Obtaining a Downgrade Refund from QF

[McTavish]

Hi, I'm not having much luck on the phone with an endless stream of QANTAS "consultants". If anyone can offer me some advice it would be greatly appreciated. I had a paid J ticket (purchased on QF website) for QF8 (DFW - SYD and QF423 (SYD - MEL), leaving DFW on 14 October. QF8 was cancelled after boarding. QANTAS seated me on QF22 (DFW - MEL) the following day with a downgrade to premium economy. QF don't seem to be making it easy regarding the refund for the downgrade.

How should I proceed?

 

[Seat0B]

Sorry that happened to you - it’s always sad to be downgraded.

You may do better with a clear and concise email/web form along the lines of your post to customer care seeking this refund rather than trying to do it by phone.

 

[Ansett Nostalgic]

And if there is no email response via the online form / email, involving the ACA can also help.

 

[serfty]

Hi, I'm not having much luck on the phone with an endless stream of QANTAS "consultants". If anyone can offer me some advice it would be greatly appreciated. I had a paid J ticket (purchased on QF website) for QF8 (DFW - SYD and QF423 (SYD - MEL), leaving DFW on 14 October. QF8 was cancelled after boarding. QANTAS seated me on QF22 (DFW - MEL) the following day with a downgrade to premium economy. QF don't seem to be making it easy regarding the refund for the downgrade.

How should I proceed?

There may be some assistance here:

Thread 'Article: Qantas’ Mysterious Downgrade Compensation Policy'

Sep 10, 2023

Qantas’ Mysterious Downgrade Compensation Policy is an article written by the AFF editorial team:

Qantas' Mysterious Downgrade Compensation Policy

When Qantas moves a passenger from Business to Economy, they are entitled to compensation for the involuntary downgrade. But Qantas won't reveal how it calculates the refund amount.

www.australianfrequentflyer.com.au

You can leave a comment or discuss this topic below.

• AFF Editor
• Replies: 42
• Forum: Qantas | Frequent Flyer

• 

 

[serfty]

Search results for query: Downgrade

www.australianfrequentflyer.com.au

 

[McTavish]

Thanks for the advice. I’ll go through the motions although I am expecting QF to charge me top dollar for the premium economy seat

 

[MEL_Traveller]

Thanks for the advice. I’ll go through the motions although I am expecting QF to charge me top dollar for the premium economy seat

The good news is, that’s not how it works anymore.

As per the links above, and the (relatively) new downgrade compensation policy, you’ll be entitled to a 75% refund of the sector involved. No longer do they charge you for the new seat in the new cabin!

Were you on a one way or return?

To calculate the refund if you’d just bought a one way ticket, you can take the total ticket price given the final destination was MEL. QF might deduct government taxes from the calculation (not their own fees and charges). And calculate 75% of that.

If you had bought a return ticket, take the total cost of the return, divide by two, and work out 75%.

 

[McTavish]

The good news is, that’s not how it works anymore.

As per the links above, and the (relatively) new downgrade compensation policy, you’ll be entitled to a 75% refund of the sector involved. No longer do they charge you for the new seat in the new cabin!

Were you on a one way or return?

To calculate the refund if you’d just bought a one way ticket, you can take the total ticket price given the final destination was MEL. QF might deduct government taxes from the calculation (not their own fees and charges). And calculate 75% of that.

If you had bought a return ticket, take the total cost of the return, divide by two, and work out 75%.

Thanks for that information, I was returning from San Antonio. Downgrade was for DFW through to MEL. How do I access the refund?

 

[markis10]

Claiming a refund
If you are entitled to a refund, the refund will be equal to the fare paid if no part of the ticket is used. If part of the ticket is used, the refund will be equal to the difference between the fare paid and the fare that would have been payable if booked for the travel taken. If you need help with a refund, or would like to request or follow up on a refund call us on 13 13 13 (within Australia), +61 2 8222 2439 (outside Australia), or your local Qantas office for assistance.

You may also have a statutory right to a remedy (including a refund and/or compensation) under the Australian Consumer Law or the New Zealand Civil Aviation Act. For further information, visit our Australian Consumer Law information page. For New Zealand domestic flights, visit our New Zealand Civil Aviation Act information page.

Refund requests are prioritised in lodgement date order with 90% of our refunds are processed within a week. Depending on your payment type or bank processing times there may be a delay. Once your refund is processed you will receive an email to confirm it has been actioned. If you haven't received your refund within 4 weeks contact us

Customer care feedback form | Qantas AU

Use this form to give Qantas feedback on your experience with Flights, Baggage, Check-in, Before you travel, Qantas Frequent Flyer and more.

www.qantas.com

 

[MEL_Traveller]

Thanks for that information, I was returning from San Antonio. Downgrade was for DFW through to MEL. How do I access the refund?

I would start with the avenues posted by markis10, but noting that the accompanying text is for refunds, which is not applicable to your situation (downgrade compensation). Your claim needs to make clear it is for downgrade compensation, otherwise an agent may incorrectly process it.