The Qantas Newbie Questions Thread

[Theteeheeman]

Hey everyone, seeking advice on my Qantas classic reward - I am a bronze member, if that helps in anyway shape or form.

Late Jan 24, I booked 3x tickets for May 24 travelling MEL > KUL > MAD > FCO > DXB > HND > SYD all Business class - tickets were confirmed, have PNR in my inbox all good. Points are taken, taxes are paid.

• I book separate classic reward tickets to get me to MEL and from SYD (completely separate PNR - since I couldn't get the segmenting to work as part of the bigger trip).

Late Feb 24, my wife decides she wants to change some flights. I call up and cancel the flight from MAD > FCO, and replace it a flight from MAD > HEL and HEL > FCO. Points are taken and taxes are paid. Operator advises to wait 24-48 hours for reticket. No worries, I'm happy to wait.

Few days later, no ticket, check Qantas app, notice MEL > KUL (Malaysia Airlines) has disappeared, but the MAD > HEL and HEL > FCO are listed (also appear in partner airlines bookings). Immediately call Qantas, they advise it's been autocancelled. Nothing they can do - since it's not a QF flight they have no obligation to find us a replacement (???). They advise to file a complain (already done) and seek reimbursement for points/taxes/non-refundable accommodation.

• Simultaneously email Qantas rewardticketingescalations advising them of the above. It's been a week, no response.

Check back in the app today, MEL > KUL reappeared, but it's waitlisted...

Call Qantas, ask why I've waited a week for a reticket. Lady on phone seems concerned, promises to "prioritise it". 48 hours since then, no update.

I luckily have enough backup points for 3x flights to CGK the day before (on a QF ticket), have booked that instead on a separate ticket (PNR confirmed), and can just fly from CGK > KUL to ensure I get my KUL > MAD flight.

Questions:

• If I can't get to KUL (on my waitlisted ticket), is Qantas liable to ensure my flight to MAD instead?
  • How can I be sure I still get Business seats (do I have the option to say no, refund the entire ticket if they can't?).
  • How long before departure will I receive confirmation of my waitlist status? What is reasonable here
• Can I just cancel the Malaysia Airlines ticket, and ask them to merge my MEL > CGK flight into the ticket with KUL > MAD?
• I have non-refundable accommodation for KUL. If I'm moved forward/back is Qantas liable for my accommodation costs?
  • On this note, could I mange a reasonable argument for Qantas to reimburse my CGK accommodation and flight from CGK > KUL?

Beyond calling up daily and asking what's going on, what can I do here. Both customer care and rewardticketing are silent.

Appreciate any, and all advice.

 

[RooFlyer]

Hello I’m new to this platform so forgive me if this question has been asked before.

I was wondering if there is a certain time that QFF release their classic reward seats in business class?

I have luckily acquired a business class seat one way to Dallas then flying onwards to Calgary in august 2024 but haven’t booked my return flight 4 weeks later hoping a business class seat might become available from one of the major hubs.

I would appreciate any feedback please.

Welcome to posting on AFF @Karen Ray .

Qantas used to have a predictable schedule for releasing classic rewards seats to members of various status levels. However these days they tend to just make a mass release seemingly at random or coupled with some announcement.

You just have to spend lots of time going back and looking plus keeping your eyes peeled for Qantas announcements of a mess release.

 

[mustkill]

Another classic Qantas f up. They didn't ticket you in time so you lost the MH flight.

That leg is now at the discretion of MH.

I would say they are "liable" but knowing Qantas, they won't do anything and wipe their hands clean of any responsibilities.

 

[MelbFlyer]

As per above, yet another rewards booking screwed up by Qantas not ticketing the full itinerary in time.

Can I just cancel the Malaysia Airlines ticket, and ask them to merge my MEL > CGK flight into the ticket with KUL > MAD?

You can cancel the MH leg for a refund of taxes and points minus a cancellation fee (if they even have the audacity to still charge you this!), but then again, the entire itinerary will again need to be re-ticketed - this then opens up another possibility for Qantas to not re-ticket in time and further legs may be lost.

Also possibly another factor would be that all taxes would then be re-priced in EUR since the first leg of that PNR would be starting in MAD instead of MEL.

Regarding replacing the MH leg with the MEL > CGK leg, as you've already booked and have a separate PNR for this, it won't be possible to merge / add to the existing PNR.

However, if there's still award seats for 3 adults in business class and if the consultant can see what you can see online, then it's possible - but it will be extremely difficult as a Bronze member.

This has been outlined extensively in the below thread.

QF Mystery: We can see but the agent can't

I have non-refundable accommodation for KUL. If I'm moved forward/back is Qantas liable for my accommodation costs?

Unfortunately I don't think this will be covered.

Qantas like to use the below (among other disclaimers) to relieve themselves from a lot of liability:

We will do our best to get you where you want to be on time, but we don’t guarantee flight times or schedules and they aren’t part of our contract with you.

I think the only best bets would be to keep trying to follow-up with Qantas on the reward escalations email as well as calling / making some noise when you call / ask for a supervisor then and there.

Hopefully you can get it sorted ASAP.

