Seat selected at time of booking

[mannej]

I don't quite see it this way. The airlines are extremely lucky to get away with it.

Let's say I purchase a seat on an A380 to go SYD-SIN. If that is downgraded to a 737 then I am no longer receiving the service I paid to receive.

And I don't quite understand how airlines continue to get away with their meaningless fine print that somehow allows them to screw you when they feel like it.

Isn't that a moot point as a 737 will never be placed on that route (according to Boeing it doesn't have the range to do so).

 

[JohnK]

Isn't that a moot point as a 737 will never be placed on that route (according to Boeing it doesn't have the range to do so).

How about a technical stop in DRW?

How about when 767s were still around and used on PER-HKG. Would you be happy if your SYD-SIN on a 747 was substituted to a 767. That's a serious downgrade in economy for that length of flight.

The airline thinks they are selling a seat from A-B. They are actually offering a lot more with the advertising of the in flight product. Seats, IFE etc.

 

[mannej]

How about a technical stop in DRW?

How about when 767s were still around and used on PER-HKG. Would you be happy if your SYD-SIN on a 747 was substituted to a 767. That's a serious downgrade in economy for that length of flight.

The airline thinks they are selling a seat from A-B. They are actually offering a lot more with the advertising of the in flight product. Seats, IFE etc.

You are changing your argument to suit your needs John

Whilst there is no argument about the newer example you raised, the 737 was a poor example the first time around. QF did compensate those in the early days of the 380 if there was a switch, but it's been around for long enough I don't believe that occurs anymore.

The 330's on the domestic runs bring this issue up more often then not.

 

[JohnK]

You are changing your argument to suit your needs John

Is it just my needs though?

As you mention. SYD/MEL/BNE-PER in economy. I choose a flight scheduled to be operated by either a A333 (if that does exist on this route) or an A332. Substituted after booking to a non-BSI 737 or even A320 if they finally get some. Both are priced exactly the same but the products offered are totally different.

Tough luck? And why does the airline hold all the cards when it's my hard earned money?

 

[RichardMEL]

I don't quite see it this way. The airlines are extremely lucky to get away with it.

Let's say I purchase a seat on an A380 to go SYD-SIN. If that is downgraded to a 737 then I am no longer receiving the service I paid to receive.

And I don't quite understand how airlines continue to get away with their meaningless fine print that somehow allows them to screw you when they feel like it.

I do see your point John, I guess it comes down to one's definition of "service" that one has purchased - from the bare bones "transportation from A to B" through to F&B offerings, specific seat type - eg: flat bed or perhaps IFE screen in Y (thinking of the 332 domestic situation). I can see arguments either way.

Interestingly along these lines, QF's emails to transcon customers (detailed in another thread here) suggesting an old config sub with lack of entertainment options and an apology etc seems to suggest that at least one part of QF at least appreciates you expect a certain standard which they're not meeting, yet as you say they do fly 737's on transcons (ugh!) yet the bean counters would say "so? it's a transcon seat" - they're not sitting in it!

The reality can be, specially on domestic flights, that for any number of reasons from aircraft subs, mechanicals or simply low bookings that aircraft subs and changes do happen. I don't know if it's quite "when they feel like it" - but I guess you could say a sub or cancel due to low loads could come under that general definition.

I would think the end result would be that is one feels they have not received what they expected (say a 330 sub for a 737 on a long flight) they could ask for some sort of compensation from the airline - which they may or may not get. I'd submit the longer the flight, the better the chances.

The same applies really if you're booked on a flight and the aircraft has a mechanical or other issue and is subbed late.

My point was that nothing is reall guaranteed in the airline world, most specially on domestic routes where things can often change. Of course with QF's domestic fleet being basically 330's and 73H's now there's not going to be much variation, excepting the 330 Business Suites and perhaps the 73H's with the ISV and sky interiors that are out there.

I' say international can be more consistent, but we've even seen recent changes on LAX flight with 380's subbed for 747's - with most affected pax being those in (paid) F, then upgrades and those in J who maybe get an older config. I would say though, putting the F pax aside, if you were on a 380 in J and you're subbed to a refurb 747, also in J, is the difference THAT much to warrant a complaint? I guess that's up to individuals to decide.

mostly rhetorical questions here

 

[love_the_life]

Think some people are a little harsh in their replies to the pooch. I read the post as a bit tongue in cheek and he is well aware of the need to make substitutions at times.
I seem to recall reading a number of negative posts on here about QF making seemingly arbitrary changes and the poster having general support. JohnK has a point IMO. I look carefully at the operating aircraft when I book and whilst an equipment change on a short flight (CBR - SYD for example is passable, long flights in downgraded equipment is enough to make me look at changing flights and also being a grumpy old woman at the counter.

 

[JohnK]

My point was that nothing is reall guaranteed in the airline world, most specially on domestic routes where things can often change. Of course with QF's domestic fleet being basically 330's and 73H's now there's not going to be much variation, excepting the 330 Business Suites and perhaps the 73H's with the ISV and sky interiors that are out there.

I don't disagree with your point(s) of view and you do make some good points but there are people out there who feel aircraft type is a deal breaker and airlines need to deal with that situation.

The airlines sell a product(s) not just getting from A->B. All the advertising tells me they sell more than just an airline seat from A->B.

I can understand last minute substitutions are inevitable but for scheduled changes months and even weeks out then the customer should be entitled to a change or refund free of charge. It is not a lot to ask. It is logical. And I don't care if it disrupts the airline loads. They should stop making ridiculous scheduled changes.

SYD-CBR was a perfect example. Yes I know only a short flight but huge difference between Dash 8 and 737. Some people do not want to be on Dash 8's.

 

[medhead]

Here is an example of a notification received from the MyFlights App

View attachment 43425

 

[Mr_Orange]

The CheckMyTrip app alerts you to changes in schedule, etc.

 

[RichardMEL]

I am actually one who does book, like many here, to specific a/c types so i totally get it

I remember 20 years ago (probably almost to the day) I had received a tip off from an insider about the UA flight numbers of the inaug 777 flights set for June 7, and I wanted on. Back in those days no online bookings or services or etc so I actually had to contact a TA (gasp! LOL) and request. I remember saying to her very specifically "I want flight United 910 from Denver to Chicago then Washington D.C. on June 7" and she was like "umm why ? why not DEN-IAD? and why that one?" I had to say "look at the scheduled aircraft type. Does it say "777"? "Yes. so?" (you get the drift) It was a great set of flights but that was a gamble, if schedule had changed, SPECIALLY with a new a/c type (remember all the fun with the 380/787/350(etc) of recent years? I'd be pretty unhappy, but I don't know that I would have gone running to UA and said "You promised me a 777!" but as it happens, I didn't have to.

So anyway I have no problem with being upset at an a/c swap in the schedule being disappointing. Grounds for some sort of compensation? that's a whole other kettle of fish. IMHO.

re example of CBR-SYD 737 downguage to a DH8.. tbh I'd be more concerned about ORC (if I had a J booking)