It seems I have become a victim of my own 'cleverness', and am interested to hear what others would do in this situation, or what you have done in similar situations.

Not so long ago I decided to take advantage of the cheap Red-E-Deals, pre-fuel surcharge, which luckily coincided with bonus points on selected QF Link flights. My mileage run itinerary was as follows:

SYD-MEL (QF), MEL-NTL (QF Link), NTL-BNE (QF Link), BNE-SYD (QF). This handy little bit of flying would have netted me 40 SCs and 6,000 points (4x1,000 plus 2x1,000 bonus for QF Link sectors). FYI, the MEL-NTL-BNE sectors were effectively a 'straight-through' routing on the same day, with a 90 minute 'stop-over' in NTL. The other two flights were on days either side.

My problem is that the MEL-NTL flight was delayed, then cancelled. Because QF had cancelled the flight, the check-in agent offered to re-book me on a Jetstar flight to NTL to connect with a re-scheduled NTL-BNE QF Link flight, or, as my ultimate destination was BNE, a direct MEL-BNE flight. Not wanting to be subjected to the Jetstar 'rush and crush' boarding, I opted for the direct service, which in turn forfeited the NTL-BNE sector. On reflection, I probably should have 'experienced' Jetstar, and at least got one QF Link sector plus bonus. However in my defence, it was very early in the morning, I hadn't yet had coffee, and besides, I actually like allocated seating and a 'free' meal!

I have to say that the QF staff were fantastic and made every attempt to accomodate me, delivering me to BNE well ahead of what I was originally scheduled. The issue is, I booked the flights via NTL specifically for the bonus points, and had QF not cancelled the flight, I would have flown both sectors and earned them. Does anyone think it is worth explaining the situation and asking QFF if they would credit the bonus points for sectors that were paid for, but, through no fault of mine, not flown?

I anticipate QFF's response would be that QF fulfilled their obligation by getting me to BNE, and essentially I'm more than happy to take it on the chin, but am just curious as to whether or not others have found themselves in such a situtation and whether they think it is worth asking the question.

Any thoughts?