Will Qantas waive change fees for existing bookings? (WHO Pandemic Declaration)
Mar 17, 2020, 5:11 pm
#46
Join Date: Jul 2011
Programs: BA Bronze
Posts: 1,026
The UK Government has issued a formal notice that advises against all but essential travel worldwide. I am a UK citizen, so am I not now able to insist on a full refund from Qantas as travelling with them would breach a government travel advisory?
Not sure when is the best time to call them to get through to an agent at this time, and what office to call?
Not sure when is the best time to call them to get through to an agent at this time, and what office to call?
Mar 17, 2020, 5:18 pm
#47
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Jan 2002
Posts: 44,624
The UK Government has issued a formal notice that advises against all but essential travel worldwide. I am a UK citizen, so am I not now able to insist on a full refund from Qantas as travelling with them would breach a government travel advisory?
Not sure when is the best time to call them to get through to an agent at this time, and what office to call?
Not sure when is the best time to call them to get through to an agent at this time, and what office to call?
Mar 17, 2020, 5:37 pm
#48
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: ADL
Programs: QFF, AAdvantage, All
Posts: 1,137
If Oz citizens are told not to travel but Qantas will not refund airfares, then when the Gov. gives Qantas a (deserved) bailout, we are giving funds to Qantas twice without a service provided.
Mar 17, 2020, 5:40 pm
#49
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: ADL
Programs: QFF, AAdvantage, All
Posts: 1,137
Mar 17, 2020, 6:10 pm
#50
Join Date: Nov 2013
Programs: NZ
Posts: 1,556
The UK Government has issued a formal notice that advises against all but essential travel worldwide. I am a UK citizen, so am I not now able to insist on a full refund from Qantas as travelling with them would breach a government travel advisory?
Not sure when is the best time to call them to get through to an agent at this time, and what office to call?
Not sure when is the best time to call them to get through to an agent at this time, and what office to call?
Unless your flights are within the next few days I would wait to see if QF make further schedule changes (they're talking about cutting international capacity by 90%) in which case there is a fair chance that your flights will be cancelled. Then you will be in a much stronger position to request a cash/credit card refund.
Another small (but important) point: how did you book? If you used a travel agent (including OTA) then you will need to deal with the agent. QF won't talk to you unless you booked direct with them (eg on their website)
Mar 17, 2020, 7:41 pm
#51
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Join Date: Jan 2002
Posts: 44,624
An advice not to travel is not the same as prohibiting travel - if travel is prohibited, I expect Qantas will throw towel in on the few remaining international routes rather than just drop 90% anyway
Mar 17, 2020, 7:48 pm
#52
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: ADL
Programs: QFF, AAdvantage, All
Posts: 1,137
If the flights are still operating ( which most will not ) then Qantas has managed to continue to provide the service - it is allowing deferment of travel without penalty where flights are operating
An advice not to travel is not the same as prohibiting travel - if travel is prohibited, I expect Qantas will throw towel in on the few remaining international routes rather than just drop 90% anyway
An advice not to travel is not the same as prohibiting travel - if travel is prohibited, I expect Qantas will throw towel in on the few remaining international routes rather than just drop 90% anyway
Mar 17, 2020, 8:41 pm
#53
Join Date: Nov 2013
Programs: NZ
Posts: 1,556
Here are the T&C's for the voucher if you go down that route:
Voucher Conditions
- Valid for 12 months from the original booking creation date. (email I just received now says "up until 30 September 2020 or 12 months from the original date of ticket issue, whichever date is later")
- For Qantas Gift Vouchers issued on/after 31 March 2018 are valid for 3 years from date of issue, irrespective of the expiry date shown on the voucher.
- If not used within the 12 month validity period, the voucher value will be forfeited unless the original fare permits a refund.
- Can only be used towards one way or return bookings from the country in which the original ticket was issued. Multi-city bookings are not permitted.
- Are non-transferable. Name changes are permitted on Gift Vouchers only.
- Vouchers can only be redeemed on Qantas operated flights at Qantas.com/yourbookingThis will open a new tab or window in your browser. or through Qantas Contact CentresThis will open a new tab or window in your browser..
- Any change feesThis will open a new tab or window in your browser. that were applicable to the original booking apply when redeeming the voucher.
- Credit vouchers can only be used towards a fare of equal or higher value. Qantas Gift Vouchers and Customer Care Vouchers can be used towards eligible fares, surcharges and taxes. A new voucher will be issued for any unused credit (of more than $2).
- A booking feeThis will open a new tab or window in your browser. will apply for vouchers redeemed through Qantas Contact Centres.
- If your original travel date is prior to and including 31st May 2020, any change fees will be waived when you redeem your travel voucher.
Mar 17, 2020, 8:48 pm
#54
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: ADL
Programs: QFF, AAdvantage, All
Posts: 1,137
I've always hated those statements. Whether the limit is on the voucher or the flight booked with the voucher.
I'm also bother by circumstances where outbound flight is before May 31 and return after on separate ticket.
I'm also bother by circumstances where outbound flight is before May 31 and return after on separate ticket.
Mar 17, 2020, 9:37 pm
#55
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Join Date: Jan 2002
Posts: 44,624
Mar 17, 2020, 9:52 pm
#56
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: ADL
Programs: QFF, AAdvantage, All
Posts: 1,137
Mar 17, 2020, 10:01 pm
#57
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Join Date: Jan 2002
Posts: 44,624
Sorry you stated "If Oz citizens are told not to travel but Qantas will not refund airfares," - what else would have airfares other than passengers?
Regardles, given the reduction that Qantas plans to implement, would be quite unlikely that the flight will operate
Got an odd email about getting vouchers - but the booking I have is not before 31 May - I am wondering what would happen if I did click on the "cancel/voucher" button
It reads that the voucher is valid until 30 September - I wouldn't read that the flight would also have to be taken within that period, just that the voucher will expire
Regardles, given the reduction that Qantas plans to implement, would be quite unlikely that the flight will operate
Got an odd email about getting vouchers - but the booking I have is not before 31 May - I am wondering what would happen if I did click on the "cancel/voucher" button
It reads that the voucher is valid until 30 September - I wouldn't read that the flight would also have to be taken within that period, just that the voucher will expire
Mar 18, 2020, 4:01 am
#58
Join Date: Jul 2011
Programs: BA Bronze
Posts: 1,026
When are you travelling? QF has a fairly clear policy for changes/cancellation for travel up to 31 May, which has been excellently summarised by a poster above.
Unless your flights are within the next few days I would wait to see if QF make further schedule changes (they're talking about cutting international capacity by 90%) in which case there is a fair chance that your flights will be cancelled. Then you will be in a much stronger position to request a cash/credit card refund.
Another small (but important) point: how did you book? If you used a travel agent (including OTA) then you will need to deal with the agent. QF won't talk to you unless you booked direct with them (eg on their website)
Unless your flights are within the next few days I would wait to see if QF make further schedule changes (they're talking about cutting international capacity by 90%) in which case there is a fair chance that your flights will be cancelled. Then you will be in a much stronger position to request a cash/credit card refund.
Another small (but important) point: how did you book? If you used a travel agent (including OTA) then you will need to deal with the agent. QF won't talk to you unless you booked direct with them (eg on their website)
Mar 18, 2020, 5:01 am
#60
Join Date: Feb 2017
Location: Melbourne
Programs: QF, EK
Posts: 52
Yep. It doesn't pay to plan ahead in these situations!