Any suggestions?
Sorry if it is obvious or doesn't make sense! (I'm not used to making bookings based on the "fine print" ticket conditions - so not aware of the traps/pitfalls/etc...)
Some people seem to have had their problems resolved this way / this outcome.
However, this is not black and white written as a rule, so it could be risky to book / make decision based on this, or you could be disappointed when this doesn't happen to you.
I have always booked based on an itinerary which is realistically achievable, and based on the principle of being self insured even when i have a commercial insurance policy, in order to minimise the disappointment and disaster recovery process.
So say, if I were living in
West of Australia Western Australia right now, and I like wine, I would book something like Perth to Margaret River (is there an airport there?) ; Or Perth to Broome if I like the beach. These would be realistic journeys.
I would not book like PER - SYD. Even if AmEx or QF gives you full cash refund, the amount of work chasing waiting on the phone checking statements following up are just not worth $400 of face value to me.
You have to decide if taking a risk with the path you mentioned with the months of chasing on the phone and headache is worth it.
Or just better off booking something like MEL to OOL for a friend in Melbourne and ask them for a bottle of wine in return and just leave it at that.