An Award Booking Experience
Feb 2, 2005, 11:20 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: May 1998
Location: australia
Posts: 5,762
An Award Booking Experience
I booked a Oneworld 35000 mile award JNB-MAD-(LHR)-GRU-EZE-(SCL)-UIO-(MIA)-LAX-SYD for 240000pts
I had wanted 1st but there was only availability on one of the long-haul sectors (LAX-SYD) and there was no availability SYD-JNB in any class in Dec 2005 so had to end the trip in SYD rather than JNB. Also was booked in economy MIA-LAX as was told a business class award doesn't entitle you to 1st class domestic US travel on 2 class flights
Watched for availability on the QANTAS website and when a SYD-JNB seat became available in 1st on Jan 18 2006, I rang and changed the ticket to 1st class - cost now 300000pts plus 5000pts change fee. I was also able to get LAX-SYD in 1st but not the other sectors.
With some BA award availability info provided by ropmot141 (thanks) on the BA board I was able to get the LHR-GRU sector upgraded to 1st and then the JNB-LHR as well. I also got 1st GRU-EZE and MIA-LAX. The LanChile sectors don't offer 1st.
The changes took 4 phone calls over about 6 days but as the ticket hadn't been re-ticketed yet it was all covered by the one 5000 pt change fee
I had to convert a 28 hr stop in LAX into a less than 24 hr transit as the maximum 5 stopovers is enforced (But as tinkybelle posted a while back transfers don't count as stopovers - the QFF rule wording is incorrect)
Only once was there a long wait (>2 mins) on the phone for this lowly bronze QFF but that wait was long - including 2 disconnections. All the telephone sales people I dealt with were friendly and helpful except for one who just came across as a bit officious.
Overall it took a bit of work but probably not much more than getting a revenue Oneworld RTW ticket reissued.
I had wanted 1st but there was only availability on one of the long-haul sectors (LAX-SYD) and there was no availability SYD-JNB in any class in Dec 2005 so had to end the trip in SYD rather than JNB. Also was booked in economy MIA-LAX as was told a business class award doesn't entitle you to 1st class domestic US travel on 2 class flights
Watched for availability on the QANTAS website and when a SYD-JNB seat became available in 1st on Jan 18 2006, I rang and changed the ticket to 1st class - cost now 300000pts plus 5000pts change fee. I was also able to get LAX-SYD in 1st but not the other sectors.
With some BA award availability info provided by ropmot141 (thanks) on the BA board I was able to get the LHR-GRU sector upgraded to 1st and then the JNB-LHR as well. I also got 1st GRU-EZE and MIA-LAX. The LanChile sectors don't offer 1st.
The changes took 4 phone calls over about 6 days but as the ticket hadn't been re-ticketed yet it was all covered by the one 5000 pt change fee
I had to convert a 28 hr stop in LAX into a less than 24 hr transit as the maximum 5 stopovers is enforced (But as tinkybelle posted a while back transfers don't count as stopovers - the QFF rule wording is incorrect)
Only once was there a long wait (>2 mins) on the phone for this lowly bronze QFF but that wait was long - including 2 disconnections. All the telephone sales people I dealt with were friendly and helpful except for one who just came across as a bit officious.
Overall it took a bit of work but probably not much more than getting a revenue Oneworld RTW ticket reissued.
Feb 3, 2005, 6:10 am
#2
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Sydney
Programs: MPO, QF, Avis Preferred, Gold Passport, SPG, HHonours, Golden Circle, Marriott
Posts: 43
Cool!!
Note you are a "lowly bronze" so thats helpful to all the non-status Qantas Pub members in this forum.
I only say that with QF that as a status member, I've never had probs getting an award booking provided I booked early enough. I don't think that will change with the new system for status or non-status.
cardenio98
Note you are a "lowly bronze" so thats helpful to all the non-status Qantas Pub members in this forum.
I only say that with QF that as a status member, I've never had probs getting an award booking provided I booked early enough. I don't think that will change with the new system for status or non-status.
cardenio98
Feb 3, 2005, 6:27 am
#3
Original Poster
Join Date: May 1998
Location: australia
Posts: 5,762
Originally Posted by cardenio98
Cool!!
I've never had probs getting an award booking provided I booked early enough.
cardenio98
I've never had probs getting an award booking provided I booked early enough.
cardenio98
Feb 4, 2005, 8:39 pm
#4
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Brisbane (BNE), Australia, QF/VA Forums Meeting Organiser
Programs: VA Plat, QF Gold (97.4% LTG), QP Life, AA (66% LTG). HH Diamond. Amex Plat, Visa Plat
Posts: 6,519
There is hope out there yet for those last minute low-status bookers of award travel (that there just may be some availability for them). Thanks for posting your positive story 3544quebec. The helpful people of FT strike again ^
Last edited by QF WP; Feb 4, 2005 at 8:40 pm Reason: need to update typing skills