Using Qantas points to fly First Class on domestic routes on international flights?

[NM]

Re: Using Qantas points to fly First Class on domestic routes on international flight

I'm reasonably flexible with my flight schedules, so I like to choose the plane I go on. How can I work out which plane is being used on a given sector, and particularly, whether it's 744 or 330 ?

Look at the Qantas on-line Flight Timetable. That will show the aircraft type. You can either click on the red triangle to view the flight details, or hover the mouse over the red triangle and look at the info line at the bottom of the browser, where the aircraft type is shown at the end of the Javascript line.

 

[DTM1]

I know about that. What I am after is about checking on last minute aircraft switches. I know that some people have a way of finding out, but not sure if it's publicly accessible. I saw on another board that people could do it, but they then got criticised by other board members for disclosing that (suggesting to me that it may have been restricted info).

cheers

 

[NM]

Re: Using Qantas points to fly First Class on domestic routes on international flight

I know about that. What I am after is about checking on last minute aircraft switches. I know that some people have a way of finding out, but not sure if it's publicly accessible. I saw on another board that people could do it, but they then got criticised by other board members for disclosing that (suggesting to me that it may have been restricted info).

It depends on how last minute you mean. If its done a day or so before the flight, then it is generally reflected in the on-line timetables. But if done close to the departure time then I don't know if any way to see this through publicly available systems.

Aircraft type changes are rare. It is more common for an operational change to result in a substitution of a similar type than of a different type. Changing aircraft type is a last resort as it also means changes to seat allocations, cabin and flight crew requirements, catering etc. But of course, it does happen.

 

[serfty]

I know about that. What I am after is about checking on last minute aircraft switches. I know that some people have a way of finding out, but not sure if it's publicly accessible. I saw on another board that people could do it, but they then got criticised by other board members for disclosing that (suggesting to me that it may have been restricted info).

cheers

That was me .. I had been openly publishing flight regos day before they were scheduled. I received a PM from the moderator suggesting this was not a good idea (before the flight). To parapharase: "Public disclosure of such information is discouraged, however private advice may be ok. Also, the type of aircraft is ok.".

In the case of the substitutions of 333s and 744s for 743s, when looking more than a few days in advance, the 'mouseover' trick shows 743's for the affected flights rather than the 333 or 744 that may actually operate them.

DTM1, YGPM

 

[simongr]

Out of interest - why is it a bad idea? Is it a security risk or is that access that data is something one was not allowed to do?

 

[serfty]

It was more about protecting sources and ensuring those who had access to this info did not get into any trouble from the airlines some of which who may be a sources employer.

 

[DTM1]

ok, so that means that while the airline will often know in advance as to substitutions, unless you know someone, you have no way of finding out 24 - 48 hours in advance ?

 

[econgdon]

Re: Using Qantas points to fly First Class on domestic routes on international flight

It was definitely first class with ginormous seats, aisle between the two seats, Krug champagne, canapes, etc, etc. I've flown business class a lot and it sure wasn't business. Just wish I could afford it to London.

I have trafvelled first class to London and frankly it isnt worth it... though it was with BA also back from Bangkok... I think if you can get 4 seets to lay out on in economy... its superior. What is Champagne and coughes worth anyway?? There is only so much you can eat or drink. BA is dowdy in decore too.. old fashioned laminex.

 

[JohnK]

If it is a international flight number - dont forget to call ahead and preallocate seating

I didn't think you could pre-allocate seats on purely domestic only itineraries even if it is an international flight. Mal, kpc and myself were allocated seats at the airport for our F lounge run on QF74/QF73.

If there were other international flights in the itinerary then you can pre-allocate seats for any domestic international flights.

 

[Mal]

Re: Using Qantas points to fly First Class on domestic routes on international flight

I didn't think you could pre-allocate seats on purely domestic only itineraries even if it is an international flight.

Nah, you can. The issue we had was because pre-allocation of seats had closed for the flights that we were on - not that we were on a domestic itinerary.

My Intl flight (SYD-BNE) for the FT meeting in BNE for example already has a seat allocated. The only other flight in that itin is a pure domestic flight.

 

[simongr]

Re: Using Qantas points to fly First Class on domestic routes on international flight

I have seats preallocated DRW-SYD for me and mrssimongr - hers was booked on a domestic aaward and mine was at the end of my DONE4.

 

[littl_flier]

Yeah, if you're travelling on an international flight number you can pre-allocate your seats in the same way as an international sector. I've been allocated 26A for the FT AGM "Party" flight (SYD-BNE QF175).

 

[simongr]

Re: Using Qantas points to fly First Class on domestic routes on international flight

That bloody flight is going to be sold out at this rate!

 

[littl_flier]

You know you want to Simongr!!!

PS. I've been in on this all along- booked with Aubs and Mal way back. We need another friend and a then to be WP!

 

[simongr]

Re: Using Qantas points to fly First Class on domestic routes on international flight

But you are based in BNE and the FT meet is in BNE...

 

[Mal]

Re: Using Qantas points to fly First Class on domestic routes on international flight

But you are based in BNE and the FT meet is in BNE...

Yes? And?????

This is a frequent Flyer's website Circuitous routes are one of our specialities.

 

[littl_flier]

Re: Using Qantas points to fly First Class on domestic routes on international flight

But you are based in BNE and the FT meet is in BNE...

Yes? And????

Actually, there is a FLounge that has been opened in Sydney I believe. Quite remarkable with flowing champagne and an indoor garden. Seen as one of my hobbies is aquaculture, I thought I could mix aqua with agriculture and drink champagne with the indoor plants.

Simongr, I akin it slightly to your DONE4's, some unnecessary segments. At least we're not doing BNE-SYD-BNE in 4 hours, we're actually going down on Friday night so its technically not a Mileage Run.

 

[JohnK]

Re: Using Qantas points to fly First Class on domestic routes on international flight

Nah, you can. The issue we had was because pre-allocation of seats had closed for the flights that we were on - not that we were on a domestic itinerary.

My Intl flight (SYD-BNE) for the FT meeting in BNE for example already has a seat allocated. The only other flight in that itin is a pure domestic flight.

OK, I have booked a return flight SYD-MEL for January 2008 and I am flying QF74 on Sunday but returning the next afternoon on a flight from the domestic terminal.

I would not expect pre-allocation of seats for QF74 to be closed this early but I have no seat allocated. Why am I not surprised....

 

[straitman]

Re: Using Qantas points to fly First Class on domestic routes on international flight

OK, I have booked a return flight SYD-MEL for January 2008 and I am flying QF74 on Sunday but returning the next afternoon on a flight from the domestic terminal.

I would not expect pre-allocation of seats for QF74 to be closed this early but I have no seat allocated. Why am I not surprised....

.....because this is Qantas :!:

 

[JohnK]

OK, that is not quite the answer I am after. The flight is not until the first week of January, almost 4 months away.

I will stand by my original statement that seats are not pre-allocated for international flights on purely domestic itineraries but then Mal and others have had a different experience. It must be just me!

Check my trip is not making any sense. Can anyone with access to expert flyer look for, and post results of, a seat map for QF74 on 6 Jan 2008 and how many seats are actually allocated rather than just blocked off? Availability is wide open in all booking classes.

Cabin class: F0 A0 J9 C9 D9 I0 Y9 B9 H9 K9 M9 R9 L9 V9