Originally Posted by
inpd
I'm a MM with United and I don't think I've ever bought anything but discounted fare classes. Discounted fare classes are still flexible, you just pay a change fee. Furthermore, one can go same day standby if needed without a fee on discounted fare class tickets.
If you had super elite status with Qantas ie Plat One or Chairmans Lounge then you can change on the day even with a discounted fare type. Everyone else cannot unless of course there is bad weather, a flight cancellation or some other kind of network disruption in which case there will be a 'flow forward' when anybody can be transferred to a later/earlier flight regardless of fare type.
If airlines changed restricted fares types on the day it would leave very little incentive for anybody to purchase flexible tickets.