Originally Posted by KingCanute

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This wouldn't be unusual at all. QR have a long history of not always coordinating and finalising everything before rolling out parts of something new.

There have been many reports here of spurious FF numbers appearing on bookings, which have been easily accessible with just a PNR and surname. It appears QR may have currently blocked the ability to make those types of changes after the time of the initial booking to prevent the potential fraud, but have not yet rolled out whatever the enhanced method of authentication may yet turn out to be.

Whilst there may be a commercial downside currently for passengers who do not add their FF number at the time of booking (eg. access to free seats), that does not automatically correlate that QR has taken a commercial decision to shaft them. Never assign to conspiracy that which may be much more likely due to competence...

Yes it is inconvenient, of course. But in the meantime the opportunity to add or change FF numbers is still possible at check in for those who did not add it when booking. I have no horse in this race, but suspect they may well argue that the time of booking and check in options mean they are meeting their oneworld obligations.