Trying to book a flight which has zero availability in my cabin (in no fare class whatsoever). I asked to be put on waitlist - the agent declined.
So I cannot even be put on a waiting list? I mean, it doesn't engage them to anything, it's my problem if the flight doesn't open up. Also, I am surprised that even as a gold member I cannot be put on the waiting list (let alone get what I would get from other airlines, which is a confirmed booking when calling >48 hours ahead).
Is it full in your preferred cabin, or is the whole flight full? It may be the case that they cannot waitlist in the latter situation. Is it possible to book that route on another flight, either that day or one day earlier or later, and then check with them later if you can change the booking?
Programs: EK Gold, EY Gold, BA Gold OW Emerald, A3 *G, SV Skyteam Elite
Posts: 958
Sure, I thought that's normal. On many intra-Gulf flights, at most those at the beginning and end of the work week, flights are closed, i.e. you cannot even WL. But yes, it does open up again. If you have an agent that keeps monitoring it helps.
Programs: EK Gold, Etihad Gold, AA Gold, FlyingBlue Silver
Posts: 76
Quote:
Originally Posted by San Gottardo
Trying to book a flight which has zero availability in my cabin (in no fare class whatsoever). I asked to be put on waitlist - the agent declined.
So I cannot even be put on a waiting list? I mean, it doesn't engage them to anything, it's my problem if the flight doesn't open up. Also, I am surprised that even as a gold member I cannot be put on the waiting list (let alone get what I would get from other airlines, which is a confirmed booking when calling >48 hours ahead).
Is there an error or is this just lame?
Thanks for any info
Ah yes ... the old "waitlist has been closed" issue. Happens all the time!! Very frustrating as it robs Gold members of the ability to get the front of the waitlist queue. Very bizarre!
Not sure if it is just another irrational Emirates policy or if they use an Atari 600XL for their reservation systems and hence have a limited number of waitlist slots!?!?!
In all seriousness, this policy is extremely poorly thought out, as it serves only to annoy customers, with no benefit whatsoever for EK. They could have a waitlist of a thousand passengers - the worst thing that can happen is that a large portion doesn't clear! Had quite a few conversations with the Gold desk about how absurd the concept of "closing the waitlist" is, but to no avail....
To be fair, the reason waitlists are capped is partly because of the HUMONGOUS amount of fraud that occurs with travel agency bookings and waitlists.
That said, only a fool will close waitlists for profitable fare classes (any fare classes where yield >> cost). A proper nesting structure allows waitlists to be used very advantageously by the airline to maximise its revenue.
Ah yes ... the old "waitlist has been closed" issue. Happens all the time!! Very frustrating as it robs Gold members of the ability to get the front of the waitlist queue. Very bizarre!
Nothing bizarre about it, it is a normal practice at many (most?) airlines
