Various issues - might book through Virgin?

[IrishPete]

Tried to book Canberra to Dublin leaving on the morning of 16th December returning 6th January getting back late on the night of the 7th, through American Express (to use a $200 travel credit) and after entering heaps of data, got a message at the end saying the fare is no longer available. Searched again, and it was still there, but same result. Was going to book the Economy Flex fare, so I can upgrade various legs with points and hopefully auction.

Strange thing is, the same flights are still available through Etihad's site (a bit more expensive) and Skyscanner (though I can't easily tell if they are the Flex fare, but they probably are).

There were available (and cheaper!) through Flybuys Travel (so I was tempted to book there, as the $200 discount on AmEx only brings them to about the same price!), but have now disappeared from there too.

Do folks think the same flights might reappear on AmEx or Flybuys if I wait? Or are they gone for good?

Another option is to book them through Virgin, or as Virgin flights through other travel agents. But will I have all the same upgrade opportunities with my Etihad points (and auction upgrade)?

 

[IrishPete]

Also, it's hard to tell with Skyscanner what fare class they are, which is a risk booking through them...

 

[davidj]

I have personally found the booking engine for Etihad very buggy when showing seats for purchase.

I once tried to book on Etihad and was halted by the same booking error you come across.

In another instance I too was looking for seats departing in December, Etihad was showing none available (incl thier call centre), whereas Virgin was showing seats available. I went with Virgin to book.

A few days later I did find the Etihad engine begin to show seats, and then later again they disappear. I don't know if this is intentional revenue management or really a bug. Either way I believe its partly responsible for their earning losses last year

Given your date is in a peak period I wouldn't be waiting for availability to 'reappear'.

 

[EtihadAirways]

Tried to book Canberra to Dublin leaving on the morning of 16th December returning 6th January getting back late on the night of the 7th, through American Express (to use a $200 travel credit) and after entering heaps of data, got a message at the end saying the fare is no longer available. Searched again, and it was still there, but same result. Was going to book the Economy Flex fare, so I can upgrade various legs with points and hopefully auction.

Strange thing is, the same flights are still available through Etihad's site (a bit more expensive) and Skyscanner (though I can't easily tell if they are the Flex fare, but they probably are).

There were available (and cheaper!) through Flybuys Travel (so I was tempted to book there, as the $200 discount on AmEx only brings them to about the same price!), but have now disappeared from there too.

Do folks think the same flights might reappear on AmEx or Flybuys if I wait? Or are they gone for good?

Another option is to book them through Virgin, or as Virgin flights through other travel agents. But will I have all the same upgrade opportunities with my Etihad points (and auction upgrade)?

This issue is not known to us, however if you experience a similar issue please send it to our email address [email protected] You can also call our Contact Centre to assist you with booking the fare that you want. If you find the same fares cheaper on other websites you can book it through them and make a claim on our website and the price will then be matched for you. *Marc

 

[IrishPete]

This issue is not known to us, however if you experience a similar issue please send it to our email address [email protected] You can also call our Contact Centre to assist you with booking the fare that you want. If you find the same fares cheaper on other websites you can book it through them and make a claim on our website and the price will then be matched for you. *Marc

Thanks Marc. My issue is with AmEx's travel booking website. The same flights are available on Etihad's site, but at a slightly higher price. But my main issue with booking direct through Etihad is I can't use my AmEx $200 travel credit! I normally do book direct through Etihad. I just seems odd that they show as available with AmEx, but then unavailable when I actually work through the booking process. I may try to do it by phone with Amex tomorrow or Tuesday.