What Have I Done....Regret Booking

[medhead]

I went today to book my seats online and found out something interesting that others may or may not know.

Any trying and trying to select seats with no luck, so call Qantas and the lady is stumped as to why I cannot choose points as an option to select my seats in advance. She has to refer to somebody higher and so I'm on hold for 10 minutes and comes back to tell me that only the first seat selection can be made using points all other are paid for.

Didn't know that and she referred me to the section (3) in Advance Seat selection. Now given the Qantas people were stumped I hope this is of some benefit to others.

Good to know

I think most here would see seat selection as a waste use of points. How many points does it cost?

 

[Ataj]

Good to know

I think most here would see seat selection as a waste use of points. How many points does it cost?

I understand. It cost me 10k but mates gave me the $25.

I guess I'm thinking the impression given is you can pay by points which Qantas staff weren't sure about. But really I don't have enough points to do anything anyway, like an up grade to premium is 130,000 I think each way (?) so 70,000 points I might as well use it on something like picking seats and save the money.

But I am only a newbie at this and not up on all the finer details of Frequent Flyer. Except wasted many hours trying to pay with points, going through their viewing tips etc.

 

[medhead]

I understand. It cost me 10k but mates gave me the $25.

I guess I'm thinking the impression given is you can pay by points which Qantas staff weren't sure about. But really I don't have enough points to do anything anyway, like an up grade to premium is 130,000 I think each way (?) so 70,000 points I might as well use it on something like picking seats and save the money.

But I am only a newbie at this and not up on all the finer details of Frequent Flyer. Except wasted many hours trying to pay with points, going through their viewing tips etc.

I completely understand. We all have to use points in the way that best suits our circumstances.

Most around here would assign a nominal value of $100 to 10000 points. But I have no problems using my points at lower value when I don't want to spend cash $.

 

[Craigie]

On the way home you can always try going out all night in Vegas and find yourself at a karaoke bar at 5am singing Men at Work to a very unappreciative crowd before realizing you need to leave for the airport at 6am. You'll probably find you'll sleep most of the way home and wonder why you didn't think of this earlier.

Don't miss out on this opportunity. As others have said, to the best of your ability try positive reinforcement to yourself. Yes it'll be a bit tough especially at the airport and as you're preparing for take off but it will get easier. Seeing someone qualified to help with these problems is a great idea. Travel is such a privilege. Enjoy the good things in what can otherwise sometimes be a tough life.

I for one would love to know how you go.

 

[Ataj]

. We all have to use points in the way that best suits our circumstances.

May sound silly but was wondering if you can convert points to cash or an eftpos card, could find anything about that, so I guess not ?

 

[horseman]

I get claustrophobic at times,hate heights, am a bit of a germophobe, and don't like being a passenger in a car. But I've travelled around a fair bit, all in economy and can't wait for my next trip, hopefully to the USA

 

[ffnovice]

Hi Ataj,
Upon reading your post I just wanted to let you know, just as the others have stated, that the reward you will gain from this adventure will outweigh any unwanted feelings you may be currently experiencing. I myself have done my fair share of long haul flying in Y, and I'm constantly researching my next trip as I cannot get enough of it!
I hope you do make the decision to go, and have an absolute cracker of a trip! Buon Viaggio!

 

[medhead]

May sound silly but was wondering if you can convert points to cash or an eftpos card, could find anything about that, so I guess not ?

About the closest option is conversion to supermarket gift cards which might be used to buy a prepaid Visa card. But extremely poor value.

I can't suggest an alternative that wouldn't breach program terms and conditions.

 

[casanovawa]

Hmmm, after going around Europe back in 2008 in Nov and half of Dec always took that the attitude that I am a warm weather person who likes long days of sunshine to explore and see thigns than rain, snow and long dark nights...

But reading this thread is almost making me think of booking a qucik trip to NYC late Dec, or maybe to Spain which hopefully should be a bit warmer and still great fun to look around... Only got back from a month long trip 3 weeks or so ago and now thinking about jetting off again...

 

[dajop]

About the closest option is conversion to supermarket gift cards which might be used to buy a prepaid Visa card. But extremely poor value.

I can't suggest an alternative that wouldn't breach program terms and conditions.

Using this method 10000pts = $67 (approx)

 

[robd]

Guarantee that you will regret not going, especially when your friends come back with their travel adventures. I found the US to be great fun. Not sure what your agenda looks like, but there's heaps of great things to do over there that are really amazing.

 

[Spongbob]

Hi Happy Travellers.

Hope this isn't too long. I booked and paid for a Qantas flight to NYC, leaving in December returning in late Jan. now I have massive regrets. Maybe easier if I list them

1 long flight from Sydney in econo....never had such a long flight. [...] I mean don't even really want to go to the USA I prefer Europe, haven't been but they all have.

Maybe I misunderstand the OP, but the concern is the long distance flight to the USA from Australia? Yet, somehow Ataj prefers Europe. Ummm, the flight time from SYD to western Europe is about the same as to NYC, and to eastern Europe it is only a bit shorter.

Perhaps Ataj could clarify if the preference for Europe is based on experience (i.e. s/he has travelled there before) and by what mode of travel (ship?).

