Domestic booking - changing the return flight

[Vic]

I have a SYD-MEL return booking. Flex fare K class. I have just realised I booked the wrong date for the return leg - 6 Nov instead of 5 Nov.

I just attempted to change the return leg and the Qantas website tells me I need to change both the outbound and the return leg.

Why? Is this new, or has it always been like this? I don't recall having to change both flights in this situation in the past. Maybe back in the 90s when the fare rules included things like a Saturday night stay.
Do I need to call to only change the return leg?

 

[fletty]

I was able to just change return leg on a booking, wasn't flex though. I had to do it over the phone as it was a re-routing anyway.
I've been able to change the date only for the return leg fine before online.

 

[bPeteb]

I attempted to online change the first of our four flight epic from Brisbane to Geneva next year - Brisbane-Melbourne-Hong Kong-Helsinki-Geneva.

Instead of a 6am from BNE to MEL we thought we'd fly down the night before. Sale on at the moment and classic plus are only 10,100 each for Y. If needed I'd ask for CR releases.

I got an error as soon as I selected the day before so called the Qantas 'premium' line. I didn't even get as far as asking for seat releases. I was told it would be 5000 each to change another 7700 each service fee. I questioned the 5000 each and was literally ignored. I'd have worn the service fee, begrudgingly, but no way was I handing over 10,000 points for something I could not do online.

Why does Qantas make online changes so hard?

 

[fletty]

I attempted to online change the first of our four flight epic from Brisbane to Geneva next year - Brisbane-Melbourne-Hong Kong-Helsinki-Geneva.

Instead of a 6am from BNE to MEL we thought we'd fly down the night before. Sale on at the moment and classic plus are only 10,100 each for Y. If needed I'd ask for CR releases.

I got an error as soon as I selected the day before so called the Qantas 'premium' line. I didn't even get as far as asking for seat releases. I was told it would be 5000 each to change another 7700 each service fee. I questioned the 5000 each and was literally ignored. I'd have worn the service fee, begrudgingly, but no way was I handing over 10,000 points for something I could not do online.

Why does Qantas make online changes so hard?

The 5000 each to change is standard, but the service fee should be waived if you can't do the change online.

 

[bPeteb]

The 5000 each to change is standard, but the service fee should be waived if you can't do the change online.

yes, correct, I had them the wrong way round. It was the change fee that I knew was a given. Just sitting here very annoyed.

 

[Quickstatus]

Why? Is this new, or has it always been like this?

I've never done DOM flights as a return, only 2 one-ways so I dont know the reason.

Is your original outbound available on the alternatives for the outbound change?

popcorn ready...

 

[Vic]

I've never done DOM flights as a return, only 2 one-ways so I dont know the reason.

Is your original outbound available on the alternatives for the outbound change?

popcorn ready...

Yes, I did screw up by booking a return. Very dumb move. Not sure what I was thinking.

Yes, the original is still available but wants me to book an equal or high fare class. (about $300 more)

I think the solution is book a new return as a single leg.. Fly the outbound and then cancel the original return for a flight credit

 

[Quickstatus]

Or keep both and cancel one at the last possible moment. Keep the options open until then