QF Downgrade: A332 reconfig J to old A330 J

[Austman]

Again, if there's ANY free J seat on a flight later on the flight day, you'll most likely be able to change to it in the QP or maybe at check-in. That might not be so convenient but it might be an option depending on the timings.

QF subbed a 737 on my last A330 J class MEL-PER flight. Not a mention of compensation. The crew were not too happy about the change either.

 

[Mattg]

I actually agree that you have a right to be annoyed. The difference in products is significant, and IMHO Qantas should have been more willing to rectify the situation.

 

[JohnPhelan]

Pretty damn disappointed...

I think you should be pleasantly surprised they have waived the 5,000 point cancellation penalty. The new config was not guaranteed. You gambled, you lost. That QF is willing to refund all the points, without penalty, is a big win for you!

 

[mrdctau]

MrsDCT and I flew MEL-PER-MEL on the weekend and had the new suites on the way over (VH-EBA) and old recliners on the way back (VH-EBM). We booked the trip using points a long time ago at which time the seat maps were all showing the old configuration so from our perspective scoring the suites on one of the legs was a bit of a bonus (which I've known about for a few months). Despite the flight home being in the old recliners, it wasn't a huge problem as it was an afternoon flight and neither of us needed to sleep.

One thing about the suites is that when flying as a couple, if you take two adjoining middle seats, you might as well be on different aircraft as you won't see your partner again until you land. If smiling and blowing kisses to your partner during a flight is your thing, you're better off selecting seats across the aisle where the narrow armrest is on the aisle side. For the suites configuration we had, this would be: 2F-1K, 4F-3K and 6F-5K. 8F-7K might also work, but I didn't look into the 2nd mini-cabin.

 

[RichardMEL]

You're flying Jan 1?

This is a massive peak travel time for QF (and VA). I would say demand is HIGH for seats.

Although, according to EF, all of the 7 332 (there's a 73H also) flights on Jan 1 have good J availability including D and I class.

I think it's fantastic QF have offered a refund on the points with no fee. I think they've offered an option.

frankly it's a 3-3.5 hour flight - if you have to travel on/around Jan 1 then I think keep the flight and be happy (and it may even get subbed back in the next week!) or try to change on day of travel as suggested elsewhere.

I agree it's irritating but really it's hardly the end of the world - though I'd be grumbly if it was on the QF648 red-eye (currently showing as new config)

Given QF has never guaranteed the config to particular flights, though it is known they do TRY to keep them on the red-eyes for obvious reasons, things happen. The option is pretty fair imho.

I think chances are fair you could change on day of travel if it's really that important to you - and you never know, the original flight could get subbed back.

my 2 cents.

 

[RichardMEL]

332 flights on 01JAN currently with new config:Q

QF772 (10:05 dep)
QF476 (12:55 dep)
QF648 (23:450 dep)

 

[RickyT84]

Much like the OP, I find it a bit irritating when QF switches the A332 from the suites to old J.

For my short flight from SYD to MEL tomorrow, I saw the aircraft changed from the suites (initially when I booked), then to the recliners (with AVOD) and finally, as of tonight, ex-JQ recliners . Guessed our flight drew the shortest straw.

No biggy for an hour flight but it would be a bit annoying for a trans con service.

 

[drivatruk]

A seats not a seat or a suite until yr seated in it and the plane is on its way. Even then it might go tech and return to POD and get subbed for something else.

 

[shuuy]

Remember the 60k VA points is when it's downgraded 330 to 738... Sometimes to a plane with no in-seat power. (And a different quality meal service)