The Qantas Newbie Questions Thread

[JessicaTam]

It all just seems horribly deceptive for the average punter when they are acting in good faith based on a tool provided by the airline to check such things - that even goes into detail about selecting oneworld/partner airlines - there were no clear call outs about caveats on that calculator tool - a relatively simple UX/UI fix on their website to at least direct people to check the fine print. If I could have flown on a QF plane from HKG-PVG I would have but had to settle for a Oneworld partner. I've filed a complaint but Im not expecting much from them by the sounds of it. All I really want is a bump to the next category which I thought I had earnt (and will have achieved after the next big trip in a couple of weeks - I just dont get to use the first lounge which is annoying). It really would be no skin off their nose to even just throw a comp first lounge pass my way and actually help to turn around some of this negative sentiment around the airline. It really makes me question my loyalty with them for the future. They need to empower their teams to actually make meaningful experiences for their most loyal customers.

Sorry to hear of your predicament.

As a consolation try posting here: Lounge Meetups to see if anyone is travelling at a similar time and could guest you into the F lounge.

 

[chaosboi]

I’m waiting to book coughet to Brisbane mid April 2025 yet the cheap rewards flights are only showing available up to 26 March at the moment. Any ideas when mid April will be released? And do they release one day at a time or a big dump of multiple days?

 

[encryptededdy]

Can QFF status holders flying in Y on QF flights use the Auckland airport fast track? I've used it before, but only when flying Business.

 

[drofico]

As a newish member and predominantly Lurker (I've found the information here very useful, but haven't had much useful to offer discussion wise) it's a little frustrating to have post/react limits in order to create in the invitations giveaway forum, as I have some Lounge passes I can't use, and have already had some lapse, but I can't create a post to give them away! I understand the why, just a little frustrating I guess.

 

[RooFlyer]

Hi @drofico . How many posts do you need to post in the give-away forum. Perhaps we can have a little back-and-forth here to pad the post count Ask something about Qantas (as its the Qantas thread).

 

[drofico]

Hi @drofico . How many posts do you need to post in the give-away forum. Perhaps we can have a little back-and-forth here to pad the post count Ask something about Qantas (as its the Qantas thread).

I think it's 10 and 3 positive reacts/karma or something, I'll double check.
My partner and I ahve been flying exclusively with Qantas for a couple of years now, and are comfortably retaining Silver, but I missed the DC period this year (have since learned about refunding for credits within the window, which I'll definitely try and be on top of next year) but I think at this point I'll be on track to be about 150 SC short of Gold this year. Is that close enough to be worth trying to squeeze in some status runs? is it worth it to get Gold?

 

[RooFlyer]

Is that close enough to be worth trying to squeeze in some status runs? is it worth it to get Gold?

I'm not a believer in status runs unless its a matter of bridging a very small gap AND the status is worth having. To me, 150SCs to achieve gold wouldn't be worth doing (cost).

But if you intend to travel more than occasionally in the coming year (therefore use the status) and you can do something with the status run trip - make it an actual trip, not just there and back - then sure, go for it.

Others will hopefully put other views.

 

[Flyfrequently]

As a newish member and predominantly Lurker (I've found the information here very useful, but haven't had much useful to offer discussion wise) it's a little frustrating to have post/react limits in order to create in the invitations giveaway forum, as I have some Lounge passes I can't use, and have already had some lapse, but I can't create a post to give them away! I understand the why, just a little frustrating I guess.

Welcome to AFF @drofico
Lots of knowledgeable folk here, happy travels ✈

 

[exceladdict]

I think it's 10 and 3 positive reacts/karma or something, I'll double check.
My partner and I ahve been flying exclusively with Qantas for a couple of years now, and are comfortably retaining Silver, but I missed the DC period this year (have since learned about refunding for credits within the window, which I'll definitely try and be on top of next year) but I think at this point I'll be on track to be about 150 SC short of Gold this year. Is that close enough to be worth trying to squeeze in some status runs? is it worth it to get Gold?

Green Tier's 50 SC and a Loyalty Bonus once you hit 500 sc could help too (unless you've already claimed them!)

 

[tdimdad]

I'm a yes for status runs if - and only if - you...
1) Can make a trip out of it (as RooFlyer already suggested). Sure, you can do an out-and-back trip (and I've done that, too) but if you make it at least a day trip, it's much more meaningful. Last time I booked a SYD-OOL, first flight out in the morning and last one back in the evening, exploring Kingscliff and surroundings for the day (a new destination for me). My next status run is a few days in New Zealand, heading out of Christchurch to the Mount Cook/Aoraki Dark Sky Reserve to marvel the stars and enjoy a few little hikes. If I do a status run next year, I know it'll be to the Merino Muster cross-country skiing event near Queenstown.

