QF classic award, penalty/issues if don't complete final leg?

[bits]

A while ago I booked a classic award flight one way from tokyo haneda to canberra (comprising haneda to sydney; then connecting syd-cbr).

Now my circumstances are that it is better for me to finish that trip in syd, rather than continue onto cbr.

My wife called QF callcentre to find out our options. They said they can reissue the ticket for 3500points + $80 pp. Doesn't sound right? Why would we want to take this option?

My wife told callcentre couldn't we just forgo the syd-cbr flight? In theory we could as we would have had to collect out bags at syd airport and just leave. QF said oh no that would be a security risk as we would be considered on their system as missing pax and they would then be obliged to find us?
In theory we could inform QF customer service on the day that we are voluntarily forfeiting our cbr tix on the day (out of courtesy) and then leave the airport, will QF use such action as a reason to apply a cancellation fee or what not?

 

[trixydoza]

My wife told callcentre couldn't we just forgo the syd-cbr flight? In theory we could as we would have had to collect out bags at syd airport and just leave. QF said oh no that would be a security risk as we would be considered on their system as missing pax and they would then be obliged to find us?

That advice sounds like someone speaking outside their area of expertise. You'll be fine just missing the flight. These things happen.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

You could let QF know on the day you won't be taking the flight, as a courtesy, just in case they are 'looking' for you.

It's a shame your sinuses were playing up on the flight from Tokyo and you have decided to catch the train to CBR now instead of flying.

 

[N860CR]

The HND staff should just be able to check you as far as SYD.

However, even if they can't get that, just pickup your bags in SYD and be on your way. They'll know you have checked bags, know you haven't rechecked them and won't go to too much effort before offloading you.

 

[JohnK]

There are so many people who do not board the aircraft after checking in. Dozens of reasons. As mentioned tell them at the airport you are only going as far as SYD. Shouldn't be an issue.

 

[anat0l]

The HND staff should just be able to check you as far as SYD.

However, even if they can't get that, just pickup your bags in SYD and be on your way. They'll know you have checked bags, know you haven't rechecked them and won't go to too much effort before offloading you.

No need to tell the staff at HND to short check. Everyone transferring to Australia domestic has to pick up their bags, even if they are tagged onward. You would just leave the tags in place and drop them when you get to the domestic check-in (subject to if you don't change your flight details).

Just make up some baloney story about being sick after you pass through customs and that's that. Might be best if you did it by phone, perhaps. Otherwise, the overly helpful staff may find a reason to try and put you on your onward (viz. as if you were genuinely continuing to CBR and you really wanted to take that flight!).

According to the T&Cs for QFF, an award which has already commenced travel is regarded as used. If you miss a segment, the rest of the itinerary is forfeited. No fees are applicable.

 

[medhead]

I wouldn't recommend a story about being sick, they might alert customs. Just say something has come up, a family emergency, you don't know when you'll travel and will make separate arrangements to cbr