The Qantas Newbie Questions Thread

[RichardMEL]

For Stargazer:
Take it like this, ok, if lets say I had the 2 bank issued lounge passes, and QF in their infinite wisdom have put, really, yes, put a Dash8 on ADL - MEL (QF2195) for the Jun ADL long weekend...
This is one of those planes that don't have a J cabin, you or I or anyone can buy the seat next to us, if we wanted the space.
Not saying the Dash8 can't/couldn't do ADL - MEL, but still, in a tin can like that, heh, tight squeeze.
Did CBR - SYD on a Dash8 once, wow, what an experience, yes, tight fit for a person of girth, but the plane flew lower than a 737, so good views as it came into to land over Botany Bay.
So, if I had those passes, and wanted to "drown my sorrows - with coffees", I would use them to get into the lounge, but of course, the flight leaves before noon, so still no grog served, ...
Just using an example.

I'm sorry Poochie, but I think this post is only going to confuse @Stargazer - and I'm not even sure what your actual point is in regard to their questions above?

I think I can distill all this stuff about Dash8's and whatnot into basically what was already addressed:

- If one is flying in economy (and without appropriate status) then they would need to use a lounge invitation of the type issued by the banks which would allow access to the Qantas Club.

@Stargazer will be flying on a Business Class Reward seat on MEL-MCY, operated by a 737, and will be entitled to use the Melbourne Business Class Lounge and not need to use any pass.

the rest of this is just confusing - specially for someone who probably is not as au fait with various aircraft types and the like - and imo not even relevant to any of the questions asked or germaine to the situation posed.

 

[Logan^]

Anyone have a view on the best PE seat on the 380?

I am Bronze so think I need to wait until T-96 to get anything decent. I am flying in early May.

Currently have 35D which is an aisle seat, there is no one in the middle arm, but am contemplating a window seat for the storage.

I put in an upgrade request but doubt I will get it.

 

[Rich]

wait until T-96

T-96? Did I miss something. Is it not T-80 across the board?

 

[encryptededdy]

Anyone have a view on the best PE seat on the 380?

I am Bronze so think I need to wait until T-96 to get anything decent. I am flying in early May.

Currently have 35D which is an aisle seat, there is no one in the middle arm, but am contemplating a window seat for the storage.

I put in an upgrade request but doubt I will get it.

I think they're all pretty good. Definitely prefer the windows for the storage bins.

However, I'd rather have 35D then a window seat with someone next to me.

 

[Logan^]

T-96? Did I miss something. Is it not T-80 across the board?

Nah, probably me getting the hours wrong. I meant T-80

Post automatically merged: Feb 15, 2023

I think they're all pretty good. Definitely prefer the windows for the storage bins.

However, I'd rather have 35D then a window seat with someone next to me.

Yeah this is my current thinking, the middle seat isn't currently taken but the other aisle seat is, in the bank of three in the middle, so I am hoping it stays that way.

 

[kotzaaa]

Sorry for not asking in the correct forum but it's truly impossible to contact ANZ (the number I was told to call says "due to unforeseen events we cant take your call right now", another you're on hold forever, another incorrect department which I called on purpose transferred me - only for it to disconnect).

So I received a letter in the mail saying my QFF number wasn't linked to my ANZ QFF black card. However, I did give the ANZ agent my number when I activated the card and I can see my number in the Rewards section of my internet banking.

This should be okay, right? It's my first Qantas card/account and i'm using it to churn the 110k bonus points. Can't wait to close it!

 

[Rich]

Sorry for not asking in the correct forum but it's truly impossible to contact ANZ (the number I was told to call says "due to unforeseen events we cant take your call right now", another you're on hold forever, another incorrect department which I called on purpose transferred me - only for it to disconnect).

So I received a letter in the mail saying my QFF number wasn't linked to my ANZ QFF black card. However, I did give the ANZ agent my number when I activated the card and I can see my number in the Rewards section of my internet banking.

This should be okay, right? It's my first Qantas card/account and i'm using it to churn the 110k bonus points. Can't wait to close it!

I'd avoid qualifying for bonus points until it is sorted.
I once had a card with Citibank (a whole different level of incompetance) and despite providing FF details, the first lot of points went into their rewards program and they couldn't/ wouldn’t retrospectively fix it. They gave me the equivalent value in a credit. Luckily I hadn't qualified for the bonus points at that stage.

 

[MrMatureGuy]

Not sure if this is the right place to ask....
Say for example, a family of 4 wants to do an interstate holiday.
That would mean 8 seat bookings - but you only have enough QFF points for 6 classic reward seats.
Maybe im blind, but I cant see a way of doing this unless I do 3 separate bookings.
1. book the 4 reward seats to depart
2 book the 2 reward seats to return
3. book the 2 cash seats to return

Then I call Qantas to combine all 3 bookings?

 

[Scr77]

Not sure if this is the right place to ask....
Say for example, a family of 4 wants to do an interstate holiday.
That would mean 8 seat bookings - but you only have enough QFF points for 6 classic reward seats.
Maybe im blind, but I cant see a way of doing this unless I do 3 separate bookings.
1. book the 4 reward seats to depart
2 book the 2 reward seats to return
3. book the 2 cash seats to return

Then I call Qantas to combine all 3 bookings?

That way is ok. Or book 3 people the same round trip reward ticket and book one person on a round
trip cash ticket. Then you only have 2 itineraries. You could base your decision on reward availability and the cash price of each segment.

You can call up to “link” the bookings but they won’t be on the same ticket.

