QF flight numbers vs EK

[smarm]

Booking a multistop in J for two people. Mrs smarm would like an overnight in DXB before heading off to MLA (Malta). Looking on the QF site, I can't get the DXB-MLA flight to come up with an QF flight number (only EK).

Looking around momondo I can get wotif to bring up the same set of flights with an QF flight number (and $2k cheaper *cough*). Originally wanted to book via the QF site as the return is on some QF metal and have some QF 2xSC GV vouchers.

Is there a way to get the multi-stop booking engine to generate that flight as a QF number?

If not, I guess it's a trade off between the points the whole way using the QF numbers or double SC for the other flights.

 

[JessicaTam]

GVs can only be used for one way or return flight bookings originating in AU. They can't be used for multi city bookings.

If you can't get the QF codeshare to MLA perhaps take what you can get (DSC-wise) with the DXB flight?

 

[smarm]

GVs can only be used for one way or return flight bookings originating in AU. They can't be used for multi city bookings.

Ah damn. I was not aware of that limitation. That forces that issue then, I thought I could book a multistop trip with a GV.

Thanks for the information.

 

[smarm]

If you can't get the QF codeshare to MLA perhaps take what you can get (DSC-wise) with the DXB flight?

Unfortunately they're all EK metal flights, so it wouldn't be DSC for outbound. It would only have been applicable to the inbound QF metal flights. Thanks tho.

 

[Matt_01]

Ah damn. I was not aware of that limitation. That forces that issue then, I thought I could book a multistop trip with a GV. Thanks for the information.

Although Jess is correct there are ways around this. If I have a GV in the raw state I just book a flex domestic flight, cancel it and refund as a voucher. Once that is done you can ring the CC and use that as the base PNR and then ask QF to book what you are after. I have done this many times, it is also how I combine unused vouchers.

Secondly, if you are wanting the DSC perk you are aware that you need to be on QF metal, a QF/EK codeshare will not fit the bill for DSC earn.

 

[TheRealTMA]

Booking a multistop in J for two people. Mrs smarm would like an overnight in DXB before heading off to MLA (Malta). Looking on the QF site, I can't get the DXB-MLA flight to come up with an QF flight number (only EK).

Looking around momondo I can get wotif to bring up the same set of flights with an QF flight number (and $2k cheaper *cough*). Originally wanted to book via the QF site as the return is on some QF metal and have some QF 2xSC GV vouchers.

Is there a way to get the multi-stop booking engine to generate that flight as a QF number?

If not, I guess it's a trade off between the points the whole way using the QF numbers or double SC for the other flights.

This is common on QF/EK flights to European destinations. One can always get EK flights (often cheaper) but it can be difficult to get code share QF flights, especially on open jaw tickets. For example one can book MAD-DXB-BNE return on QF/EK and BNE-DXB-BLQ on QF/EK. One can book MAD-DBX-BNE BNE-DXB-BLQ on EK but not on codeshare QF/EK.

If you have this issue booking online, sometimes a good travel agent can book such flights as QF on EK for you. Not always but sometimes.

Find one you trust and give them a call to see. Won’t cost you anything, maybe will be a waste of time,but maybe useful.

 

[Strategic Aviation]

GVs can only be used for one way or return flight bookings originating in AU. They can't be used for multi city bookings.

Although Jess is correct there are ways around this. If I have a GV in the raw state I just book a flex domestic flight, cancel it and refund as a voucher. Once that is done you can ring the CC and use that as the base PNR and then ask QF to book what you are after. I have done this many times, it is also how I combine unused vouchers.

See boomy's post regarding combining gift vouchers and booking multi-city.

No need for workarounds, just call (with fee waived - though you may need to HUACA).

 

[madrooster]

Although Jess is correct there are ways around this. If I have a GV in the raw state I just book a flex domestic flight, cancel it and refund as a voucher. Once that is done you can ring the CC and use that as the base PNR and then ask QF to book what you are after. I have done this many times, it is also how I combine unused vouchers.

Why do that when you can just call and book with the GV in it's original form?

Booking a domestic and then cancelling it doesn't do anything useful - you essentially go back to square one.

 

[JessicaTam]

It maybe that a GV and Credit V are treated differently in the system?

 

[madrooster]

It maybe that a GV and Credit V are treated differently in the system?

They aren't. Functionally exactly the same.

 

[Matt_01]

Why do that when you can just call and book with the GV in it's original form?

Booking a domestic and then cancelling it doesn't do anything useful - you essentially go back to square one.

To add some context it is not a deliberate activity. On an annual basis I would book around a 100 domestic flights a year (some turn into multi city) and have done for the past 6 years due to living in a different different state to the one I work in, I then have international on top of these some also multi city. All my flights normally start as GV as whenever there is some type of promotion be it double points, DSC, bonus points for purchasing gift vouchers etc., I buy up and take note of the travel window conditions and there is also the no CC fees with GV. Buying $50 GV at any given point in time is within my means and hardly makes a dent in the annual travel budget but I get we are all not in the same situation. I then use the GV to book required flights. I am not fussed about the initial promotional window as I am reasonably confident how the PNR and the associated conditions create dates works. Also one of the developers in my team worked with both Sabre and Amadeus as well as a couple of different airlines if I am unsure I just ask the individual, his advice has not failed me to date.

At a guess I also change about 40% of my flights. I keep detailed records of all bookings and if a flight falls outside of the promotional flight period based on voucher purchase date, gets to expensive, or is no longer required I just cancel the flight and turn into another voucher. I refuse to pay the $99 refund fee (for a flex ticket) and knowing that I will need to make other bookings, it works for me. I am also aware of how many vouchers I can combine and if I have vouchers that will not generate some additional value I do some quick calculations, combine 4-5 vouchers, book another flight then turn that flight back into a single voucher and repeat the process as required.

I have no issues with calling QF to make changes as I get through to the CC quickly. After a quick look at my spread sheet apart from a booking this Monday 2/4 and next Thursday 5/4 I do not have a single booking between now and the mid Jan 19 that will not earn VA DSC or triple points, or QF DSC or double points.

Just my experience.

 

[juddles]

....... After a quick look at my spread sheet apart from a booking this Monday 2/4 and next Thursday 5/4 I do not have a single booking between now and the mid Jan 19 that will not earn VA DSC or triple points or QF DSC or double points.

Just my experience.....

I salute you!

 

[serfty]

After a quick look at my spread sheet

Wow!

I hope you keep a back up of your spreadsheet ...

 

[JohnK]

Ah damn. I was not aware of that limitation. That forces that issue then, I thought I could book a multistop trip with a GV.

Thanks for the information.

As mentioned by others multi-city is possible with the right agent.

I recently booked a one-way BNE-SYD-SIN with gift voucher but wanted overnight in SYD. I was able to do it over the phone with the first phone call.