Making Changes - Travel Agent vs Airline
Nov 8, 2006, 12:31 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: YVR
Programs: QF LTG AC *G
Posts: 369
Making Changes - Travel Agent vs Airline
Here's the situation:
My employer buys me a J class return fare on QF (US - Australia). I'd like to reconfigure the ticket, i.e. pay extra and turn it into a DONE3 (and take some holidays
), is it possible for me to deal directly with the airline to do this once the ticket is booked and paid for ? I'd prefer to avoid dealing with the T/A if possible.
I think I tried to do something like this 4-5 years ago and QF referred me back to the T/A. I know that at some point, QF has control of the ticket and will make changes directly, i.e. once the trip has started they will allow you to make date or routing changes directly with them, rather than through the T/A.
Any thoughts or advice ?
My employer buys me a J class return fare on QF (US - Australia). I'd like to reconfigure the ticket, i.e. pay extra and turn it into a DONE3 (and take some holidays
), is it possible for me to deal directly with the airline to do this once the ticket is booked and paid for ? I'd prefer to avoid dealing with the T/A if possible.I think I tried to do something like this 4-5 years ago and QF referred me back to the T/A. I know that at some point, QF has control of the ticket and will make changes directly, i.e. once the trip has started they will allow you to make date or routing changes directly with them, rather than through the T/A.
Any thoughts or advice ?
Nov 8, 2006, 1:23 am
#2
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Jan 2002
Posts: 44,581
Until travel commences, all changes must be made by the agent.
After departure, you will not be able to convert the ticket to an ATW ticket I believe
Also, Australia cannot be included on a DONE3; you will need a DONE4
Can you not just ask the agent to book a DONE4 up front ( book on AA to reduce the fuel fines though ). I would have thought that your company would have no problems with you purchasing a cheaper ticket for the journey
Dave
After departure, you will not be able to convert the ticket to an ATW ticket I believe
Also, Australia cannot be included on a DONE3; you will need a DONE4
Can you not just ask the agent to book a DONE4 up front ( book on AA to reduce the fuel fines though ). I would have thought that your company would have no problems with you purchasing a cheaper ticket for the journey
Dave
Last edited by Dave Noble; Nov 8, 2006 at 1:30 am
Nov 8, 2006, 2:30 am
#3
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: London
Posts: 6,265
Yep, Qantas will refer you back to your agent. In addition, the value of some fares cannot be carried across to other airfares - so you would need to cancel and rebook. Quite messy really.
Qantas will in some cases deal with your ticket while it is under control of the agent (I have had it happen), but those changes will definately not include refunding or changing the ticket type.
Qantas will in some cases deal with your ticket while it is under control of the agent (I have had it happen), but those changes will definately not include refunding or changing the ticket type.
Nov 8, 2006, 2:57 am
#4
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: HKG 99.9%
Programs: QF Silver (OW Ruby)
Posts: 1,379
Originally Posted by Aus_Mal
Yep, Qantas will refer you back to your agent. In addition, the value of some fares cannot be carried across to other airfares - so you would need to cancel and rebook. Quite messy really.
Qantas will in some cases deal with your ticket while it is under control of the agent (I have had it happen), but those changes will definately not include refunding or changing the ticket type.
Qantas will in some cases deal with your ticket while it is under control of the agent (I have had it happen), but those changes will definately not include refunding or changing the ticket type.
Nov 8, 2006, 3:40 am
#5
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: London
Posts: 6,265
Originally Posted by Wongo
Did they do it as a favor to save you time?
Nov 8, 2006, 9:51 pm
#6
Original Member
Join Date: May 1998
Location: Portland OR Double Emerald (QF and AA), DL PM/MM, Starwood Plat
Posts: 19,589
If the original ticket is a true J fare (no corporate discount on the fare and unrestricted form of payment) then you can get an MCO for the original ticket without ever flying any of it and use the MCO to pay part of a DONE4 that you purchase. But chances are that it isn't an eligible ticket for the MCO route, most corporations prohibit this as policy (and many fares are negotiated and sometimes not the amount that is shown on the ticket, though I'm sure QF doesn't play that slightly illegal game).