The Qantas Newbie Questions Thread

[SuePa]

Passes are currently not accepted during the reno.

Thanks for that. Lousy timing on my part.

 

[Harpoon]

I feel like an idiot trying to use my QFF points. I want to take the family to japan and stop in hong kong on the way back.

I tried doing the multi city Qantas booking but the multi city feature seems to not work. The only options it presented was a $34k option (economy lol), and then trying to select other flights it just freezes up and errors. (is this common knowledge that multi-city is disfunctional?)

I've been trying the following combos for 2A + 2C:

MEL-NRT-KIX-HKG-MEL
Dates: 26Nov to 17Dec (14 Dec arrive HKG)

I have 365k points, plus happy to pay for some legs. This seems impossible? Is there a way i could use points MEL-NRT and then pay for the return legs? Using the qantas booking system i cant seem to work out how to use points for some legs and not others? i would have assumed this should be easy.... :|

Do i need to ring instead?

 

[RealtimeY]

It's probably simpler to split it up so you book each leg individually. Doing it as one long multi-city is more likely to confuse the search engine and return those 34k results. Try splitting it into searches for MEL-NRT, KIX-HKG and HKG-MEL.

However, based on your plan, have you considered simply booking a cash fare with Cathay? You could be expecting to pay ~$350-400 in taxes and fees if you booked that route using points.

I'm seeing ~$1080 for the exact dates and routes you're looking for, or even better if you can get straight into HND.

 

[Harpoon]

It's probably simpler to split it up so you book each leg individually. Doing it as one long multi-city is more likely to confuse the search engine and return those 34k results. Try splitting it into searches for MEL-NRT, KIX-HKG and HKG-MEL.

However, based on your plan, have you considered simply booking a cash fare with Cathay?

I'm seeing ~$1080 for the exact dates and routes you're looking for, or even better if you can get straight into HND

I have considered cash with Cathay. I was ideally trying to use some points to do MEL-Tokyo direct rather than via HKG on the way over. Good use of points and a shorter option. Theres plenty of Rewards-Plus flights.

But I also wanted to see if I could use QFF points on the cathay legs. Which also seems impossible via the qantas booking system.They seem to hide these options? When I use multi-city I can see them.

The 34k was not 34k results, but a $34,000 fare. Multi-city seems non-functional for 3 sectors with on-world partners even though individual sectors work fine with multi city :| Bizarre.

I also found when splitting the booking into individual searches, the pricing double, even with points. E.G. MEL-NRT if I search one way, instead of it being a 47k Points-PLus leg it becomes 93k points plus for the same flight. Qantas rewards booking system seems deliberatly cough to deter single flights, or unintentionally cough. Either way I am struggling to use my points.

 

[RealtimeY]

You've basically highlighted how confusing their multi city bookings are...

Basically if you're only interested in Classic Rewards, the multi-city tool (with flexible dates ticked) is almost always a better option. However, it will not show you Classic Plus, but you may not need that in this case. Here is an example of what's there right now for 75,600 points + $686.



I believe if you want to redeem Classic Plus options, you have to do it as either a return trip or one-way which as you've said is poor value.

 

[Harpoon]

You've basically highlighted how confusing their multi city bookings are...

Basically if you're only interested in Classic Rewards, the multi-city tool (with flexible dates ticked) is almost always a better option. However, it will not show you Classic Plus, but you may not need that in this case. Here is an example of what's there right now for 75,600 points + $686.

View attachment 431956

Yeah I saw that option thanks. The taxes seem massively outrageous on oneworld partner airlines. $2200+ for family of 4.... you're right I might as well book cathay with cash for $3900.

 

[Mwenenzi]

Yeah I saw that option thanks. The taxes seem massively outrageous on oneworld partner airlines. $2200+ for family of 4.... you're right I might as well book cathay with cash for $3900.

