Availability of reward seats to increase with code-share?

[Philosiphier]

Hi,

I was wondering if anyone may know if there has been any talk (or evidence) of a possible increase in available award seats to appear in line with the official code-share agreement in the next few months?

I am trying to book an award flight from Sydney to London (or Rome/Paris) in April in Business class and there is absolutely NOTHING available.

Just wondering if I should hold out until the 'coalition' is official before I pay for our seats to travel economy, rather than hope that there will be Business award seats available.

Any thoughts would be appreciated!

Zoe.

 

[dalereardon]

Hi,

How many points do you have? You might be able to do a OneWorld redemption fare in J and get to Europe on a different route such as through Hong Kong or even Malaysian Airlines joins OW starting tomorrow and might have seats.

Dale.

 

[Philosiphier]

Hi Dale,

Thank you for responding

I have around 180,000 QFF points, my other half has around 45,000, but we are counting on having some more gifted to us from a relative ( just so that we can meet the requirement for business, so this will only be around 50,000 at most I guess ).
I'm wondering how you go about redeeming through OW? I thought the airline members were included in the QFF search engine? Or is there another way to book?
And what are Malaysian airlines like? Have you ever flown business with them?

Thanks again for your response

Zoe.

 

[mannej]

I would have thought 3 months to find award seats to Europe a bit too late.

Especially considering the limited J supply and school holidays. You can always try by either calling QF or by creating Expert Flyer alerts but I'd be doing that pronto

 

[Philosiphier]

This holiday is being planned at the last minute due to health reasons and a time limitation. Not everyone is able to plan holidays 12 months in advance in order to secure award flights.

Are you suggesting that if I called QANTAS, there might suddenly be an award seat available? I haven't heard of this before? But if you think it's worth a try I will certainly give it a go!

And excuse my ignorance, but what an expert flyer alert? I haven't hear of these either.

Thanks again for responding.

 

[Philosiphier]

Actually just googled the flight alert thingo... Might try and give it a go in the morning.. Thanks

 

[ComeFlyWithMe]

Hi Zoe,

I feel you've missed the boat (or in this case plane) for April flights. I'm not sure if you have any status with QF, but pretty much every member on this forum is looking for J awards to Europe at some point or another. To get these, you really need to be looking at 12 months out to have a chance.

Saying that, the CX options sporadically pop up on the online system (due to an ongoing system glitch that has been apparent for years), but more may be available over the phone. You can fly SYD-HKG-LHR/FCO/CDG on CX, and their J product is very good.

At late notice, call and you may be surprised at what the consultant can come up with (and earn their assisted award booking fee).

IMO, forget about ExpertFlyer and the like for a single trip, just make a phone call and pay the ensuing fee, if you get the seats it will be worth it.

All of the above considered, I think you will be well under the points requirements for 2 pax in J on a OW award, being around 276,000 per person.

Good luck!

 

[drross]

I would have thought 3 months to find award seats to Europe a bit too late.

Especially considering the limited J supply and school holidays. You can always try by either calling QF or by creating Expert Flyer alerts but I'd be doing that pronto

It also depends on the colour of your QFF card!

 

[Philosiphier]

Hi again,

Yes, I know I am only a bronze level and fly only once, perhaps twice per year, so my chances are quite low - I know..

However I will give calling them a go to see if anything changes.. it's worth a try!

As for the points total, we are in the happy position of having a family member who can gift us enough points to allow us to have around 300,000 if needed.. and as this trip is only one-way, it should be enough?

Thanks for your hints and tips though, it's great to know there is help out there