Same flight, linking passengers 1 as QR paid + 1 as QF award

[DeadlySchnauzer]

A strategy I use with Qantas when there is limited award seats on a flight for multiple people is to book 1 paid ticket and 1 award ticket for the same flight, then link them by calling Qantas. This has always worked fine, passengers can check in and be seated together.

I am currently trying to do this for MEL->DOH, but there is a catch. Qantas only supports award flights to DOH, so the paid ticket has to be booked direct through Qatar instead. That means instead of everything being qantas ticketed, I will have 1 QF award ticket and 1 QR paid ticket.

Is it still possible to link the tickets in this case to keep passengers together? Or even if that's possible is it going to be a risk as its not all Qantas?

Any insight appreciated!

 

[sudoer]

Is it still possible to link the tickets in this case to keep passengers together? Or even if that's possible is it going to be a risk as its not all Qantas?

I would try calling Qatar directly and asking if they can add a TCP (to complete party) note to your PNRs.

I expect Qantas won't touch a QR booked PNR. You may also find Qatar won't touch a QF PNR. In that case you're in a bit of a stalemate, if there are multiple legs on the booking you could ask at airport check-in for them to add the link for the remaining legs.

 

[flyingfun]

Hi - I have a (kinda) related question. I have a QF classic rewards business class flight to London shortly. My partner has an economy (paid) ticket on the same flight. Partner is bronze & I am gold.

I’ve already requested a classic rewards upgrade for my partner.

But as they’re bronze, I am wondering if it is possible for me to “link” our two bookings by calling Qantas, so an upgrade request is from my gold status and therefore more likely?

 

[Mwenenzi]

I’ve already requested a classic rewards upgrade for my partner. But as they’re bronze, I am wondering if it is possible for me to “link” our two bookings by calling Qantas, so an upgrade request is from my gold status and therefore more likely?

You can upgrade an eligible family member from your account (using your ff points). If your gold status helps others will know.
Years ago used I used my QF ff points to upgrade myself(~brother )with my AA ffn in the reservation.

"Link" is just a text note in a reservation: means nothing. Too many people over use.
"TCP" To complete party has more meaning

 

[flyingfun]

You can upgrade an eligible family member from your account (using your ff points). If your gold status helps others will know.
Years ago used I used my QF ff points to upgrade myself(~brother )with my AA ffn in the reservation.

"Link" is just a text note in a reservation: means nothing. Too many people over use.
"TCP" To complete party has more meaning

Aah so could I request “TCP” and then the upgrade request for my parters seat will be based off my Gold status?

 

[RichardMEL]

Aah so could I request “TCP” and then the upgrade request for my parters seat will be based off my Gold status?

In the QF system the upgrades are based on the pax's status. In this case.. Bronze.

only P1 pax can put in an upgrade request to get priority added to the assessment of the upgrade request - but even then it is just moved to the top of the passenger's status level.. eg: ahead of other Bronzes.

so I don't think there's anything you can do to get them to be assessed at your status level.

The better way to have done this would have been to book the reward seat for your partner and you have the paid Y seat.

Good luck with the upgrade though it is probably unlikely