630,000 Qantas Points Lost - Can anyone help guide me on their reinstatement

[Snowman123]

I'm new to these forums,but am in a bit of trouble. Can you help me?

I just noticed that my 630,000 Qantas points were deleted in April 2016, presumably for lack of activity. The majority of those points i hold as a provision to visit my elderly mother in the UK, who has no other family or support if needed, and to travel occasionally myself. Due to some issues of my own, i am no longer in a position to accumulate new points, or afford to buy full tickets, until my circumstances change.

This year, I was hit hard with a serious depression that rendered me pretty useless and had me in rehab/hospital in July/August with a subsequent recovery. My attention to my admin was affected. I would like to book a short trip to Indonesia in January as part of my recovery, but bingo, my points have gone - that's a blow.

I've sent a message to Qantas along these lines on their email form. Can anyone give me some feedback and suggestions on the likliehood of getting these points reinstated for exceptional circumstances.

 

[Steady]

Welcome to AFF Snowman123, getting points back that expired over 6 months ago is extremely unlikely IMO. Sorry.

 

[Steelo]

I agree that it is very hard to get points back - have never heard of a successful case. However, if you have medical reasons - why not document your case and attach a medical certificate and give it a go.

 

[opusman]

It can't hurt to try but I've never seen any evidence of expired points being reinstated by Qantas.

 

[Snowman123]

I agree that it is very hard to get points back - have never heard of a successful case. However, if you have medical reasons - why not document your case and attach a medical certificate and give it a go.

In the past Qantas would respond favorably to compassionate grounds for creating exceptions to their rules on regular fares. I doubt if they would want to publicize it though.

I wonder if compassionate grounds, involving medical circumstances would enable similar considerations. ( I'll give it a go - but would appreciate any further feedback ).

 

[Dr Ralph]

It can't hurt to try but I've never seen any evidence of expired points being reinstated by Qantas.

I've definitely seen instances of expired points being reinstated by Qantas, but not after such an expended period where the person has failed to act.

 

[Boca68]

I'd agree with the most of the replies. After 7 months, I'd say extremely unlikely for re-instatement to happen.

But, that said, it never hurts to ask. You would need a reasonable amount of evidence to back the claim up. The standard web contact form most likely will generate only a standard reply, you might need to get creative and go to the top. Make a phone call or 2. Give it a go, be interested if you got any positive replies.

 

[serfty]

In the last 12 months I have seen references to "Reinstatement Challenges" such as earn x points from at least two different sources.

Six months does seems stretch though.

All I can do is wish you good luck.

 

[Deleted member]

I suppose the real question will be, "what did you understand the rules were before your medical issues kicked in" ? 630,000 QFF points must have been accumulated over a reasonable period of time ? Unless you have a compelling set of reasons , I'm not convinced they will play ball. Sad I know, and I'm sure those here with some experience in dealing with issues like yours will empathise with you. I wish you well.

 

[trooper]

Once depression hits it isn't a question of what you knew PRIOR to that.....it really wipes you out in terms of managing "external" matters....hell... getting up and about can be a challenge...

Can only say good luck!

 

[Abdul_A350]

If there is a way for you to try documenting the medical reasons and asking for compassion without triggering any bad memories or stress, then it might well be worth a try.

Fingers crossed for you in all regards.

 

[JohnK]

Good luck getting your points back.

I agree that it is very hard to get points back - have never heard of a successful case. However, if you have medical reasons - why not document your case and attach a medical certificate and give it a go.

There are quite a few reports of success stories on AFF.

 

[Snowman123]

Good luck getting your points back.


There are quite a few reports of success stories on AFF.

Did any particular reports stand out?

Thanks everyone for your support.

I contacted QF and they asked me to send in a medical certificate with an explanation. The medical certificate says that i was unable to travel in the last 2 years due to severe depression ( the points were deleted 7 months ago ). QF advised no promises , but that they would refer it to management for consideration. I hope this is enough and i don't have to go into further detail.

 

[JohnK]

Did any particular reports stand out?

Thanks everyone for your support.

The most recent was the one posted by Homer. From memory was given a challenge to earn points from 2 different sources and points reinstated.

