Originally Posted by
quarryking
Yes, pretty much unfortunately.
Not sure on what IATA's rules are in this situation and hence no starting point when checking with the airline.
This would be the nearest 6E flight that they've rescheduled us on. I doubt putting us on another flight (non 6E) is an option even, since this is a 6E ticket, codesharing with Qantas for the leg to MEL.
By DCGA rules you absolutely can be put on any carrier and aren't restricted to 6E. Since this is a 6E ticket that would be easier for them. Whether they will want to do it or not is a different matter.
My point is spending 20 minutes on the phone with 6E, asking, demanding, yelling or whatever is time well spent in an effort to reduce an 8 hour layover.