If you were talking of international flights, I would prefer to keep the departure and return flights on separate tickets because it’s easier to make changes later.

 

[Rich]

1. book the 4 reward seats to depart
2 book the 2 reward seats to return
3. book the 2 cash seats to return

Make sure you don't end up with unaccompanied minors on any booking or then youht run into problems.
I've travelled a few times with people on different bookings. It has never felt necessary to get them linked. You can book seats next to each other still. I guess if there was a flight cancellation it would be best to have linked them though.

If you were talking of international flights, I would prefer to keep the departure and return flights on separate tickets because it’s easier to make changes later.

I prefer separate tickets domestically in case plans change as well. I found out something the hard way. With free award cancellations in 2020, I changed plans and made a new return booking. I didn't realise I would lose my points (and taxes it seems) for the original return leg.
In terms of international, are you better on one ticket in case of an airline cancelling a flight? i.e. once you have started your journey, they are obliged to carry you? I am thinking partner airlines in particular. A bit off topic for the original post, apologies @MrMatureGuy

 

[AustraliaPoochie]

The trouble with phoning QFF is that you will (unless upper tier FF) get the outsourced call centers that QF has outsourced to.
Minimum trained, or no phone pick up, or your call gets dropped half way through.
There (y) have a chance that they will botch the whole thing up, or do a combo that will not fix your ideal situation.
If you read on here, sometimes the simplest ask and the result is not as needed.
Best just to do it as all rewards booking online, and then buy 4 rev tickets online, and even if the trip to dep and come back are separate, but at least the family travels together, is best.
Until either QF brings back the call centers to become call centres, I have no faith in them doing things either right, or you might be told, (no, it can't be done).
Best of luck if you do want to try and go with the phone booking, and/try to combine the booking into one PNR (ie the 6 alphanumeric) code.

 

[gaz0303]

That way is ok. Or book 3 people the same round trip reward ticket and book one person on a round
trip cash ticket. Then you only have 2 itineraries. You could base your decision on reward availability and the cash price of each segment.

I do this with most redemptions. Have the paid ticket used by the traveler who may want status credits or is the primary Qff point collector. Paid ticket can also request an upgrade. Just don’t leave your partner with 3 kids if that’s your situation.

 

[Rich]

I do this with most redemptions. Have the paid ticket used by the traveler who may want status credits or is the primary Qff point collector. Paid ticket can also request an upgrade. Just don’t leave your partner with 3 kids if that’s your situation.

My partner left me with 3 kids in AA first class once when we could only get 4 award seats and only first class. I did buy her an extra leg room seat though. We were all happy.

 

[BarryC]

There was recent advice about using QANTAS points on other airlines for a better deal flying to the US. Any suggestions about which airlines and how are they are booked?

 

[Rich]

@BarryC check out the partner airlines to get an idea of possibilities. E.g. Japan airlines via Tokyo, Fiji via Nadi, etc. Then you can book using the multi city tool on the Qantas site. Otherwise, if there are no direct QF flights on the day you choose, those other airlines might come up. Actually that is a good way to discover alternative routes!
By a better deal, do you mean less taxes? If so, agreed. Points spend won't be any better though.

 

[BarryC]

I believe the advice I read in a recent newsletter suggested that less QANTAS points were required by booking through a partner airline on the partner's aircraft.
Is this so ? if it is how do I book it, via QANTAS or via the partner airline? (Travelling tho the US)

 

[Rich]

I believe the advice I read in a recent newsletter suggested that less QANTAS points were required by booking through a partner airline on the partner's aircraft.
Is this so ? if it is how do I book it, via QANTAS or via the partner airline? (Travelling tho the US)

I think you'd need points with that airline's program

 

[BarryC]

OK thanks

 

[Stargazer]

A quick question regarding business class lounges. I will be flying to Hamilton island leaving Melbourne at 7am. At what time do the lounges open? My outbound flight will involve a transfer of aircraft in Brisbane. Where is the business class lounge. After security??? Similar question. The return will involve a transfer at Sydney. Again where is the lounge located. Also just curious. At what time prior to a flight do you leave the lounge? I know this will depend on the location of the lounge to the departure gate. But do you leave at the last minute or not?

 

[SYD]

A quick question regarding business class lounges. I will be flying to Hamilton island leaving Melbourne at 7am. At what time do the lounges open?

Lounge opening times and locations here.

https://www.qantas.com/au/en/qantas-experience/at-the-airport/airport-lounges/all-qantas-airport-lounges.html

Domestic lounges usually open about 1 hr before the first outbound domestic flight of the day. In the case of MEL that should be around 5am for the 6am flights. The MEL regulars might might be able to +/- times.

My outbound flight will involve a transfer of aircraft in Brisbane. Where is the business class lounge. After security??? Similar question. The return will involve a transfer at Sydney. Again where is the lounge located.

MEL, SYD and BNE Domestic lounges are located ”airside” (past security) so just leave your flight and head directly to the Biz lounge. unless your inbound flight is delayed and you might have to go to your onward departure gate “check the monitors in the terminal for flight departure times and gates“.

Also just curious. At what time prior to a flight do you leave the lounge? I know this will depend on the location of the lounge to the departure gate. But do you leave at the last minute or not?

If you don’t have large carryon, sit back and wait for the flight to be called. Depending on how far you gate is, you’d be wanting to start to move then. You don’t want to be “that person” holding up the flight.

If you have carryon luggage, you may want to be at the gate a bit earlier. The overhead lockers fill up fast on busy flights, especially weekday morning/evening peak times.