Why can't I view a TA booked itin on DJ site?

[Mal]

I have a DJ booking (Domestic) through a TA. I cannot view the booking on the DJ website. When I use the "Retrieve your booking" function I get the error:

Sorry, you cannot change this booking via the internet. Please contact the Travel Agent you made this booking with to discuss change options

Nor can I add my Velocity number online.

If I go to the Velocity site, log in and use "My Bookings" to look up the Itin, I get the

icon forever (have let it sit for quite a while)

This is pathetic. I should be able to *at least* view my itin on the DJ website, and ideally add in my Velocity Number or set preferences for my flight at least...

I realise the booking system is the issue, but this really isn't ideal.

 

[koonyaflyer]

Hi Mal

I have had the same experience. The first time I recall this was 2 weeks ago when I tried to view my flight HBA MEL. When I called DJ they told me that my TA had booked this as an interline flight with my SQ flights, but we all know that DJ SQ do not interline!

Then again on Monday I went to check my flight MEL SYD and got the same response. Stand alone flight this time!

I cannot recall this happening to flights booked through the same channel back in August. Clearly the TA is using my Velocity number, as the flights are showing in my future bookings, and I can understand that some companies travel policies may restrict access so that the booking cannot be cancelled and then used for personal use, but not to be able to view the flight details is frustrating. OLCI is not a problem...just viewing the booking.

Is your TA Amex by any chance??

 

[Mal]

Is your TA Amex by any chance??

Indeed. That flight was booked through Amex. Another booking I've made through Zuji does show up fine... So, it's a strange one.

I don't need to change flights etc, I just want to view it (and perhaps add in Velocity number)

 

[sqflier]

TA's use GDS's that can only be viewed in that specific system. i.e. Qantas uses Amadeus GDS system which means that a booking made in amadeus can only be viewed in another amadeus system. It works vice versa as well. If you make a booking with DJ a TA can't view that booking in their own GDS. Hope that makes sense to you.

 

[Ozvirginuk]

TA's use GDS's that can only be viewed in that specific system. i.e. Qantas uses Amadeus GDS system which means that a booking made in amadeus can only be viewed in another amadeus system. It works vice versa as well. If you make a booking with DJ a TA can't view that booking in their own GDS. Hope that makes sense to you.

TA's do indeed use GDSs but the majority of DJ bookings are NOT made via the GDS as those bookings are surcharged. Instead, the TA's will use a web booking tool to make them, or if they're made using an online booking tool (customer facing tool not TA) then again, they are booked via a web connection, NOT GDS. So the issue is not the GDS, but more likley the way the web conenction is working for that agent.

I have just made a series od DJ bookings via a webtool, and my Velocity number didn't automatically some accross either, so I think it may have something to do with the way information is transmitted. I also, then went to add at the Velocity website, but this is broken, and there is a thread on that already. If you go to the VB homepage, and click on manage my booking, you'll be able to add your velocity number there. BEWARE - you need you to the DJ booking reference number (also called airline reloc) NOT the GDS booking reference. The GDS booking reference wil not lcoate your booking.

Hope that helps
Ozvirignuk

 

[koonyaflyer]

Mal

Ozvirginuk is correct re the API link into Virgin - and I know that Amex uses both API and GDS fares.

I have a contact at DJ who may be able to help - so I will go away and see if I can get an answer to do this.....probably take a day or two, but at least we can find out if it is a DJ or Amex issue, and if it can be resolved

 

[Mal]

I have a contact at DJ who may be able to help - so I will go away and see if I can get an answer to do this.....probably take a day or two, but at least we can find out if it is a DJ or Amex issue, and if it can be resolved

Amex use Sabre, so the link between that and DJ might be the cause of the issue. I'd be interested if others booking through TAs that use Sabre would run into the same issue. (I've never previously seen an agent book through Amadeus/Sabre etc for Virgin Blue ... they always have used the web tool)

My flight is tomorrow. The DJ reference allowed me to enter my Velocity number and select a seat. However, check-in fails.

 

[koonyaflyer]

Hi Mal

I have sent off the latest example of my "blocked" Virgin flight on the Velocity site, along with some screen dumps of what it all looks like. They are following it up - and were surprised that we couldn't see out bookings.

To the best of my knowledge Amex uses an API link to DJ to make their BFOD bookings.

I have not ever had a problem checking in on line with these "blocked" bookings, with the exception of 1 flight HBA MEL, where I was then picking up an SQ flight. For some unknown reason the Amex agent decided to ticket as though it was an Interline booking, and as a result I could not check in!

Not that it is going to help you today (sorry!) I will follow up with DJ today to see if they can help understand where the problem lies on this frustration!

Safe travels

 

[MrJetset]

I made a booking via expedia, as I couldn't book HKT-SYD one way on VA's website. Couldn't view it on the VA website for a while. Yesterday I went to check that the Velocity numbers were in the booking and I could view it, however despite the numbers appearing on the Expedia website, they weren't on VA's.

I called VA to rectify it, which the agent did, however the booking payment has changed from AMEX to Velocity points? Strange. Does anyone think this will be an issue?

Also, can anyone clarify if when flying HKT-SYD via BNE in Business if the DJ flight is in Y+, and if it's guaranteed? Also do Business international customers get Lounge access in BNE domestically? If not, I'll book a separate QF flight.