Booking backup flights to Europe

[Noah Count]

I guess the other thing that will need considering is that if this goes on for too long how will the airlines accommodate the backlog?
I would think plenty of shuffling and maybe even passengers getting bumped to cater for the loads unless a heap of people decide to steer clear of the ME

My decision to book a back up was purely based on MrsN reservation to fly via the ME in around 70 odd days and it was the only way I could convince her the trip could still go ahead. I am lucky as I have a healthy points balance, did I want to book classic+, no but it was the only option available. We are also dealing with me being stuck in the UK, a 2 day visit has turned into 11 and have to means just to book another flight home and will deal with the cancelled flights when I get back.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

I guess the other thing that will need considering is that if this goes on for too long how will the airlines accommodate the backlog?
I would think plenty of shuffling and maybe even passengers getting bumped to cater for the loads unless a heap of people decide to steer clear of the ME

If the ME3 resume normal operations other airlines are going to find themselves with thousands (tens of thousands?) of empty ‘backup’ seats that people don’t want, and cancel. Fares should equalise once those bookings start to cancel.

If not, the ME3 will have excess capacity, and fares will reflect that.

I think there’s only going to be about a 2-week backlog. Those caught immediately at the outbreak. Everyone else will either shift their plans to a later date, or have cancelled. It not like there’s 1000 people a day getting added to an airport waiting list.

 

[markis10]

Airfares, the new toilet paper

 

[RooFlyer]

Not so sure it will happen so I’ve just booked a backup of Melbourne-> Singapore-> Helsinki -> Vienna with qantas points. I figure losing 6000 points if I need to cancel will be a very cheap insurance policy!

Welcome to posting on AFF. Thays a pretty good result, cabin class notwithstanding.

 

[henrus]

I had QR Y flights booked using VA points in December and noticed SQ had the day same dates available into CDG instead of GVA. Whilst probably a bit extreme I've decided to cancel the QR and have rebooked on SQ.