Omg

Buy it in advance.

A one way counter ticket could be $1000 more for two. Buy the cheapest advance fare, try for the same CARRIER as your award flight.n give yourself 2-3 hours. Worst case 1. You are late and 2. They don't help with rebooking and 3. You pay more.


Why go directly to #3 'just in case'

You MAY be also be able to link or have comments added to the award record so they are aware. I know AA will protect travelers even if split tickets, don't know about QF.

My 2 cents