Beware QP dragon apathy

[equus]

Probably fairly typical of QF service, but it pays to be a pit knowledgeable and aware.

Coming back from MEL to BNE on an evening flight, decided that an on-departure upgrade to J would be good for a better meal and some relaxation after a very long day.

Had checked EF, and flight was showing J2 C2 at about 50 mins prior to departure.

Went up to the QP service desk, handed over the BP and asked about an upgrade, fairly confident that at worst case they would take the BP and put in a queue until check in closed. Dragon scanned the pass (well, held it up to the scanner, whether or not she did anything, I don't really know). Simply said, "Sorry, fully booked", and handed it back.

Was a bit taken aback, but didn't want to make a fuss in a packed MEL QP. Went and got a drink, and checked EF again - still showing the J2 C2.

Watched the desk, and waited for that dragon to rotate off. Went back and tried again with new dragon, this time saying that I think there are seats still for sale on the flight. This was about 10 minutes later, so still before check in closing. This time - no problem, just need to check catering. Processed without any issue, normal "Catering not assured" message, but no issue with catering.

Presumably the first dragon couldn't be bothered actually doing anything. Another example of the value of EF and a bit of persistence.

 

[GoldCanyon340]

Do you receive 'How was Qantas?' emails after your flights? Worth making a comment.

 

[AIRwin]

Reminds me of the shopping scene in Pretty Woman...

 

[goldenhorn]

Probably fairly typical of QF service, but it pays to be a pit knowledgeable and aware.

Coming back from MEL to BNE on an evening flight, decided that an on-departure upgrade to J would be good for a better meal and some relaxation after a very long day.

Had checked EF, and flight was showing J2 C2 at about 50 mins prior to departure.

Went up to the QP service desk, handed over the BP and asked about an upgrade, fairly confident that at worst case they would take the BP and put in a queue until check in closed. Dragon scanned the pass (well, held it up to the scanner, whether or not she did anything, I don't really know). Simply said, "Sorry, fully booked", and handed it back.

Was a bit taken aback, but didn't want to make a fuss in a packed MEL QP. Went and got a drink, and checked EF again - still showing the J2 C2.

Watched the desk, and waited for that dragon to rotate off. Went back and tried again with new dragon, this time saying that I think there are seats still for sale on the flight. This was about 10 minutes later, so still before check in closing. This time - no problem, just need to check catering. Processed without any issue, normal "Catering not assured" message, but no issue with catering.

Presumably the first dragon couldn't be bothered actually doing anything. Another example of the value of EF and a bit of persistence.

I love your persistence!

It really does pay to never take the first no as the end of the story.

 

[AIRwin]

It really does pay to never take the first no as the end of the story.

Same when I wanted to book a spa at the SYD First lounge prior to a JQ flight on a domestic sector... Second time lucky!

 

[serfty]

Reminds me of the shopping scene in Pretty Woman...

I doubt the lounge Dragon was working on commission.

 

[AIRwin]

I doubt the lounge Dragon was working on commission.

Or OP was not dressed appropriately...

 

[BD1959]

Hi Equus (great name!),

So this was in MEL QP and not the MEL Dom J Lounge?

Regards,

BD

 

[equus]

Yes, was the MEL QP, as I am only SG and was without the other half who is WP.

Transferred to J lounge after successful upgrade.

Dress code was not an issue- suit and tie. Didn’t have the hand luggage with me when I approached the desk. Part of the reason for upgrading was as a precaution if I got caught up in the carryon weighing blitz. Had travelled for a demo/presentation that involved me having 3 laptops, iPad, projector, router, switch and various cables. Both bags ended up 10kg - could take a couple of laptops out in their own sleeves, and be legal - but then 4 items.

Needn’t have worried. No weighing in sight.

 

[Pushka]

Reminds me of the shopping scene in Pretty Woman...

Best ever scene that! Big mistake.

 

[BD1959]

Yes, was the MEL QP, as I am only SG and was without the other half who is WP.

Thanks.

Note to self: never let that WP status lapse ... !!

Regards,

BD

 

[GoldCanyon340]

I wonder if the staff member ever works on 'the other side' in the J lounge? That would be a good Pretty Woman indicator.

 

[justinbrett]

In future if they say no hold up your phone with the expert flyer results.

 

[GoldCanyon340]

In future if they say no hold up your phone with the expert flyer results.

That tactic is of little use when interacting with 'Computer Says No' staff.

 

[cvmceg]

I love your persistence!

It really does pay to never take the first no as the end of the story.

My most valuable learning from AFF in 2018 was the strategy of 'hang up and call again' - has worked brilliantly.

 

[equus]

I wouldn’t be that pushy. The criteria for an on departure upgrade is opaque. Just because there are still seats for sale doesn’t mean they are available for upgrade.

Time until departure will be a big factor. After check in closes, available seats should be a good indicator, but before that, YMMV.

It was not necessarily the knock back that raised my suspicions, but more the very fast response, and “fully sold” comment, not that there were no seats available now. Plenty of times in the past before close of checkin (when checkin closed closer to departure for HLO), the response has been, “nothing at this time” but boarding pass held until after check in - when any seats left are then allocated. That was what I was actually expecting, but I suspect that Dragon #1 thought that would be too much work to be bothered with.

 

[Quickstatus]

My most valuable learning from AFF in 2018 was the strategy of 'hang up and call again' - has worked brilliantly.

The next most important lesson is to use abbreviations.
In your case it is "HUACA"

 

[kevrosmith]

My gut feel in these situations is they can see there are staff waitlisted for the flight, and so they deny pax upgrades...

I had this exact situation seeing info via EF and when got on-board, there were two staff (pilots) in uniform taking their place in the last two seats after everyone boarded. I was told by the CSM that pilots have some clause in their agreement which basically guarantees them J travel domestically.

 

[Quickstatus]

And sometimes a downgrade comes into play

 

[JohnK]

That tactic is of little use when interacting with 'Computer Says No' staff.

You'd be surprised if you persevered.

Had similar with CX a number of years ago in business with a misconnect that was their fault and they put us on next nights last flight even though there were 4-5 earlier flights available earlier in day. They kep saying no availability until we showed them ExpertFlyer and they found 2 seats available.

Shouldn't have to go those lengths. Basic customer service.