Oneworld Classic Flight Reward Discussion - The Definitive Thread

[mikeQFF]

Regarding seat selection, I had similar issues recently that I finally got sorted by using MMB on various OW airline websites. I usually find RJ is the most reliable site followed by MH.
If you can only select for yourself - as was my experience - log in to RJ using your SO's surname and only select their seat for one flight and then exit. Repeat for other flights. That should allow their seat selection to be made. Then do the same for your seats - using your surname of course.
It mightn't be necessary to do it one flight at a time but I did it that way to be sure and it worked.

As a side note, I had some IB flights in our itinerary that I couldn't make any selections for - even using RJ. The seat maps wouldn't even load. I managed to get this sorted by using CX - which only allows you to select Window or Aisle. But what that does is actually give you seemingly randomly allocated seats which you can then change on RJ.

The things you learn!

Thank you sooo much!!! This clever little trick worked, im super impressed and thankful that you managed to figure that out.

The first method worked for the JFK-MAD flight.
Second one with CX worked for the MAD-FCO one but it wouldnt let me edit with the 2nd passengers logins on RJ. I had to randomise it on CX until we got a seat we liked and then edited mine on RJ to the seat next to hers.

 

[GaryLG]

Regarding seat selection, I had similar issues recently that I finally got sorted by using MMB on various OW airline websites. I usually find RJ is the most reliable site followed by MH.

Give the posts having success with this strategy I thought I might try it and while it failed it told me I still needed to pay! I have paid so clearly something is unfinished and I really do need to talk to Qantas!

 

[jkcfc]

For the positioning flights, can I make a booking on the Qantas website to include a domestic flight, then ring up and remove the domestic leg and keep the international booking?

e.g:
MEL-BRIS
DOH-SIN-MEL

 

[Matt_01]

For the positioning flights, can I make a booking on the Qantas website to include a domestic flight, then ring up and remove the domestic leg and keep the international booking?

e.g:
MEL-BRIS
DOH-SIN-MEL

IME you should not have any issues, I have previously removed domestic sectors from international bookings.

 

[jkcfc]

Finally got my call back today (15hr wait) and tried to add JFK-MIA-CUN (this will then be Stop 4)

We had already capped out at 318k points each, but they were trying to charge another 41.3k points. Explained it is a One World Award booking, but he wouldn't budge and proceeded to put me on hold after I asked to speak with his supervisor then came back and to deliver the ''I can't hear you so I'm going to release the line as we are very busy".

Will HUACA to add the extra flights but am definitely going to try and book the positioning flight online and cancel the domestic leg after this.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

Finally got my call back today (15hr wait) and tried to add JFK-MIA-CUN (this will then be Stop 4)

We had already capped out at 318k points each, but they were trying to charge another 41.3k points. Explained it is a One World Award booking, but he wouldn't budge and proceeded to put me on hold after I asked to speak with his supervisor then came back and to deliver the ''I can't hear you so I'm going to release the line as we are very busy".

Will HUACA to add the extra flights but am definitely going to try and book the positioning flight online and cancel the domestic leg after this.

The system should be auto pricing it, so it looks like somehow it thinks you’ve gone outside the OWA rules. The question is ‘where’ or ‘how’.

 

[DC3]

The system should be auto pricing it, so it looks like somehow it thinks you’ve gone outside the OWA rules. The question is ‘where’ or ‘how’.

Yes. Providing that the booked itinerary is within the rules, it will max at 318,000 points, in this case.

 

[jkcfc]

The system should be auto pricing it, so it looks like somehow it thinks you’ve gone outside the OWA rules. The question is ‘where’ or ‘how’.

I'm thinking it may be human error on the flights I requested. Transit time was 21 hours. Miles come in at 32.6k currently.

Will double check everything again before calling back.

 

[borad]

Question 1:
The “only two surface segments” bit that is not in the terms and conditions: is that really only an online booking restriction (error 7122, I read)?

If so, and you wanted more, do you call and say you were unable to book online?

Question 2:
Error 7130 appears to compel you to list no more than 6 flight chains (though you’ll likely end up more than 6 flights). This appears to limit the opportunity to include longer but <24hr stopovers within those chains, as the options provided are generally (?) the most efficient ones.

Is this also a not-possible-so-call scenario?

 

[esther_a]

Question 2:
... This appears to limit the opportunity to include longer but <24hr stopovers within those chains, as the options provided are generally (?) the most efficient ones.

