Qantas SYD&MEL to SIN $510 ret ($410 through .br site)

[MH_fan]

Had my first experience on the ticket booked through .br quite recently and it all went relatively smoothly. I had a connecting flight from SIN to PEN on 3K (ticketed as QF). Couldn't get boarding passes for the SIN-PEN sector at check-in in SYD, which I thought was very strange given that it is on a QF ticket (and not a 3K one), but bags could be checked all the way through to PEN. Had to go to the transfer desk at SIN to get my 3K boarding pass. They had a bit of a problem printing it out when I got there, as apparently "something wasn't paid" but it was quickly cleared up and the boarding pass was issued. Coming back, there didn't seem to be any problems getting the boarding pass for SIN-SYD when I checked in at PEN. However, the SIN-SYD sector was on a 3K boarding pass, which didn't have my full QFF details, so just got another one issued when I reached the QF SIN Lounge. Points and SCs all came through pretty quickly as well.

This was my first time on QFi Y and it actually wasn't too bad at all. Did QF81 going and QF6 coming back. Both flights on the A330-300. The seats were quite comfortable and the legroom was bigger than I was expecting. The recline was also quite generous. Even thought the IFE was a bit on the old side and the screen was quite small, it worked reasonably well and I was entertained during my flight. The catering was also much better than I was expecting. I only ate on QF81, as I slept most of the way on QF6. It was a decent portion and quite tasty! Didn't get any special greeting after take-off or offer of noise-cancelling headphones or wines/sparkling as a WP from the front cabin on QF81 but did get them on the way back. However, I really didn't need anything because I just wanted to sleep. I was given an arrivals express card though. The crew on QF6 were much better than on QF81 but even the crew on QF81 were quite friendly and helpful.

I would definitely consider flying in QFi in Y again, as it was much better than I was expecting. This would only be for medium-haul flights to South-East Asia, as I would not tolerate being in Y all the way to Europe on N America.

 

[Programme]

No, I am saying the domestic flight is upgradable, which if the option is taken means Qantas can then do the changes in the booking for you and not speak Brazilian!

I know I'm digging up an old post here. I have a BKK-SYD-MEL leg booked and would like to change the date if the process isn't too painful or expensive.

Hoping that someone has tried changes using this method and could help answering a few questions:

1) Does QF process the changes by the .br rate, or will the fare difference charge bump it up to the .au rate?
2) I don't actually want the SYD-MEL upgrade that will cost 10,000 points. Never applied for an upgrade before - do you get the opportunity to reject an upgrade if it becomes available?

 

[markis10]

I know I'm digging up an old post here. I have a BKK-SYD-MEL leg booked and would like to change the date if the process isn't too painful or expensive.

Hoping that someone has tried changes using this method and could help answering a few questions:

1) Does QF process the changes by the .br rate, or will the fare difference charge bump it up to the .au rate?
2) I don't actually want the SYD-MEL upgrade that will cost 10,000 points. Never applied for an upgrade before - do you get the opportunity to reject an upgrade if it becomes available?

At the moment all fares are upgradable, so put in a request for the long haul leg, then wait for a sale (think Boxing Day) and ring Qantas saying the TA asked you to as they cannot change do to upgrade, it's likely the fare difference will be non existent, just a change fee.

 

[Ansett]

At the moment all fares are upgradable, so put in a request for the long haul leg, then wait for a sale (think Boxing Day) and ring Qantas saying the TA asked you to as they cannot change do to upgrade, it's likely the fare difference will be non existent, just a change fee.