The $2200 is not taxes. Will some some real taxes (paid to a govt) and a lot of carrier surcharge (=airline profit--> HO staff $$$$ bonus)

 

[Harpoon]

The $2200 is not taxes. Will some some real taxes (paid to a govt) and a lot of carrier surcharge (=airline profit--> HO staff $$$$ bonus)

Whatever the taxes are for, it makes OW rewards very very undesirable which i gather is the desired result

 

[PineappleSkip]

Hi there. Is there a list somewhere of Qantas lounges where Qantas Lounge Passes aren't accepted? Cheers skip

 

[Flyfrequently]

Qantas are changing schedules (by one hour) and aircraft for BNE-VLI-BNE as of 30 March, E190 replace 737's.
Have booked via Amex Travel and after email communication yesterday, very helpful agent sorted out our VLI-BNE-MEL flights
No notification yet of outbound flights but QF159 doesn't exist after 30 March, now QF353 with earlier departure.
Two fold question if I may please:

1. Confirming I can request to fly MEL-BNE the day before without charge?

2. Assume bags won't be checked through as it will be over night/14+ hours?

I understand 2 hours to go BNE domestic to international should be enough if we don't fly the day before, but am all about feeling relaxed and stress-free should we encounter any delays.

Edit: email notification just received.

 

[Flyfrequently]

Qantas are changing schedules (by one hour) and aircraft for BNE-VLI-BNE as of 30 March, E190 replace 737's.
Have booked via Amex Travel and after email communication yesterday, very helpful agent sorted out our VLI-BNE-MEL flights
No notification yet of outbound flights but QF159 doesn't exist after 30 March, now QF353 with earlier departure.
Two fold question if I may please:

1. Confirming I can request to fly MEL-BNE the day before without charge?

2. Assume bags won't be checked through as it will be over night/14+ hours?

I understand 2 hours to go BNE domestic to international should be enough if we don't fly the day before, but am all about feeling relaxed and stress-free should we encounter any delays.

Edit: email notification just received.

I have answered my own questions.

Amex took a little bit of convincing to fly the day before as involuntary change ( pulled the age card) and am comfortable now overnighting in Brisbane.
Luggage will not be through checked but happy with that.

 

[elanshin]

Whats the current MCT for BNE I-D connections?
Wanted to check if 90mins is legal before suggesting it as an alternative to flight changes.

 

[Captain Halliday]

Whats the current MCT for BNE I-D connections?
Wanted to check if 90mins is legal before suggesting it as an alternative to flight changes.

90 mins

 

[Captain Halliday]

I have a classic award booking.

It’s on JQ metal because no award seats were available on QF at time of booking.

I’ve been alerted to a schedule change with the flight pushed back 30mins.

Can I ask to be moved to the earlier QF flight?

Straightforward for QF>QF but this is JQ>QF?

 

[Flyfrequently]

I would give it a go @Captain Halliday
Involuntary Change?

 

[ellen10]

I have SYD - BNE - VAN (Vanuatu) is it a minimum of 90 minutes. If I have 2 hours, do I have time for a lounge visit? Worthwhile?

 

[Flyfrequently]

I have SYD - BNE - VAN (Vanuatu) is it a minimum of 90 minutes. If I have 2 hours, do I have time for a lounge visit? Worthwhile?

MCT is 90 minutes @ellen10
From March 30, QF have rejigged schedules and aircraft (post #2970) giving us an hour less (we go Anzac Day)

BNE lounge is ok, better than MEL
but if delays though might be cutting it fine, also believe BNE airport undergoing renovations.

 

[AIRwin]

also believe BNE airport undergoing renovations.

More impacting domestic departures

 

[05flyer]

but if delays though might be cutting it fine, also believe BNE airport undergoing renovations.

@ellen10 I know your question is about arriving into BNE domestic, but if you’re flying the same route back to SYD, it’s worth noting that there’s a premium security entry for QF lounge pax.

It should help get you through quicker (even if you don’t plan to stay in the lounge) and was probably the reason I made an Intl-Dom connection recently. From what I’ve heard, the renovations have slowed down general security at domestic fair bit.

More impacting domestic departures

Agree - I had no issues at international departures a bit over a month ago.