 

[AustraliaPoochie]

Re: Theteeheeman, above
Late Feb 24, my wife decides she wants to change some flights. I call up and cancel the flight from MAD > FCO...
What you got, is not new.
Has been related on here for a very long time.
The QF outsourced call center, unless you are WP/P1, where its less likely HBA will make a big error like this, but for those of us lower in the QF/QFF status tree, there is no accountability with the call centers that QF/QFF use, the overseas outsourced ones.
There have been worst relating of occurances.
The new CEO has said she will look into bringing back the QF/QFF call centers, back to Aust call centres, but dont know how long this will take.
Changing a small bit in an itinery, can cause the whole trip to be cancelled, because QF/QFF did not do a certain step.

 

[martindagun]

I'm flying to Mexico next month and my flight is the below (on Qantas and American Airlines on one ticket):
SYD-SFO-DFW-CAN

Will I be able to have my bags checked in all the way to Mexico, or will I need to collect bags and check them in again on my domestic flight in the US and then again for my last flight to Mexico?

 

[SYD]

I'm flying to Mexico next month and my flight is the below (on Qantas and American Airlines on one ticket):
SYD-SFO-DFW-CAN

Will I be able to have my bags checked in all the way to Mexico, or will I need to collect bags and check them in again on my domestic flight in the US and then again for my last flight to Mexico?

On one ticket, your bags will be checked through BUT you do have to collect them in SFO, go through customs and then put them on the transfer belt.

In reverse, they'd be checked all the way home to SYD.

 

[JessicaTam]

I'm flying to Mexico next month and my flight is the below (on Qantas and American Airlines on one ticket):
SYD-SFO-DFW-CAN

Will I be able to have my bags checked in all the way to Mexico, or will I need to collect bags and check them in again on my domestic flight in the US and then again for my last flight to Mexico?

You will need to collect your bags in SFO after going through immigration - I know, you are only transitting. But that is the US system.

There should be a bag drop/check-in near where you come out landside. Your bags then "should" be able to be checked all the way to CAN.

 

[martindagun]

Thanks all, thought that’s the case.

Should I expect any delays with collecting luggage and putting them onto the transfer belt?

I’m flying in J and will only have one carry-on sized bag, but ideally will want this checked-in so I don’t have to lug it around while quickly grabbing dinner in SF.

 

[Le_Champion]

Looking to change a classic reward booking (with an available seat on another day), but it is coming up with this error. any solutions?

 

[Nickeluli]

Hey, I'm flying with Air New Zealand from Sydney to Wellington. I got Gold status on Quantas. Can I access the international lounge on T1 in Sydney? And can I also bring my kids?

 

[AustraliaPoochie]

They are not in the same FF program.
No u in Qantas.
***
Not sure if their "special liaison" covers lounge access.

 

[Mwenenzi]

Hey, I'm flying with Air New Zealand from Sydney to Wellington. I got Gold status on Quantas. Can I access the international lounge on T1 in Sydney? And can I also bring my kids?

No.
To use QF gold lounge access would need to be flying a Oneworld airline or Jetstar.

 

[RichardMEL]

No.
To use QF gold lounge access would need to be flying a Oneworld airline or Jetstar.

Technically, Gold are allowed access when flying with a QF Flight number* where the flight may be operated by a "partner"

So to my reading, if NZ flight is sold as QF codeshare then yes, but no guests (so kids a problem).

But if booked as NZ flight, then no access rights period.

 

[Pushka]

Technically, Gold are allowed access when flying with a QF Flight number* where the flight may be operated by a "partner"

So to my reading, if NZ flight is sold as QF codeshare then yes, but no guests (so kids a problem).

But if booked as NZ flight, then no access rights oeriod.

I've heard flights called for people travelling on AirNZ in the Adelaide QP.

 

[RichardMEL]

QF/NZ still do have the trans tasman partnership of shorts:

https://www.qantas.com/au/en/qantas-experience/network-and-partner-airlines/air-new-zealand.html

 

[Mwenenzi]

Technically, Gold are allowed access when flying with a QF Flight number* where the flight may be operated by a "partner"
So to my reading, if NZ flight is sold as QF codeshare then yes, but no guests (so kids a problem).
But if booked as NZ flight, then no access rights period.

QF only codeshare NZ domestic flights
NZ only codeshare AU domestic flights
TT are not codeshared

Edit
IIRC this happened not long after the NZ-VA trans Tasman divorce

https://www.qantasnewsroom.com.au/media-releases/qantas-and-air-new-zealand-announce-codeshare-deal-to-make-travel-easier/

 

[RichardMEL]

QF only codeshare NZ domestic flights
NZ only codeshare AU domestic flights
TT are not codeshared

Ah that explains the QF/NZ page then. I was sure QF used to codeshare on some trans tasman flights though?

Ok so the full answer is simply "No"

 

[get me outta here]

I've never put in for a classic awards upgrade on a dom points booking. However, QF invited me to request it over a week ago which I did, for next Tuesday.

As a LTS, and it is still 'requested', should I assume it will be unsuccessful?

 

[RichardMEL]

I've never put in for a classic awards upgrade on a dom points booking. However, QF invited me to request it over a week ago which I did, for next Tuesday.

As a LTS, and it is still 'requested', should I assume it will be unsuccessful?

Not at all.

I mean if you want to provide flight details we can see how it looks, but you just never know the make up if who is on the list right up to the flight.

Is it likely? Probably not, but unless J is sold out right now, there's a non zero chance.