Not True I have Booking in Jan to LHR and can not upgrade from Discount Y

 

[markis10]

Not True I have Booking in Jan to LHR and can not upgrade from Discount Y

The OP is travelling to Asia (hopefully in Jan) where all fares are upgradable (in addition to Africa and the ditch), not LHR:


Your chance to request a Flight Upgrade Award
If you're travelling in Dec 13 and Jan 14 to selected destinations in Asia, Africa or across the Tasman, we've got some good news. For a limited time, we're offering you the option to use your Qantas Points to register for a Flight Upgrade Award24 on sale fares which are normally restricted. The points you'll need are quoted when you register

 

[Ansett]

The OP is travelling to Asia (hopefully in Jan) where all fares are upgradable (in addition to Africa and the ditch), not LHR:


Your chance to request a Flight Upgrade Award
If you're travelling in Dec 13 and Jan 14 to selected destinations in Asia, Africa or across the Tasman, we've got some good news. For a limited time, we're offering you the option to use your Qantas Points to register for a Flight Upgrade Award24 on sale fares which are normally restricted. The points you'll need are quoted when you register

In that case I apologise and retract my statement

 

[Ansett]

There does however seem to be varying offers around see link below where they do not state a destination

http://www.australianfrequentflyer....scount-y-becomes-upgradeable-again-56398.html


Use your Qantas Points to request an upgrade

We noticed that you are travelling soon and wanted to let you know that we're making it easier to use your Qantas Points to register for a Flight Upgrade Award.* For a limited time, you can request an upgrade on sale fares which are normally restricted. This offer is available for travel from 1 December 2013 until 31 January 2014.

 

[markis10]

There does however seem to be varying offers around see link below where they do not state a destination

http://www.australianfrequentflyer....scount-y-becomes-upgradeable-again-56398.html


Use your Qantas Points to request an upgrade

We noticed that you are travelling soon and wanted to let you know that we're making it easier to use your Qantas Points to register for a Flight Upgrade Award.* For a limited time, you can request an upgrade on sale fares which are normally restricted. This offer is available for travel from 1 December 2013 until 31 January 2014.

Same offer given the OP is HKG bound and has received an email about that booking.

 

[Austman]

Same offer given the OP is HKG bound and has received an email about that booking.

If it's like the offer I received, the upgrade cost requires more points than a standard discount economy upgrade.

 

[Programme]

At the moment all fares are upgradable, so put in a request for the long haul leg, then wait for a sale (think Boxing Day) and ring Qantas saying the TA asked you to as they cannot change do to upgrade, it's likely the fare difference will be non existent, just a change fee.

Thanks. The system doesn't show the long haul flight as upgradable, nor would I expect it to be since it's in March and the special offer doesn't extend until then. The domestic leg is upgradable, but there is ample availability for classic awards on that flight, so I guess there is a high chance of an upgrade, which I don't actually want.

Think I might wait for a sale then try calling Expedia.br. Not a big deal if it's too hard to change the date but it would be nice.

 

[anat0l]

What a bl**dy mess!

I have a booking for my father from Expedia Brazil between BNE and MNL. Originally it was quite simple: QF BNE-SYD-MNL, then QF MNL-BNE. This itinerary was booked to start travel in about three weeks from now.

First thing that changed was the return: from original to QF MNL-SYD-BNE. Not a big deal.

Just recently, another change has supposedly come along. I only found out about it because my father was contacted earlier this morning by Expedia Brazil by someone who spoke poor English (his words, naturally we have to be a bit more patient with these staff most of the time). His email of the "details" to me are very sketchy but I proceeded to investigate.

Turns out QF have cancelled the SYD-MNL flight on the day originally scheduled. Their default choice was to shift Dad onto the SYD-MNL flight on the next day after original schedule. This would have him fly BNE-SYD on the originally scheduled day, then stay in SYD for a whole day and a bit, then fly out SYD-MNL the next day. Most inconvenient.

I called Expedia Brazil myself right now and to cut a very, very long story short, the agent was nice but it still took a long time to get through things. There was a "protection" option put aside for my Dad which would reconfigure his BNE-SYD-MNL originally scheduled flight to BNE-HKG-MNL (QF and CX respectively). This would get him to MNL 6 hours later than the original booking, but it is (almost) the only option that would get him to MNL on the same calendar day as originally scheduled.

For some reason they were thinking of screwing with the return - something like MNL-HKG-SYD-BNE. I checked qantas.com however and the MNL-SYD-BNE flights are still bookable. (Doesn't mean they can't be cancelled, but that's something).

