Dear Qantas - I am tired of these 20 minute plus wait times
#31
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2005
Posts: 965
I give you even more novel idea. Go and fly more and become a WP. I have rarely had to hold on the phone, except in exceptional circumstance.
Well that's about the only solid benefit left as a WP anyway (exaggerated comment, no need for factual corrections about 100% extra points etc).
Well that's about the only solid benefit left as a WP anyway (exaggerated comment, no need for factual corrections about 100% extra points etc).
Considering I personally paid for 11 J and F tickets last year, long haul, on QF I think this service sucks.
I do not travel on somebody elses/employers corporate tab in premium cabins so if there is anybody on here who has a right to complain about rubbish service, it is those who pay for it themselves.
Money shouldn't even be a determinent of service thou, a leisure traveller on a $100 fare shouldn't have to wait 45 mins either.
Last edited by 747-444; Apr 6, 2011 at 2:07 am
#32
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Jersey, CI
Posts: 1,094
Once upon a time, the WP number was separate and a 'secret' number known only to those who were privy to the Illuminati Secret Handshake
These days, it's just a way of making WP's feel special by saying "Welcome to Qantas Platinum".
In the days of IVR's, the WP priority number is obsolete. As mentioned, your call is routed based on the status of the FF number entered, not the phone number dialled.
If I dial the normal 131313 number with my WP number, I'll get through to a premium desk person in the same amount of time
#33
Join Date: Jun 2011
Posts: 1
Outrageous hold times
Three times today I have waited on the phone to try and reach Qantas to make a booking. Three times today I have had to give up at the 25 minute mark.
I have no choice, I need to make an unaccompanied minor booking.
I try to avoid booking Qantas for this reason - and go with Virgin Blue - they'll usually answer in the first 5 mins.
Qantas provide a terrible service but don't offer any options for self-service - particularly annoying if you're a working parent.
Don't fly Qantas. Book with Virgin Blue.
I have no choice, I need to make an unaccompanied minor booking.
I try to avoid booking Qantas for this reason - and go with Virgin Blue - they'll usually answer in the first 5 mins.
Qantas provide a terrible service but don't offer any options for self-service - particularly annoying if you're a working parent.
Don't fly Qantas. Book with Virgin Blue.
#34
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Wellington
Programs: QFWP (LTSG), NZ (Jade), TG ROP (Forgotten), OZ (Silver), AA (Cardboard), EK (Lowest of the Low)
Posts: 4,669
Three times today I have waited on the phone to try and reach Qantas to make a booking. Three times today I have had to give up at the 25 minute mark.
I have no choice, I need to make an unaccompanied minor booking.
I try to avoid booking Qantas for this reason - and go with Virgin Blue - they'll usually answer in the first 5 mins.
Qantas provide a terrible service but don't offer any options for self-service - particularly annoying if you're a working parent.
Don't fly Qantas. Book with Virgin Blue.
I have no choice, I need to make an unaccompanied minor booking.
I try to avoid booking Qantas for this reason - and go with Virgin Blue - they'll usually answer in the first 5 mins.
Qantas provide a terrible service but don't offer any options for self-service - particularly annoying if you're a working parent.
Don't fly Qantas. Book with Virgin Blue.
Are travel agents able to book UM? If so let them go through the rigmorole of dealing with QF.
#35
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2005
Posts: 965
I accept that I have no status with Qantas, but what I don't find acceptable are these wait times. Yes some people just want a $300 round trip to Sydney and there isn't much money in that for QF.
But there is a reason I don't post miles to QF because their program sucks. I still buy a whole host of premium tickets each year for my partner and I on QF.
The only QF miles I have are credited through my credit card.
I don't find it OK, that I am about to go to Europe in J and my partner to South Africa in J, which has cost me a lot for these 2 tickets and I call them and get shafted on massive weight times.
Today I had a meeting at 11am, and Qantas answered at 10:55 after calling them before 10:30 - I actually got to the meeting and said to everybody they can either start with out me or wait until I get there because I am NOT hanging up to wait another 30 mins. Was a productive meeting as well.
But there is a reason I don't post miles to QF because their program sucks. I still buy a whole host of premium tickets each year for my partner and I on QF.
The only QF miles I have are credited through my credit card.
I don't find it OK, that I am about to go to Europe in J and my partner to South Africa in J, which has cost me a lot for these 2 tickets and I call them and get shafted on massive weight times.
