Qantas Frequent Flyer - Downgraded, but 'R' exists?

As part of a OneWorld RTW trip, lately I have have been down-graded on several of my flights i.e. (CHC-MEL) and (PER-ASP-DRW).

The new flights show R inventory, but no D inventory.

Example for next year: QANTAS AIRWAYS OPERATED BY JETSTAR AIRWAYS 308 CHC Christchurch 03:25 PM MEL Melbourne 05:10 PM QANTAS AIRWAYS 1013 MEL Melbourne 07:40 PM HBA Hobart 08:50 PM

The other example is for this year: PER ASP DRW shows this aircraft:
http://www.qantas.com.au/info/flyin...raft/seatMap712

However, Qantas is offering seats for sale in business.

Do the business class seats exist on these flights?

Whats going on?

The other example is for this year: PER ASP DRW shows this aircraft:
http://www.qantas.com.au/info/flyin...raft/seatMap712

However, Qantas is offering seats for sale in business.

Do the business class seats exist on these flights?

Whats going on?

Hello AAaLot. Unfortunately Qantas are retiring all BAe146s bar two and replacing them with 717s. The BAe146 has business class but QantasLink have decided no to reinstall Business Class on the 717 hence the 115/117 Economy Class config.

* B717 NXF (ex VQA) scheduled to commence ops 01SEP which will see
DRW-ASP-PER-ASP-DRW come online (a/c to be based in DRW)

That is the reason why you have been downgraded from Business as the 717 is going to be operating your route from 1st SEP.

The reason Qantas is still selling Business Class is because they are yet to update the schedules and link it to flight availability. If you say do a search for DRW-ASP around that time you may find Business 'SOLD' every single day. This means that the 717 has taken over and QF are yet to remove the ability to book Business Class.

The bad luck keeps coming for you. Unfortunately from 01 DEC Jetstar will take over QF Jetconnect 733 (Business + Economy) services and replace them with all economy A320s on MEL/BNE-CHC.

Sorry to see this happen to you.

Regards
David

I answered this question for you in the oneWORLD forum: 'R' bucket and Qantas (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?p=4474314)

To reiterate: With QF, 'R' class is a Coach fare bucket.

I agree with serfty push them until they change it to your liking.

Another option would be maybe PER-ADL-DRW. Hop on an early PER-ADL flight.

QF 81 operates ADL-DRW on WED, FRI and MON (Departs 11.10am and arrives 14.45pm) and the aircraft that flies that route is a A330. Not only is it fitted with Skybed it's also got AVOD. The A330 actually does MEL-ADL-DRW-SIN and it is possible for domestic PAX to purchase the domestic sectors of the international flight.

While I have no idea about RTW rules, I thought you might just be interested in this idea instead of accepting downgrade and flying on 717.

Where you planning on stopping in ASP at all?

Regards