Ticket cancellation "sale fare" - options?

[M@rcoPolo]

Hi there

Due to a last minute change of circumstances I need to cancel my flights SYD - LAX - SYD booked in Y to fly at the beginning of January.
Fare was expensive - about $3k - but booked under quite restrictive conditions - one leg "Sale" and the return "Red e-Deal".

I understand under the most restrictive fare "Sale" conditions I cannot get a refund but only a credit as per fare conditions below...

This fare may be used as credit towards the payment of any higher fare from the
point of origin, provided the new fare conditions are met. A reissue fee of A$200 per person applies. If the new fare is cancelled the original fare cancellation conditions will apply. This credit must be used within 12 months of the originals tickets date of issue.

My main problem is not so much the reissue fee of $200 but the fact that in 2013 the bulk of my international flights will be to Asia in Y - and therefore ticketed well below the $3k credit (usually closer to $1500).

Before I call Qantas to cancel my ticket I wanted to check with the experts out there what would be the best way to minimise the "damage" - eg could I use the credit against multiple future flights? Or perhaps against tickets for 2 or 3 people travelling on the same booking?

And BTW I'm Gold with QF if that helps...?

 

[stujamhen]

The ticket must be reissued against a fare of equal or greater value. Cannot reissue for multiple tickets or people.

 

[Sprucegoose]

Consider a J fare in that case?

Conditions are only important once you need to apply them.

We all get burned at some point. Do you compare the types of fares online?

 

[Sprucegoose]

Consider also buy a fully flexible Y class fare for not much more than the 'fully flexible' available online. Upgrades are half the points required from discount Y and fully changeable and refundable.

Downside is you need to go though phone sales and pay the fee. Unless someone knows something I don't?