Today I had a meeting at 11am, and Qantas answered at 10:55 after calling them before 10:30 - I actually got to the meeting and said to everybody they can either start with out me or wait until I get there because I am NOT hanging up to wait another 30 mins. Was a productive meeting as well.
#37
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: SYD
Programs: QF WP/LTG | UA P
Posts: 13,518
I accept that I have no status with Qantas, but what I don't find acceptable are these wait times. Yes some people just want a $300 round trip to Sydney and there isn't much money in that for QF.
But there is a reason I don't post miles to QF because their program sucks. .
But there is a reason I don't post miles to QF because their program sucks. .
#38
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Sydney, AU
Programs: QF SG,Velocity WP, HI Diamond, Accor Platinum
Posts: 399
Three times today I have waited on the phone to try and reach Qantas to make a booking. Three times today I have had to give up at the 25 minute mark.
I have no choice, I need to make an unaccompanied minor booking.
I try to avoid booking Qantas for this reason - and go with Virgin Blue - they'll usually answer in the first 5 mins.
Qantas provide a terrible service but don't offer any options for self-service - particularly annoying if you're a working parent.
Don't fly Qantas. Book with Virgin Blue.
I have no choice, I need to make an unaccompanied minor booking.
I try to avoid booking Qantas for this reason - and go with Virgin Blue - they'll usually answer in the first 5 mins.
Qantas provide a terrible service but don't offer any options for self-service - particularly annoying if you're a working parent.
Don't fly Qantas. Book with Virgin Blue.
#39
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Sydney, Australia
Programs: Skypass, Qantas Frequent Flyer, Asiana, Krisflyer, Etihad Guest, Velocity Rewards
Posts: 320
What can you do?
#40
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Sydney
Programs: Qantas Platinum, Hilton Honors Gold
Posts: 270
to the OP, I would suggest if you value a short waiting time on the phone, then credit the miles to QF. Like it or not you can't have your cake and eat it as well
#43
Join Date: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,114
Three times today I have waited on the phone to try and reach Qantas to make a booking. Three times today I have had to give up at the 25 minute mark.
I have no choice, I need to make an unaccompanied minor booking.
I try to avoid booking Qantas for this reason - and go with Virgin Blue - they'll usually answer in the first 5 mins.
Qantas provide a terrible service but don't offer any options for self-service - particularly annoying if you're a working parent.
Don't fly Qantas. Book with Virgin Blue.
I have no choice, I need to make an unaccompanied minor booking.
I try to avoid booking Qantas for this reason - and go with Virgin Blue - they'll usually answer in the first 5 mins.
Qantas provide a terrible service but don't offer any options for self-service - particularly annoying if you're a working parent.
Don't fly Qantas. Book with Virgin Blue.
I don't think it would matter which airline you called today - with thousands of displaced passengers, you'll experience longer than usual wait times with all airlines. Both Qantas and Virgin have this message, and the reason when you call them, so you shouldn't be too surprised.
#44
Join Date: Jul 2000
Location: Sydney
Posts: 5,768
Ive been on hold for 4 hrs to book an elal int flight
still waiting
called the US number and got answered in 4 mins but the girl(in NZ of all places, was useless so still on hold on original landline call
maybe they need to organise extra staff
called sing air and got on in 4 mins
still on hold
still waiting
called the US number and got answered in 4 mins but the girl(in NZ of all places, was useless so still on hold on original landline call
maybe they need to organise extra staff
called sing air and got on in 4 mins
still on hold
Last edited by tinkybelle; Jun 13, 2011 at 7:26 pm
#45
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: MEL
Programs: Plastic Fantastic! - QF, DJ, AF, NZ, DL etc..
Posts: 414
Qf answered my calls in 4 seconds during recent volcano disurptions.
Yes i am WP so jumped the queue.
But after 3+ hours on hold over the past days with other airlines..
This was a no brainer and the tickets were purchased..
o/t have been treated very badly regarding excessive wait times from an insurance company with which i have a claim, only to find out that if I am ringing to purcahse a new policy I will jump the queue instantly, did this and wait times reduced.. each to their own?
Yes i am WP so jumped the queue.
But after 3+ hours on hold over the past days with other airlines..
This was a no brainer and the tickets were purchased..
o/t have been treated very badly regarding excessive wait times from an insurance company with which i have a claim, only to find out that if I am ringing to purcahse a new policy I will jump the queue instantly, did this and wait times reduced.. each to their own?