She can't "confirm" or make changes to any flights, however (but the "temporary" itinerary - I think - that Dad has "at the moment" is BNE-HKG-MNL,MNL-HKG-SYD-BNE). I don't know what Dad said to them (in frustration or otherwise) but we have to wait for the first agent that contacted Dad to "talk to Qantas" and he will hear back from him (but this can only be done during the working week, which of course means Monday in Brazil; closer to 24/12 for us in Australia). There wasn't anything else that the agent I contacted could do.

Qantas, naturally, can't do anything about the booking (because they are not the agent and it isn't under airport control).

I hope the agent will call back within the 2 days and can easily sort out a new option. It's pretty close to departure so it's getting pretty scary, plus my father is going to easily rip my hide to shreds for ever suggesting Expedia Brazil.

 

[Ansett]

What a bl**dy mess!

I have a booking for my father from Expedia Brazil between BNE and MNL. Originally it was quite simple: QF BNE-SYD-MNL, then QF MNL-BNE. This itinerary was booked to start travel in about three weeks from now.

First thing that changed was the return: from original to QF MNL-SYD-BNE. Not a big deal.

Just recently, another change has supposedly come along. I only found out about it because my father was contacted earlier this morning by Expedia Brazil by someone who spoke poor English (his words, naturally we have to be a bit more patient with these staff most of the time). His email of the "details" to me are very sketchy but I proceeded to investigate.

Turns out QF have cancelled the SYD-MNL flight on the day originally scheduled. Their default choice was to shift Dad onto the SYD-MNL flight on the next day after original schedule. This would have him fly BNE-SYD on the originally scheduled day, then stay in SYD for a whole day and a bit, then fly out SYD-MNL the next day. Most inconvenient.

I called Expedia Brazil myself right now and to cut a very, very long story short, the agent was nice but it still took a long time to get through things. There was a "protection" option put aside for my Dad which would reconfigure his BNE-SYD-MNL originally scheduled flight to BNE-HKG-MNL (QF and CX respectively). This would get him to MNL 6 hours later than the original booking, but it is (almost) the only option that would get him to MNL on the same calendar day as originally scheduled.

For some reason they were thinking of screwing with the return - something like MNL-HKG-SYD-BNE. I checked qantas.com however and the MNL-SYD-BNE flights are still bookable. (Doesn't mean they can't be cancelled, but that's something).

She can't "confirm" or make changes to any flights, however (but the "temporary" itinerary - I think - that Dad has "at the moment" is BNE-HKG-MNL,MNL-HKG-SYD-BNE). I don't know what Dad said to them (in frustration or otherwise) but we have to wait for the first agent that contacted Dad to "talk to Qantas" and he will hear back from him (but this can only be done during the working week, which of course means Monday in Brazil; closer to 24/12 for us in Australia). There wasn't anything else that the agent I contacted could do.

Qantas, naturally, can't do anything about the booking (because they are not the agent and it isn't under airport control).

I hope the agent will call back within the 2 days and can easily sort out a new option. It's pretty close to departure so it's getting pretty scary, plus my father is going to easily rip my hide to shreds for ever suggesting Expedia Brazil.

Hi Anatol

Sorry to hear of your issue however I was recently in a very similiar position and having trouble getting things done via Expedia. I spoke directly with QF who were very helpful and changed my flights back to the original day and with CX at my choice.

Qantas stated that due to the fact it was an involuntary change they were indeed able to change my booking.

I wiould suggest ringing QF back and discussing again with them options that are more suitable and remind them that this is an involuntary change and they can help you.

As a side note I have tried on a few occasions to ring .br with no sucess would you be able to let me the full phone number that you used including coubtry code etc and what time of day you found best to call.

Good luck and hoping you get a good and quick outcome to your issue.

 

[JohnK]

I hope the agent will call back within the 2 days and can easily sort out a new option. It's pretty close to departure so it's getting pretty scary, plus my father is going to easily rip my hide to shreds for ever suggesting Expedia Brazil.