 

[aaflyer]

Maybe I misunderstand the OP, but the concern is the long distance flight to the USA from Australia? Yet, somehow Ataj prefers Europe. Ummm, the flight time from SYD to western Europe is about the same as to NYC, and to eastern Europe it is only a bit shorter.

Perhaps Ataj could clarify if the preference for Europe is based on experience (i.e. s/he has travelled there before) and by what mode of travel (ship?).

I think what you'll find is the OP suggested they'd prefer to endure the flight to Europe vs the USA (ie, they want to go to Europe and not to the USA).

Having been to both plenty, they both have great things about them. Don't discount the USA, some of the most amazing people I know live there, and there's truly a wealth of things to do and see regardless of where you go. It's very different to Europe, but that's why I love going to different places; observe the differences in culture and get a real feel for how the world lives outside your home town.

 

[drron]

Going to school in the 50s meant you were indoctrinated to love England.I always wanted to go to England.Mrsdrron wanted to go to the US.Now you know what happened don't you.We went to the US first.I absolutely loved it.Dont know how many times we have been back but have been to all 50 states and spent more than 6 months of my life in NYC.

Took 10 years before I went to the UK and another 25 before we went back.

 

[DC3]

.... Any trying and trying to select seats with no luck, so call Qantas and the lady is stumped as to why I cannot choose points as an option to select my seats in advance ...

This could be an omen. Perhaps you should cancel.

You'll never miss what you've never experienced.

 

[Ataj]

Well couldn't select seats because according to Qantas in the fine print somewhere if you select using points you have to select all in one go. If you only use points to select the first leg, then log off then that's it you are locked out of using points.

Over the past few days I've been trying to get into a new way of thinking.....time will tell.

Yes plane is packed as only Flexi fares remain....however many that is ?
Everyone on the plane in economy is generally in the same boat all heading to the same destination so I'm no different to them.
I have an aisle seat down in like row 80 or thereabouts, I can stretch my legs and if they allow maybe walk up the back steps every hour or so.
Double Scotch prior to boarding.
Looked at YT videos about Qantas A380 cabin so I know what to expect.
Maybe a slim chance we have a spare seat besides us as 2 of us booked aisle then window and left middle seat vacant, not much chance if the flight is full.

So trying to condition myself, because at this point for me its too late to back out, not technically but self esteem wise.

 

[Gibbels]

This could be an omen. Perhaps you should cancel.

You'll never miss what you've never experienced.

This is obviously not true. Why would anyone regret not doing something when you'll never miss it because you never experienced it?

 

[NFF]

So when are you going to Europe ?

 

[fersea]

I think you need to calm down to be honest. It is not as if you are very tall, the economy seats are reasonable, and you have an aisle seat so can get up when you want. You can also stand and stretch your legs anytime the seat belt sign is not on. There is a very good entertainment system and they bring around food fairly often.

If you convince yourself you will have a miserable time, you will probably achieve your aim.

 

[mooingchicken]

Yes plane is packed as only Flexi fares remain....however many that is ?
Everyone on the plane in economy is generally in the same boat all heading to the same destination so I'm no different to them.
I have an aisle seat down in like row 80 or thereabouts, I can stretch my legs and if they allow maybe walk up the back steps every hour or so.

Maybe a slim chance we have a spare seat besides us as 2 of us booked aisle then window and left middle seat vacant, not much chance if the flight is full.

So trying to condition myself, because at this point for me its too late to back out, not technically but self esteem wise.

Still could be 1/4 of the plane unsold, depending how far away the flight is and if they think people are still going to buy the tickets at the higher price.

Also not sure if i missed it but havent seen you mention how old you are? not a massive concern, but you mention getting up walking stairs and around every hour. DVT reasons or just to streach the legs?
I know I sit at home watching tv or even at the cinemas for 3 hours ect at a time, so dont sit there clock watching thinking ok on the hour every hour im getting up for a walk, this will make the flight seem so much longer. But by all means walk around when you do feel the need rather then the clock. But try not to relentlassly pace back and forward the whole cabin if its at night, stick to the bulkhead and toilet area if possible. Also the sitting in your back seat of the car would seem a lot worse than being on the plane. because your sitting there for no good reason on a plane is for a reason so easier to accept the situation. The long haul planes are bigger than the short haul, so will already be more roomie then what you have probably been on before, if you dont have an issue on trains and busses then it would be similar, just one happens to be in the air.

Internaltional generally have a slight bit more room on there seats then domestic aswell, and if your not overly tall you can streach your legs out right under the seat infront, I can straighten my legs and im 6ft.

Dont get to hung up on seat selection, I would much rather sit basically anywhere with friends in the same row then a middle seat in an exit row or the likes. 1. for more entertainment and 2. you dont have to avoid eachothers personal space as much, can kick your leg under their seat ect for a min to streach out and the likes.

If you sit there and think about it you will make it a lot worse for yourself. try to relax, close your eyes and 'rest' if its a night flight and cant sleep (I never sleep on the way but 90% of the time can on the way back). Just relax as much as possible enjoy a drink or 2, watch some movies and tv shows (either your own or in flight stuff) and have a chat and joke with your mates.