swift" A380 special MEL-SYD were not sold as, ir earn F - let alone the W seats.

Plus, for these random type flights, allowing your higher status folks to get a better seat for nix is an easy way to give a bit if a reward back imo.

 

[Port Power]

QF do not usually sell PE for domestic sectors. Typically Platinum and above can select these seats.

Now you tell me!

 

[tdimdad]

Plus, for these random type flights, allowing your higher status folks to get a better seat for nix is an easy way to give a bit if a reward back imo.

While not bankable outright, perhaps they see a positive nudge in loyalty as potential future sticky income which could be worth more than the fare charged on an individual flight.
Besides, granting me a few Y -> PE or Y -> J upgrades on long-haul has made me want those seats over the rear cabin. And I have acted accordingly by paying over time more than the strictly BFOD.

 

[Mattg]

A relative just booked AKL-MEL on QF and is being asked to pay $20 to select a seat.

QFF member and booked direct. But the free seat selection apparently only applies on bookings ex Australia.

 

[Dmac59]

Just did dummy run AKL-MEL for 4/10 QF156, seat selection was free.

 

[Daver6]

I've booked a MEL-PER domestic (>QF400) flight for later this year which is showing on a 787-9 dreamliner.

Do the PE seats become available closer to departure, and is there a fee??

As a WP on the same flight I was able to select the Y+ seats just after booking. Suspect at T-80 they'd open up to all and sundry. In the end though, QF gave me a free upgrade to J at the boarding gate.

 

[Mattg]

Just did dummy run AKL-MEL for 4/10 QF156, seat selection was free.
View attachment 407189

Bizarre, it's definitely not free for this booking. A one-way booking ex NZ. The person has Bronze status.

 

[justinbrett]

Bizarre, it's definitely not free for this booking. A one-way booking ex NZ. The person has Bronze status.

It’s free for all members ex AU, but only for PS and above for foreign ports.

 

[05flyer]

It’s free for all members ex AU, but only for PS and above for foreign ports.

Weird policy. I don't imagine it'd win many favours with Aussies living in NZ who might be tempted to switch over to Airpoints. Or expats anywhere else in the world for that matter.

 

[eminere]

It’s free for all members ex AU, but only for PS and above for foreign ports.

Interesting. I wonder why the distinction.

 

[justinbrett]

Interesting. I wonder why the distinction.

I’m guessing they make their money from AU based members on ground programs (WR, credit cards etc) and they don’t make much money in foreign markets who are just earning via flights.

Plus it’s pretty normal in overseas markets to charge for seat selection. We’re used to getting it for free.

 

[Lynda2475]

Plus it’s pretty normal in overseas markets to charge for seat selection. We’re used to getting it for free.

Yep often no free seat selection unless gold/OWS on other OW partners. BA chatge non status J passengers too.

 

[justinbrett]

I don't imagine it'd win many favours with Aussies living in NZ who might be tempted to switch over to Airpoints.

Isn’t Airpoints widely considered the worst frequent flyer scheme in the world? With an airline that has a complete monopoly on their market?

In any case don’t you have to be Gold to get seat selection for free with them? Or travelling on a higher fare? So basically the same policy with QF except requiring Gold for cheap fares instead of silver.

 

[jase05]

BA chatge non status J passengers too.

Yep, as do AF/KL in J

 

[Kiwiash]

It’s free for all members ex AU, but only for PS and above for foreign ports.

Interesting policy, I have a family member NB booked on QF ex WLG-MEL return and also getting the prompt to pay for seats. Does anyone know if at T-80 seats become non-chargeable?

 

[Mattg]

Interesting policy, I have a family member NB booked on QF ex WLG-MEL return and also getting the prompt to pay for seats. Does anyone know if at T-80 seats become non-chargeable?

T-80 wouldn't have any effect on the cost of seats, as far as I know, just the availability of seats.

At online check-in (T-24) seats should become free to select.

 

[Kiwiash]

T-80 wouldn't have any effect on the cost of seats, as far as I know, just the availability of seats.

At online check-in (T-24) seats should become free to select.

I did initially think this but then the blue preferred seating becomes free at T-80 if I'm not mistaken?

 

[serfty]

I did initially think this but then the blue preferred seating becomes free at T-80 if I'm not mistaken?

Seat maps may open up somewhat at T-80, but free seat selection of currently payable seating will not happen until OLCI is available at T-24.

 

[CaptJCool]

Seat maps may open up somewhat at T-80, but free seat selection of currently payable seating will not happen until OLCI is available at T-24.

and is the process that you need complete OLCI first then havin' checked in you can change your seat?

 

[serfty]

and is the process that you need complete OLCI first then havin' checked in you can change your seat?

Generally, yes. You can change/select your seat during the check in process as well.

The APP seat selection will sometimes differ from what is showing on the Desktop booking; in which case the APP is where it is at.