Avoiding fees when Cancelling Qantas Flight Bookings

[Iggy_Pop]

Hello, I purchased some international qantas flights for June this year but have decided not to go. Qantas want $400 to cancel the flights. Is there anyway to avoid this? Was hoping some times changed which would allow a full refund but was wondering if any one had a way around this. The flights were sale flights.

Thanks

 

[CaptJCool]

The cancellation fees apply when you voluntarily cancel. While unpalatable, better than changing and paying a fee for a future flight credit

Travel insurance is an option if there’s circumstances (eg medical)

If the airline cancels it could be a full refund

 

[Mwenenzi]

Iggy_Pop Welcome to AFF

Hello, I purchased some international qantas flights for June this year but have decided not to go. Qantas want $400 to cancel the flights. Is there anyway to avoid this? Was hoping some times changed which would allow a full refund but was wondering if any one had a way around this. The flights were sale flights.ks

The t&c's are what you agreed to when purchasing. The more expemnsiove the fare buckets the lesser the t&c's penalties tend to be. Sale at the lowest fare - most restrictive t&c's.

Worth wait until the last possible time to voluntary cancel the flights. With luck QF may have a big schedule change which may allow QF~you to cancel for a full refund.

 

[SYD]

Hello, I purchased some international qantas flights for June this year but have decided not to go. Qantas want $400 to cancel the flights. Is there anyway to avoid this? Was hoping some times changed which would allow a full refund but was wondering if any one had a way around this. The flights were sale flights.

Thanks

Have you look at cancel to voucher? Is that the same fee as a cash refund? If lower, and you’re going to fly again within 12 mths, it might be the better option?

Worth wait until the last possible time to voluntary cancel the flights. With luck QF may have a big schedule change which may allow QF~you to cancel for a full refund.

It’s possible, but probably unlikely - really depends on where the flight(s) were to?

 

[justinbrett]

If they allowed free cancellation they wouldn’t be able sell flexible fares.

 

[Iggy_Pop]

Have you look at cancel to voucher? Is that the same fee as a cash refund? If lower, and you’re going to fly again within 12 mths, it might be the better option?


It’s possible, but probably unlikely - really depends on where the flight(s) were to?

Flights are Brisbave - Sydney - London via Singapore

 

[SYD]

Flights are Brisbave - Sydney - London via Singapore

I won’t speculate on the possibility of any of those being cancelled and triggering a free refund.

But is there a difference in fee (or potential rebooking fee) if you cancel to voucher?

Alternatively, are you likely to want to do the same trip another time and so rebook ie “Change” flight dates (subject to a fee and fare difference)? The trick here would be to wait (hopefully) for some sort of Sale so the fare difference is minimised.

Otherwise, it’s the $400 cancellation fee for a cash refund.

 

[tcalbert]

I am trying to cancel a combined booking with Qantas. One way booked using points the other paid in full and and e-Deal. All on the same booking unfortunately. They are saying I am not entitled to any refund with both sectors. No points nor any $. I realise there is a penalty fee but my understanding is I should get something back. Can anyone help with clarification? The terms and conditions they cited were also unclear.

 

[Flyfrequently]

Welcome to posting @tcalbert
Hopefully the brains trust can help in answering your question.
Was it domestic or international?

 

[mannej]

Whilst I don’t have the answer for this case, doesn’t the most restrictive of the fare conditions apply when you combine 2 different fare types?

 

[HSB44]

Anyone have any experience with cyclones?

We recently cancelled a trip to the pacific at the last minute and copped the cancellation fee - we assumed that the travel assurance (via Amex Travel, through the flight booking) wouldn't cover a cyclone, given that the airport was still operational and there was no major impact to flights.

I haven't bothered to read the T&Cs and have a long discussion with Amex... but I assume there is no chance of compensation there, right?

 

[aikman]

I can't help but notice the irony of hoping for a cancellation when a lot of people choose Qantas precisely because of a low risk of cancellation.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

Anyone have any experience with cyclones?

We recently cancelled a trip to the pacific at the last minute and copped the cancellation fee - we assumed that the travel assurance (via Amex Travel, through the flight booking) wouldn't cover a cyclone, given that the airport was still operational and there was no major impact to flights.

I haven't bothered to read the T&Cs and have a long discussion with Amex... but I assume there is no chance of compensation there, right?

Not necessarily.

There is a clause in many policies stating that you should take precautions and try to avoid risk.

If the cyclone was well publicised on the news, that may provide you with evidence that you were avoiding risk.

You should call your insurance provider.

 

[Youfah Mizzum]

Apologies OP but I'm going to piggyback on this thread with a similar question.

I want to book a one way from Tokyo (HND) to SYD in late Feb 2027 on QF26.
Ideally will book using CR (36,200 in Y) but they're not available.
I am prepared to wait for them to become available but in the meantime I like to rest assured that I have flights booked - even if I need to cancel when the CR seats finally show up, hopefully.

I can book seats right now using Red Kangaroo rules (not full flex) but cancellation is ¥30,000, so just under $300.

I do this trip regularly and for my 2026 trip last Feb, I got an alert (thanks seats.aero) in Nov 2025 that CR seats are available.

So...do I book the revenue fares and wait until possibly Nov 2026 for maybe CR seats to open? Then I'd be copping the ¥30,000 cancellation fee per pax so a fair whack to the pocket.

Or book full flex ¥280,640 and have the ability to cancel for free? That'd assume that 36,200 pts CR seats become available. What if they don't?

Or just wait without a return flight to SYD until, or if, an alert comes through that CR seats are available?

Or is there a way to wrangle QF into waiving the cancellation fee?

And yes - QF26 is our only option for a few reasons.

 

[Warragul]

How much is the semi flex fare plus the cancellation fees? Comparing to the fully flex cost is the answer (from a $ perspective) Isn't it?
Why would Qantas waive the cancellation fee? On the information provided there doesn't seem to be a reason for them to do so other than being nice. Is that going to happen?