 

[Mattg]

This may be of interest:

Expired Qantas Points Predicament

Good luck!

 

[Snowman123]

Well there's some good news. Qantas FF said [ verbally ] they will re instate the points, using a " re-instatement challenge" by earning 2,500 points within 6 months.

Apparently, the operator said, they only confirm verbally as it is outside the TOS [ sounds strange, but .... ]

I've gone back to them explaining that my capacity to earn income is currently very limited until I am recovered from the current dysfunctions of my ongoing illness, and able to earn income again [ I'm out of work, no savings and supported by family, and was hospitalized with it 3 weeks in mid year ]. I have asked that they consider waiving the "re-instatement challenge", whilst thanking them for the offer, and have been told that it will be sent to a supervisor to review. I may hear back mid next week.

There is a thread for someone that had this offer put to them for a bereavement: sorry i cannot post the link / not enough posts for permission.

If worst comes to worst, and i beg, borrow or steal, how much do you have to spend to earn 2,500 points - i guess if friends may help out. Where are the best deals. [ I do not have credit cards or ability to get any - due to a financial meltdown with this condition]. Any creative ideas while I try and improve the offer?

 

[ermen]

Well there's some good news. Qantas FF said [ verbally ] they will re instate the points, using a " re-instatement challenge" by earning 2,500 points within 6 months.

Apparently, the operator said, they only confirm verbally as it is outside the TOS [ sounds strange, but .... ]

I've gone back to them explaining that my capacity to earn income is currently very limited until I am recovered from the current dysfunctions of my ongoing illness, and able to earn income again [ I'm out of work, no savings and supported by family, and was hospitalized with it 3 weeks in mid year ]. I have asked that they consider waiving the "re-instatement challenge", whilst thanking them for the offer, and have been told that it will be sent to a supervisor to review. I may hear back mid next week.

There is a thread for someone that had this offer put to them for a bereavement: sorry i cannot post the link / not enough posts for permission.

If worst comes to worst, and i beg, borrow or steal, how much do you have to spend to earn 2,500 points - i guess if friends may help out. Where are the best deals. [ I do not have credit cards or ability to get any - due to a financial meltdown with this condition]. Any creative ideas while I try and improve the offer?

Good to know that QF have been semi-flexible in dealing with your case. It will all depend on the exact definition of "earning" 2,500 (i.e. do credit card transfers count).

1/ Would say the cheapest way $$$ wise to do that would be via flying. The QF minimum earn is 800 points now, so you will need to buy 4 flight to get to your threshold on a cheaper red e-deal (i don't know how much they are these days). Otherwise, you could go cross country (SYD-PER)

http://www.qantas.com/christmas/ there's also a promotion now for 5x points per $1 spent on QF flights. So if you buy a voucher to buy your tickets, you could double dip so to speak

2/ Alternatively, given you are looking to go to Bali - buy a Jetstar ticket (remember to select the points bundle) this should get 2,500+ points one way easily...

I think you are looking at A$200 as a rough estimation to get those 2,500 points in my view (assume you take advantage of the Christmas voucher offer)
-- buy a A$200 voucher (1,000 points)
-- use voucher buy SYD-TMW return (1,600 points)

Edit: i think other more experienced posters may have cheaper suggestions than the above

 

[dodgeyhack]

Could you pay a family member's bills via Qantas cash? They give you money to load the card, then you pay their bills. If it costs anything it'll be small. A wine purchase through Epiqure might be a cheapish way to do it as well. Even cheaper if the wine is bought for someone else but through your account.

 

[kpc]

Buy something from Epiqure https://www.qantasepiqure.com.au/c/bonuspoints?q=:price-asc&itemsPerPage=16&sort=price-asc&page=0

 

[Doctore1003]

If worst comes to worst, and i beg, borrow or steal, how much do you have to spend to earn 2,500 points - i guess if friends may help out. Where are the best deals. [ I do not have credit cards or ability to get any - due to a financial meltdown with this condition]. Any creative ideas while I try and improve the offer?

Are there any restrictions on how you need to earn the points? You can easily get this amount by purchasing a case of wine (that gives bonus points) through Qantas Epiqure