Originally Posted by
goodo
Wow try not to be so condescending.
Then imagine me saying all of this in the most neutral voice possible; it really does all depend on the risk you are comfortable taking.
If you are fine with resolving this at the airport during travel if a misconnect happens, then sure, go ahead. What you propose does carry some risk of inconvenience during your travel. Airlines don't make MCT rules for no reason at all.
(PS: she's not checking baggage, right? If so, you're fine with the baggage possibly not making her flight if it's under MCT?)
Originally Posted by
goodo
By assistance I meant potentially an escort, bringing her to the front of security lines, outgoing border control etc.
Would your mother have QF status? I would imagine that helps.
Seems some of those questions ("How would QF deal with someone in premium class connecting to CX international on a tight connection at (insert airport here)?") are best addressed in the QF forum, no?
Originally Posted by
goodo
Is it so far fetched to have them rebook her on a nonstop on CX or connecting in another Australian city with a reasonable connection if it looks like she'll misconnect because of their change?
Are you willing to risk a big finger-pointing exercise ("No, it's a US ticket and it's below our MCT, plus we don't have award inventory, go call them! Sorry, no award inventory and you already started travel! Go call QF!") at the last minute? If so, fine. Perhaps QF or CX will give you good customer service and do as you ask. It's probably much more of a judgment call of what you can expect of QF/CX customer service than anything having to do with a US award, once you decide you're going to let the airlines sort it all out on the day of flight.
I'm not trying to be condescending, really, but this is just the tradeoff you make when you book an award ticket with US flying on third party carriers instead of paying for an actual (and much more expensive) premium class ticket on those carriers. The rebooking for schedule changes isn't as smooth because it depends on either a) award inventory availability, b) US begging (third party airline) for award space, or c) toughing it out to the airport and hoping the stars align that day.
(Trying to open up award space on a different flight might work. You might try seeing if US and QF can do that, and if you're on the call... you have status, no?)
So realize the risks... and decide what works for you. Good luck to your mother.