At least your dad isnt stranded in FCO.

 

[Mollycram]

Hi Anatol

Sorry to hear of your issue however I was recently in a very similiar position and having trouble getting things done via Expedia. I spoke directly with QF who were very helpful and changed my flights back to the original day and with CX at my choice.

Qantas stated that due to the fact it was an involuntary change they were indeed able to change my booking.

I wiould suggest ringing QF back and discussing again with them options that are more suitable and remind them that this is an involuntary change and they can help you.

As a side note I have tried on a few occasions to ring .br with no sucess would you be able to let me the full phone number that you used including coubtry code etc and what time of day you found best to call.

Good luck and hoping you get a good and quick outcome to your issue.

i too was able to get Qantas to amend my flights after an involuntary flight change.

 

[Mrmaxwell]

Qantas, naturally, can't do anything about the booking (because they are not the agent and it isn't under airport control).

I hope the agent will call back within the 2 days and can easily sort out a new option. It's pretty close to departure so it's getting pretty scary, plus my father is going to easily rip my hide to shreds for ever suggesting Expedia Brazil.

Yes call up QF and get it sorted with them.

I only use Expedia Brasil to get my booking ref then QF all the way for anything else - make complex simple

 

[extracta]

This has happened to me many times on Qantas flights I have booked through overseas Expedia sites. I have never had a problem ringing qantas and having them deal with it. I am generally allowed to move the flights to a day either side also of original booking also. I have also been mucked around by these BNE-MNL flights that now go through SYD and not every day of the week.

 

[anat0l]

Thanks for the tips everyone. I'll try Qantas again.

I used to think that if an agent does your booking, pretty much only agents can handle your booking (one of the "advantages" of booking with the airline). Looks like this is not quite true? (read: can someone please clarify more precisely what the airline can and can't do for you if you book through an agent, which may be a TA, OTA or another airline)

 

[anat0l]

Just called Qantas then.

Nice man helped me on the phone, but still no dice - have to go through Expedia, even though he conceded that QF cancelling the flight caused the issue.

Also, he seemed set that any new change (or rather, a change he could make if it were possible for him to touch the booking) would need to be maintained on QF flights only. Which means either shifting to the flight to MNL the previous day (which he says is fully sold out) or the next day. Something like BNE [QF] HKG [CX] MNL would not be possible (he said I could get changed to BNE [QF] HKG only, but then of course find one's own way from HKG to MNL as a separate ticket).

Looks like we'll have to wait on Expedia Brazil.

 

[markis10]

Also, he seemed set that any new change (or rather, a change he could make if it were possible for him to touch the booking) would need to be maintained on QF flights only. Which means either shifting to the flight to MNL the previous day (which he says is fully sold out) or the next day. Something like BNE [QF] HKG [CX] MNL would not be possible (he said I could get changed to BNE [QF] HKG only, but then of course find one's own way from HKG to MNL as a separate ticket).

Looks like we'll have to wait on Expedia Brazil.

Nice man maybe but clueless when it comes to the commercial policy:

Reroute/Rebook travelRebook to alternative Qantas services with ‘QF’ flight number operated by Qantas within two (2) days of original ticketed departure date.
Reroute travel to alternate services to/from Manila via Hong Kong on:
'QF’ flight number operated by Qantas between Australia and Hong Kong ; and
CX’ or ‘KA’ flight number operated by Cathay Pacific and Dragonair between Hong Kong and Manila.
Reroute travel to alternate services to/from Manila via Singapore if permitted in fare rules on:
QF’ flight number operated by Qantas between Australia and Singapore; and
‘PR’ or ‘3K’ flight number operated by Philippine Airlines and Jetstar Asia respectively between Singapore and Manila. Bookings must be made in the same booking class as originally ticketed.

http://www.qantas.com.au/agents/dyn/qf/info/201309/0917

Why can't people say they don't know in such circumstances rather than trying to make something up :evil:?

 

[Ansett]

Hang up and try again as they say as the CSR was wrong and keep trying till you get some one that knows what they are doing.