QF702 MEL-CNS Award Availability

[Leroy87]

Was skimming around looking at where QF have currently deployed their A330s domestically, because if I'm going to shell out some avios to take the family away it's going to be in J on a decent plane.

Found QF702 running daily from MEL-CNS on an A330: perfect! Trouble is, there doesn't seem to be any award space, Y or J, ever on this flight, as far out as I bothered to look (end of September anyway). Now it could just be that they've all been snapped up (maybe?) as it's the only direct QF flight on the day, but that seems a bit unlikely given the size of the plane and the number of days.

Do people know of any known blocks on award space on certain domestic routes at the moment? Trying to push people onto JQ maybe and keep this flight as a 'premium' type service? Plenty of space via Sydney on their A330 route to CNS though .

 

[aikman]

First date I checked and there it is. It's for October though.

 

[Leroy87]

First date I checked and there it is. It's for October though.

View attachment 245367

Hah that's hilarious, as per the original post I gave up looking after scrolling through the middle of the year until end of September.

Maybe it's too hot in October so they've opened up the seats then.

 

[ChrisMars]

During last DSC offer, I saw a fair bit of award availabilities in J A330 in the CNS->MEL direction. I was looking to travel early June, and booked 2 J seats. No idea about MEL->CNS, as I took another route.

 

[Leroy87]

Hold the phone, there is a trickle of J awards on QF direct (July 1 and July 4 are the only I've found) but they are only for flights on the 737.

Guess the A330 is too good to use for points.

 

[Cddc]

They had J award availability in both directions (702/703) on A330 for August a couple of weeks ago. We stumped up for cash fares as needed the status credits and was also on sale. Peak/dry season in Cairns, especially for Melbournians trying to escape the last of winter.

 

[turtlemichael]

Early last week I booked J MEL-CNS QF702 in mid-July using QF points with a wide choice of dates.

 

[RichardMEL]

You mention taking the family so if you're looking at 3-4(or more) seats that could very well be a real problem... imo

 

[jakeseven7]

Hold the phone, there is a trickle of J awards on QF direct (July 1 and July 4 are the only I've found) but they are only for flights on the 737.

Guess the A330 is too good to use for points.

What status level are you with QF? I'm seeing more than you - not heaps as it looks to be quite popular.

 

[Leroy87]

You mention taking the family so if you're looking at 3-4(or more) seats that could very well be a real problem... imo

What status level are you with QF? I'm seeing more than you - not heaps as it looks to be quite popular.

Only bronze so that probably has a bit to do with it. It's been many months since I've tried to book a bunch of seats together and I'm used to being flexible to get what I want eventually but in this case maybe popularity and enforced scarcity will get me.

Could go via Sydney on the big birds for some fun instead or head for Perth, plenty of options!

 

[Carrots]

I noticed the same - although again, just a lowly Bronze. Booked this flight for early June (coming from ADL via MEL though) and there was no availability at all. But it'll tick off the 100 status credits I need to nab Gold for awhile.

 

[RichardMEL]

So yes it seems all the answers are here - status + number of pax required + popular travel destination+implied demand with more confidence in borders etc means QF wouldn't offer many seats let alone for lower status requests - specially only a couple of months out (which I know is not that relevant given the last year, but still a factor imo)

 

[Zanzara]

Welcome to the reality vs the marketing of the QFFF. Plenty of opportunities to earn, few to redeem that are worthwhile; unless you have earned status with them. And even then, look for hen’s teeth.

 

[jakeseven7]

Welcome to the reality vs the marketing of the QFFF. Plenty of opportunities to earn, few to redeem that are worthwhile; unless you have earned status with them. And even then, look for hen’s teeth.

Not really, I’m seeing heaps of avails. And that is one of the benefits of status, more access to seats. Which is very clearly in the terms of the program, which is the reality of the program

 

[Leroy87]

Not really, I’m seeing heaps of avails. And that is one of the benefits of status, more access to seats. Which is very clearly in the terms of the program, which is the reality of the program

Thanks for looking and taking the time to check.

I don't actually mind this at all - if higher tier members get better access to seats on 'premium' routes (yes it's only domestic, but from Melbourne in Winter it's about as premium as you could expect at the moment) then the program is working as it should.

I'll be content to look elsewhere, given my loyalty to Qantas only goes about as far as whether I can get any value for the easy-to-come-by points.