2) You have some actual value & use for the status. I initially gained my gold before a longer international trip because I wanted lounge access along the way and higher baggage allowances. I've used it well since then and hope to keep travelling in the future. But if you travel only very sporadically, then perhaps the cost and effort to obtain a higher status is not supported. But only you will know how much it's worth for you - the beauty is in the eye of the beholder...

Happy travels!

 

[AustraliaPoochie]

For being PS, its hard, have to work much harder to get to any rewards upgrades, at least SG would be good.
If your handle is your real job, and you can handle some NZ trips, time wise, go on a CHC holiday in EK J or (EK F only CHC) with a QF flight #.
ZQN can be QF J from most eastern state int airports.
Have done this several times and attained SG 2.5 years pre covid.
Saw the great southern alps many times.

 

[juzdownunder]

Newbie question...I know I've been here a while but I have travelled so little for so long...

I have booked FF flights MEL-OOL-MEL...when I booked the only flight out of OOL with FF seats was 7.15 on a Sunday morning. I thought I'd book it and keep an eye out to see if any later flights might open up and I'd cop the 5k point change fee (I'm at my brother's b'day party Sat night on the Gold Coast so really won't be enjoying a 7.15am flight out of OOL).
I've been checking, and it's not offering me anything. It's 2 weeks away...I'm thinking maybe I should fly out of BNE instead given so many more choices...but when I try to change my flight it will only allow me to choose flights out of OOL, I can't change my origin/destination online. Is that normal? If I rang Qantas would they be able to change me to BNE-MEL for the return leg?

 

[serfty]

Hi all,
Just checking if anyone has had issues with the lounge staff not being aware of the rules when flying on QF J and wanting to access the AKL EK lounge before QF148. Haven't been in any EK lounge before and reviews say this outstation lounge is still better than the QF AKL lounge. Thanks!

I had no trouble when I took QF148 in February.

 

[encryptededdy]

Hi all,
Just checking if anyone has had issues with the lounge staff not being aware of the rules when flying on QF J and wanting to access the AKL EK lounge before QF148. Haven't been in any EK lounge before and reviews say this outstation lounge is still better than the QF AKL lounge. Thanks!

I was there yesterday before QF148, no issues. Opens at 5:05pm.

This was accessed with QFF status not flying J though.

 

[jazzza]

Trying to book a classic plus flight reward in premium economy, but when I go to seat selection there are no seats available? I get this on different flight (dates). Are they selling economy seats as premium economy seats? Or are the seats blocked. In economy I see a few seats available but also a lot unavailable. Trying to book a seat with bassinet, can these be booked upfront?

 

[SYD]

Trying to book a classic plus flight reward in premium economy, but when I go to seat selection there are no seats available? I get this on different flight (dates). Are they selling economy seats as premium economy seats? Or are the seats blocked. In economy I see a few seats available but also a lot unavailable. Trying to book a seat with bassinet, can these be booked upfront?

How many seats are you looking at and what QFF status do you have? Their will be limited available seat visibility as a function of both.

 

[jazzza]

How many seats are you looking at and what QFF status do you have? Their will be limited available seat visibility as a function of both.

I am bronze and looking for 2 seats + infant

 

[SYD]

I am bronze and looking for 2 seats + infant

Someone else might be able to confirm but Bronze possibly can only see the last row maybe last two rows prior to T-80.

If all but one seat (you have 2 PAX), is taken in that row(s) then it might be trying to show that you currently can’t confirm two seats. For existing bookings, this shows as “Window or Aisle” instead of a seat map.

If you go to Expert Flyer (a free account is fine) you can pull up the seat map for the flight to confirm my theory. If it shows empty seats, then something else is afoot!

 

[jazzza]

Someone else might be able to confirm but Bronze possibly can only see the last row maybe last two rows prior to to T-80.

If all but one seat (you have 2 PAX), is taken in that row(s) then it might be trying to show that you currently can’t confirm two seats. For existing bookings, this shows as “Window or Aisle” instead of a seat map.

If you go to Expert Flyer (a free account is fine) you can pull up the seat map for the flight to confirm my theory. If it shows empty seats, then something else is afoot!

There are empty seats but I don't see those when booking with Qantas. Also a lot of seats seem to be blocked or missing even. Could it help to call Qantas and sort it out with them, or is this wasted time?

 

[SYD]

There are empty seats but I don't see those when booking with Qantas. Also a lot of seats seem to be blocked or missing even. Could it help to call Qantas and sort it out with them, or is this wasted time?

I missed your earlier comment re Basinet seat. Yes, calling is probably advisable as they ought to be complementary travelling in PE but not sure how that works. Those seats are normally blocked otherwise.

https://www.qantas.com/au/en/travel-info/children/parent-info.html

Maybe the odd seat map is due to an infant on the booking? - sorry, no idea and a bit strange! (although not unusual to see limited seats as a Bronze or even Silver member).

Perhaps others here have more recent experience?