QF's Asia announcement

[docjames]

Will be interesting to see how BA handle our flights for April/May.

Outbound the previously booked BA codeshare on QF to HKG had a terrible connection (with the QF schedule changes went from 2.5hr to 6.5hr) so we switched to the SYD-SIN-LHR on BA metal (with QF connection MEL-SYD). So that likely wont change (although CX to HKG then BA to LHR would be fine negating the SYD transit). But why go direct when you can connect, right?

Inbound we have QF booked to connect in HKG so interesting to see whether they switch us to CX or leave us on QF (all booked with BA codes).

 

[ComeFlyWithMe]

Could you clarify that for me?

The demise of the JSA means you cannot purchase a QF or BA ticket SYD-HKG-LHR for example (my preferred routing).

Now you will be able to book a through fare on BA to travel CX to HKG, BA to LHR. I don't believe CX codeshare with BA on HKG-LHR, but may be wrong.

Of course, given a choice, I'd just fly CX all the way, but some of their J fares are insane when compared to BA fares on similar routes.

 

[Danger]

The demise of the JSA means you cannot purchase a QF or BA ticket SYD-HKG-LHR for example (my preferred routing).

Now you will be able to book a through fare on BA to travel CX to HKG, BA to LHR. I don't believe CX codeshare with BA on HKG-LHR, but may be wrong.

Given CX is going five daily on the LHR run, I don't think they would codeshare.

Of course, given a choice, I'd just fly CX all the way, but some of their J fares are insane when compared to BA fares on similar routes.

I completely agree. Sometimes I think CX inadvertently puts "AUD" in front of their fares when in fact they must surely mean "HKD"!

 

[simongr]

That's interesting re fares - I consistently used to get better fares on CX than QF or BA to the UK. Currently BA have a great J promotion though.

 

[markis10]

CX to LHR in J is $5800 return if you go often enough and can afford to start in TPE on the first trip

 

[TripleB]

Please get back to us if you can with what QF do about this, I think there would be a few people who would be very interested to hear. Stick to your guns - your parents are entitled to PE quality flights from SYD-FRA with sensible connection times at the very least, some people would be argue that there is nothing to stop QF from upgrading your parents to J class in at least one or more legs if that is convenient and suitable to your parents, whether this is on QF EK or another carrier is Qantas's problem and it is up to them to suggest acceptable alternatives to the original flight.

Its just my opinion but the downgrade to EK Y class from DXB-FRA is simply not acceptable.

Maybe have a think about a plan B for getting from SYD-FRA just in case Qantas drag their feet or don't offer your parents an acceptable alternative.

So I have worked out why they were cagey - premium economy is full on the day they were booked. They want to move them a day either way which doesn't work as I am hamstrung by my leave (or lack of it) and my existing paid booking (albeit ex DRW). I asked about paying $ or points to upgrade to C - no way as it was a points booking. Options are take a date change or suffer EK Y class (which I don't want them to do - as mum just won't get any sleep and we may as well no go as she will be jetlagged for the 7 days we are meant to be there).

So in summary - QF have cancelled the FRA flight, told my parents to get to where they want to go, in the class they booked, on the day they booked quite some time ago is no longer possible (because they have sold the seats to others) and have told me that the best connections for my paid DRW-FRA booking will see it take over 31 hours, with 4+ hour waits in both Singapore and then again in Dubai. This is just getting silly. I understand schedules change and that you have to be flexible, but we booked and paid for all this back in October (for mid May), I don't think that it is unreasonable to ask for something approaching what we booked and paid for.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

So I have worked out why they were cagey - premium economy is full on the day they were booked. They want to move them a day either way which doesn't work as I am hamstrung by my leave (or lack of it) and my existing paid booking (albeit ex DRW). I asked about paying $ or points to upgrade to C - no way as it was a points booking. Options are take a date change or suffer EK Y class (which I don't want them to do - as mum just won't get any sleep and we may as well no go as she will be jetlagged for the 7 days we are meant to be there).

So in summary - QF have cancelled the FRA flight, told my parents to get to where they want to go, in the class they booked, on the day they booked quite some time ago is no longer possible (because they have sold the seats to others) and have told me that the best connections for my paid DRW-FRA booking will see it take over 31 hours, with 4+ hour waits in both Singapore and then again in Dubai. This is just getting silly. I understand schedules change and that you have to be flexible, but we booked and paid for all this back in October (for mid May), I don't think that it is unreasonable to ask for something approaching what we booked and paid for.

Ring consumer affairs in your state - it's a free service and they will give you your rights. If you have rights, they may be able to help you take your claim forward if your discussions with QF have not been fruitful.

being mucked around like this is a good reason why we need to have consumer protection laws like those in the EU. Perhaps QF would prefer a push for those than just doing the right thing stumping up for proper flights (even if that means paying for business class?

 

[Mwenenzi]

So I have worked out why they were cagey - premium economy is full on the day they were booked. They want to move them a day either way which doesn't work as I am hamstrung by my leave (or lack of it) and my existing paid booking (albeit ex DRW). .....

Try the toothless tiger Airline Customer Advocate . Someone should get benefit from our taxes
EK does not have PE.

 

[eastwest101]

Just another thought thats a bit more out there. Maybe have a look a PE and J prices for alternative airlines for your parents SYD-FRA on the dates you want, just check that they work with your own connections and if they are the same or (unlikely) lower cost you could just book new flights that suit you. Then get email or recording of QF rep offering only the unsuitable dates in PE or Y on EK (if you don't already have that). If you have a copy of the booking with original dates & classes then just call your credit card provider and dispute the transaction as "services not received" - then it will be QF's problem.


