QF J class anti-downgrade strategy

[Pushka]

I simply don't have the personality to accept a downgrade.

Especially because I rarely get to fly them as they are outside my budget. And when I take the plunge I anticipate the indulgence hugely.

 

[JohnK]

Well I respectfully disagree with these comments.
We only do 2-3 OS trips each year but all are planned well in advance.Usually a month out a lot of the hotel bookings become prepaid to save some dollars for other expenses.
So if a flight before the last of that trip's itinerary has this happen it is more than just the inconvenience of being downgraded.

You travel frequently. The same as me. I wasn't agreeing with samh004.

I prepay all my hotels and airfares to get the cheapest possible price.

I have connections to other carriers on separate tickets. Sometimes 3-4 hours. Other times overnight.

If I am meant to be in BKK on Friday night to get the first PG flight on Saturday morning to CNX then it is no good getting me to BKK on Saturday night as I will lose my PG flight and prepaid accommodation. I may also have a PG flight back from CNX on Sunday night so getting me there on Sunday is no good.

And even though I have travel insurance policy I don't want to deal with travel insurance.

Best to just get me to my destination on time, in the class I paid for and keep me happy. I am not asking for, or expecting a lot.

 

[Pushka]

All you are asking JohnK is to get what you pay for and excluding unforeseen events and operational issues (mechanical) that's pretty much what should be received.

 

[TheRealTMA]

Surely that wasn't all? I hope that was just the initial restitution you get at the airport.

What about the EU261 rule where people receive more than adequate compensation for their inconvenience?

No that was it. I quoted the rule but essentially they said GFY. Despite several emails to BA, nothing else was offered, not even an upgrade for future flights.

We have never flown BA F since and never will do so again. They can GFT as far as we are concerned. QF or EK now.

 

[ashleyn]

One obvious way is to book Y only.

I don't do Y anymore

 

[samh004]

Well I respectfully disagree with these comments.
We only do 2-3 OS trips each year but all are planned well in advance.Usually a month out a lot of the hotel bookings become prepaid to save some dollars for other expenses.
So if a flight before the last of that trip's itinerary has this happen it is more than just the inconvenience of being downgraded.

Then even if it is the last flight of the trip take my experience of our just completed trip.I had a flight home on a Tuesday.About 2 days into our trip I got an offer for a job starting on the Monday after I returned.No problems and I accepted it.Then 4 days before getting home I got an email saying their situation was desperate so could I start on the Wednesday.So I did.
Now tell me how I was to plan an extra day into my trip.And on a DONE 4 am I meant to have an extra day built in after every flight?
Absolutely not.The answer for the passenger is to have adequate protection and decent compensation.

I was just suggesting a solution to the recent spate of downgrade threads. I did say on long-haul, so not every DONE4 flight is a potential hazard... and I don't follow this advice myself

 

[russ]

Chances of being downgraded are low, however the following things help
1- have a seat selected
2- check in as soon as possible
3- Select your meals via Q-eat ( if on your route) 7 days before travel
4- If you have status that will help ( ie a silver would be kicked off before a Gold if all other things are the same like fare type)

Things they look for when downgrading a passenger - It is a combination of one or some of the below
1- have they checked in ?
2- are they on a connecting flight inbound ? ( often flights can be delayed resulting in miss connect )
3- TCP - They do not like to change travelling parties
4- fare type - a full J fare will have preference over a discount or reward fare
5- Airline status - the higher you are the less chance of getting downgraded
6- booking date

Thanks for this list - it's great!

Do you know what is most important when Qantas is choosing to downgrade a passenger? For example, I assume that Fare Basis is more important than preselecting a meal, but it's not clear from the list.

Thanks

 

[williamsf1]

Thanks for this list - it's great!

Do you know what is most important when Qantas is choosing to downgrade a passenger? For example, I assume that Fare Basis is more important than preselecting a meal, but it's not clear from the list.

Thanks

Its not simple as what is more important as each situation is different, however status would be towards the top of the list... then all the other factors are considered.

 

[legroom]

Red Roo

We are still waiting !

Not holding my breath though !

The OP was specifically addressed to you for comments.

Sad day to look behind your shoulder when you should be looking forward to the booked premium cabin.

 

[serfty]

Just for interest - lots on the BA flyertalk thread about downgrading in F

...

Surely that wasn't all? I hope that was just the initial restitution you get at the airport.

What about the EU261 rule where people receive more than adequate compensation for their inconvenience?

Which if I'm reading it correctly should be 75% of the ticket price...

No that was it. I quoted the rule but essentially they said <go away>. Despite several emails to BA, nothing else was offered, not even an upgrade for future flights.

We have never flown BA F since and never will do so again. They can <go away> as far as we are concerned. QF or EK now.

Shame that, as the regulation does state 35% of the ticket price (although may change in the future to a pro-rate based on total cost paid and proportion of distance downgraded).

It's SOP for BA to deny all claims, but firm perseverance is generally successful.

If the travel was within the last six years you may still be able to get this compensation - easier if you have a UK address, but quite possible if you use one of the specialist firms that deal with such claims (they may take 30% of the claim).

That way you may have better satisfaction.

More on this FlyerTalk thread: The BA Compensation Thread: Your guide to Regulation 261/2004 - FlyerTalk Forums