I am not sure if I understand the question, but I have successfully travelled on a OWA with 5 stops and an additional long (<24h) transit on the way home, allowing me to exit the airport and do a day tour. Perhaps in my case there were limited options so I was able to find a less efficient one.

 

[k_sheep]

Has anyone had success in using Royal Air Maroc yet? I guess no one has flown (since they only joined just before the 'troubles' began) but has anyone booked?

Am starting to plot and scheme ...

 

[DC3]

I'm thinking it may be human error on the flights I requested ..

Or, just plain old incompetence. And maybe a touch of laziness thrown in.

 

[DC3]

Question 1:
The “only two surface segments” bit that is not in the terms and conditions: is that really only an online booking restriction (error 7122, I read)?

If so, and you wanted more, do you call and say you were unable to book online?

Question 2:
Error 7130 appears to compel you to list no more than 6 flight chains (though you’ll likely end up more than 6 flights). This appears to limit the opportunity to include longer but <24hr stopovers within those chains, as the options provided are generally (?) the most efficient ones.

Is this also a not-possible-so-call scenario?

I don’t know what any of the error codes mean. The website is clunky and has been that way for years.

Initially, I book what I can online, then call, quoting the PNR, and say that I wish to add flights.

 

[borad]

I don’t know what any of the error codes mean.

I got them from Qantas Website Error Codes (And How to Avoid Them)

 

[ozflier]

Has anyone had success in using Royal Air Maroc yet? I guess no one has flown (since they only joined just before the 'troubles' began) but has anyone booked?

Am starting to plot and scheme ...

I've booked- only issues early on was that the QF Agent was unaware AT were in Oneworld and had a lot of trouble confirming the code for a business class award - its the usual "U".
Rarely have I seen more than 2 maximum U award availability.
Expert flyer can access the award inventory.
UK to Cascablanca (CMN) goes from both LGW and LHR and sometimes has award availability only from Gatwick.
Intra Morrocco flights ( and some short trans Mediterranean hops) usually involve RAM Express though not always. S
The latter use smaller a/c compared to the mainline and no separate business class cabin - not a "biggie" though as flights usually short.
Compared to other airlines in the area eg Egyptair , alcohol is not banned.
I've had no issues booking seats on the mainline services ( not RAM Express where I could not access the seatmap)

 

[k_sheep]

Great summary thank you!

Guess I might need to renew my EF subscription.

 

[flapper]

Finally got my call back today (15hr wait) and tried to add JFK-MIA-CUN (this will then be Stop 4)

We had already capped out at 318k points each, but they were trying to charge another 41.3k points. Explained it is a One World Award booking, but he wouldn't budge and proceeded to put me on hold after I asked to speak with his supervisor then came back and to deliver the ''I can't hear you so I'm going to release the line as we are very busy".

Will HUACA to add the extra flights but am definitely going to try and book the positioning flight online and cancel the domestic leg after this.

I have had the same problem with Cape Town CC. My advice is to add the flight and sort out the points later, assuming you have the extra points. If you get offered a call back my advice is ring 30-45 mins later don't proivde your FF no and get a call back to another phone; landline, partner, kids etc. I sometimes have 4 call backs on the go. That way if the first one is a dud you may have a chance with the second or third etc.

 

[BillW]

Is it so that on a oneworld Classic Flight Reward you do not have to go around the world to get this points deal?
Would this mean reversing the direction ( which seems to break the rule of advancing from zone to zone without going back) or terminating the flights after accumulating at least 5 stops?

 

[smckay]

Give the posts having success with this strategy I thought I might try it and while it failed it told me I still needed to pay! I have paid so clearly something is unfinished and I really do need to talk to Qantas!

@GaryLG if your issue is not being able to log into the JAL manage booking pages, you need to use your full name - first and second - as per your passport. I did this and it allows you to go into the booking with the OW reference, not the e-ticket number.
Also, they lock out seats so you can't book them. Best I have with 4 x JAL J flights next year is row 8 and back, even though 4-8 are showing as free.

 

[GaryLG]

@GaryLG if your issue is not being able to log into the JAL manage booking pages, you need to use your full name - first and second - as per your passport. I did this and it allows you to go into the booking with the OW reference, not the e-ticket number.
Also, they lock out seats so you can't book them. Best I have with 4 x JAL J flights next year is row 8 and back, even though 4-8 are showing as free.

That's not the problem for me, looks like Qantas stuffed up the payment and processing so still haven't issued an e-ticket. Still chasing them but fingers crossed and no doubt more phone calls!