Refund Timing
 

Based on people's experiences, how long does it normally take for QF to refund, in this case, a full J class fare to LHR if one has to cancel prior to departure and it was paid via credit card?

Also, having never flown paid J class before, I presume that someone could potentially no show on the outbound sector, then make changes to the booking to transfer the outbound sector to another date and then possibly cancel the booking if need be and be entitled to a full refund?

Normally several weeks, in part to discourage speculative bookings.

3-5 days, after a quick call. For both a cancel prior to departure and after a missed flight.

Make sure the CC that paid for the ticket is still valid when the refund is expected - such as card number or expiry date. If these have changed, there will be no refund until you contact the airline with the new information.

Took about one week on a red E-Deal for me.