WP buying QF flights for NBs

[sanne]

As a WP, if I log into my account and buy flights for my family non of whom have any status, can I select better seats for them than if they did this themselves. This is for flights SDY/JNB return next year.

Thanks.

 

[ozmille]

nope, I booked my wife (QF Gold) on the same flights as me to WLG using my points and I can only select from row 6 for her whilst I can select from row 4

 

[PaulST]

As above, the bookings are treated as belonging to the status of the flying pax and not the booker.
Although I believe that you can put in for a points upgrade, and the request will be considered on your status, but otherwise they're stuck in the back half of the plane.

 

[mannej]

As above, the bookings are treated as belonging to the status of the flying pax and not the booker.
Although I believe that you can put in for a points upgrade, and the request will be considered on your status, but otherwise they're stuck in the back half of the plane.

That benefit is for P1 only isn't it?

 

[PaulST]

That benefit is for P1 only isn't it?

Oh you may be right. I've never tried but thought it was a benefit.

Another reason why I'm not bothering status running to WP next Qantas-year.

 

[eminere]

That benefit is for P1 only isn't it?

Correct.
.....

 

[JohnK]

I have had success calling and asking for better seats for wife and daughter.

Domestic is usually ok. Last night I booked award BNE-SYD for wife and daughter for travel on Friday and pre-allocated 19D. This morning at T-80 hours that improved to 8C. I may try again but that's quite good for a Bronze.

 

[mviy]

I've had some success calling and asking for better seats for relatives too, but even as a WP the time it takes to ring up and arrange that is a pain.

 

[Matt_01]

At WP, I always had success in getting my +1 and MissM (both NB) into the WP parts of the plane provided I was on the same flight but not necessarily in the same PNR. Had to call up to do this but worth it when we were travelling on the older 747 and getting access to the old F cabin. As a WP1 I still call up to get them access to R1 or R4 on domestic/ NZ flights, my+1 may have complementary WP status however she cannot get the same seating I can.

 

[RichardMEL]

Just to clarify a little.. the "P1 benefit" is mostly related to the P1 member sponsoring upgrades for family members, in which case their priority, within their tier evaluation period, gets bumped up (eg: Golds will still get processed at the 24 hour mark I think, but a P1 sponsored Gold should get ahead of the regular Golds).

In terms of family on separate bookings or perhaps not flying with the P1, the only benefit may be in calling and requesting (as above) but it's not any kind of published benefit. Probably something the P1 SST would have some influence over too. Not something I've ever tried though

 

[Matt_01]

In terms of family on separate bookings or perhaps not flying with the P1, the only benefit may be in calling and requesting (as above) but it's not any kind of published benefit. Probably something the P1 SST would have some influence over too. Not something I've ever tried though

Just a point of clarification, I have not tried to get them P1 seat selection without me being on the same flight. I will only request for my +1 and daughter to be seated with me if I am on the flight, the normal reservation line can do this and does not have to be through SST. My +1 and daugther normally travel on reward flights (my points), I am normally on a paid fare.

 

[RichardMEL]

Just a point of clarification, I have not tried to get them P1 seat selection without me being on the same flight. I will only request for my +1 and daughter to be seated with me if I am on the flight, the normal reservation line can do this and does not have to be through SST. My +1 and daugther normally travel on reward flights (my points), I am normally on a paid fare.

I wasn't implying otherwise. More a general thought that if a P1 was to make a request for relos on flights without them (where it's not as obvious as "My partner and child are on reward tickets on the same flight...") then it's possible the SST *may* as a courtesy be able to do something. That's all

 

[Isolar]

I'm wondering what the best strategy is when I'm traveling (WP) in business with a NB in economy on separate bookings to get a better seat for the NB passenger. This is an international flight on a 73H. At the moment (3 days out) rows 4 & 5 are wide open according to ExpertFlyer. For the NB, we can pay $15 for seat selection but only the rear of the plane is available or an exit row seat.

Should I wait until online check in opens and see if I can get the NB into row 4, or pay for an exit row seat now and try to change later? Interested in what other people's experiences have been.

 

[mannej]

Keep checking to see if the seat map opens up

 

[Isolar]

Thanks Mannej. Checked this morning and row 4 had opened up. Paid the $15 seat selection fee rather than risk waiting for check-in. Hope we have similar luck on the return.