Other suggestions of the toothless tiger or State Dept of Fair trading may be slower but more conclusive - it depends how much time you have up your sleeve.

 

[yohy?!]

The demise of the JSA means you cannot purchase a QF or BA ticket SYD-HKG-LHR for example (my preferred routing).

Now you will be able to book a through fare on BA to travel CX to HKG, BA to LHR. I don't believe CX codeshare with BA on HKG-LHR, but may be wrong.

Of course, given a choice, I'd just fly CX all the way, but some of their J fares are insane when compared to BA fares on similar routes.

Correct BA code on CX flights is only from australia ports to HKG.

 

[ComeFlyWithMe]

Correct BA code on CX flights is only from australia ports to HKG.

Which makes sense as BA have no metal SYD-HKG. Still the fares are a bit ridiculous, I last priced J at $11k ex-SYD on CX

 

[TripleB]

So we gave in and just decided to cop the one less day and go on the next day (day before is potentially a little hard).

Ring up to do it and were told "sorry, there are no award seats on the British Airways flight between London and Frankfurt you will have to pay for it". The BA flight is pretty empty - BA are selling S class discount economy - maybe I'm being tight by not waiting to pay an extra GBP300 for the BA flight - but we aren't responsible for any of this ... just the hapless chumps put out by QF changing their schedule.

The policy straight off the website is:

[h=3]For customers holding a Qantas (081) issued ticket:[/h] Customers may, without fee:

For Australia to Frankfurt (vv) Premium Economy

• Re-route/rebook travel on Qantas operated services via London on QF1/2 or QF9/10 connecting with British Airways to Frankfurt. Travel between Melbourne/Sydney and London (vv) in the Premium Economy cabin and between London and Frankfurt (vv) in the Economy cabin#.

I have had zero joy with Qantas on the phone (including a supervisor) or on their feedback form (which unhelpfully after 5 days told us to call). If it were me, I'd just bring an action in the CTTT, but my employer prohibits me from appearing on behalf of anyone who isn't a paying client of the firm and there is no way either of my folks would go to a CTTT hearing (although I suppose I could call in a favour with one of my barrister friends...)

All I want is someone at Qantas to apply their policy and give their customers something approaching what they booked in October for travel in May. Explaining this over the phone is getting difficult, does anyone have an email address of an actual person (or heck, just department?).

 

[eastwest101]

Well thats very frustrating - but now it looks like you will be playing phone ping-pong between QF and BA. As I assume that your original booking and ticket was with QF then its all entirely QF's problem to resolve as far as I am concerned. Don't try and involve BA in this as its been proven that BA and QF cannot communicate or conduct normal business between themselves.

I have PM'd the official QF rep here Red Roo on your behalf but you may need to have more that 10 posts to send and receive PM's (private messages) - let me know if Red Roo does respond and hopefully RedRoo can possibly find you a solution or at least put you in touch with someone with a bit of clout whom will direct someone to solve your problem.

 

[markis10]

Noticed the specials on the QF website ow have SIN as a dearer option on "sale" than LAX ex BNE!

 

[moa999]

"sorry, there are no award seats on the British Airways flight between London and Frankfurt you will have to pay for it".

For customers holding a Qantas (081) issued ticket:
Customers may, without fee:
For Australia to Frankfurt (vv) Premium Economy

• Re-route/rebook travel on Qantas operated services via London on QF1/2 or QF9/10 connecting with British Airways to Frankfurt. Travel between Melbourne/Sydney and London (vv) in the Premium Economy cabin and between London and Frankfurt (vv) in the Economy cabin#.

Pretty sure that policy is for "Paid" flights. Award flights are different and they are requiring availability.
My parents are trying to change a Frankfurt departure for Paris, but have been told they need to wait until 31 March before they can access Emirates awards

 

[MEL_Traveller]

Pretty sure that policy is for "Paid" flights. Award flights are different and they are requiring availability.
My parents are trying to change a Frankfurt departure for Paris, but have been told they need to wait until 31 March before they can access Emirates awards

whatever the rules, it is extremely poor customer service... if an airline decides to change their flight schedule on a massive and calculated basis as they have done here, they should protect everyone, no matter how they paid for their ticket. the airline could fork out for connecting flights as the case may require. They are doing their schedule change solely in the interests of profit and they should do the right thing by passengers. We seriously need EU type compensation to force airlines to honour their obligations.

 

[markis10]

Pretty sure that policy is for "Paid" flights. Award flights are different and they are requiring availability.
My parents are trying to change a Frankfurt departure for Paris, but have been told they need to wait until 31 March before they can access Emirates awards

Classic award flights require availability, ASAs dont, regardless I think thats poor given availability was originally there, the airline has taken it away and now leaves its customer in the lurch. It hurts when a rewards redemption results in second class treatment.

 

[mannej]

Could someone bring the whole issue up today as an advocate of the forum considering there are a few being messed around by the whole EK tie up?

 

[vitagen]

I got an ASA booked that was affectes by this change. I was told I still need award availability as ASA is not considered to be a revenue ticket. ( this was the canning of SIN-LHR)

 

[markis10]

I got an ASA booked that was affectes by this change. I was told I still need award availability as ASA is not considered to be a revenue ticket. ( this was the canning of SIN-LHR)

Thats not correct, both that change and the above changes have commercial policies that in respect to ASAs say there is no difference:

https://www.qantas.com.au/agents/dyn/qf/info/201210/1004