Booking multi-city itinerary from QF China website

[Isochronous]

I'm in Shanghai and want to fly back to MEL, but go via HKG on at least one leg. Rather unhelpfully, the China website does not incude the multi-city button. If I search for straight PVG-MEL it gives me one option but the KA flight is too tight a connection to allow time to leave the airport to meet someone in Kowloon then go back. Is there a way to book this online or is my only recourse to use the call centre? And if the latter, can I get the phone booking fee waived on that basis?

Of course, booking CX is easier, but it is an extra $100 for a fare-earning ticket in at the 50% discount Y rate when I could get the WP bonus on QF, AND the double SC promo for booking before 30 June.

 

[moa999]

Call.

Most online sites struggle with the online bookings.

Also try jetabroad.com.au which I have found to be one of the better sites for third party

 

[Isochronous]

I gather I should try the China number? I called the Australia number and there was a $500 price difference, when the guy (who was less than helpful - eg "if you can't see the fare online you'll have to do it by phone" - well duh, that's why I'm calling you) was asked about this he said the Qantas number in Shanghai might have access do different fares to them. Is this true?

 

[frankxinyu]

yes QF china is essentially a travel agent bearing QF's name.

they do not accept credit card payment online/over the phone any way, once you call the number online you will need to visit their shanghai office to issue tickets.

this is a struggle for me every year, and it has been like this for years now.

I always buy the special J fare from beijing as i go over at least twice a year. tried to call qf here to issue ticket and fare is restricted to QF china, which means i have to go to their office to issue tickets.

there are literally no way around it, i have tried everything.

pretty amazing we live in 2013.

 

[Isochronous]

yes QF china is essentially a travel agent bearing QF's name.

they do not accept credit card payment online/over the phone any way, once you call the number online you will need to visit their shanghai office to issue tickets.

this is a struggle for me every year, and it has been like this for years now.

I always buy the special J fare from beijing as i go over at least twice a year. tried to call qf here to issue ticket and fare is restricted to QF china, which means i have to go to their office to issue tickets.

there are literally no way around it, i have tried everything.

pretty amazing we live in 2013.

Just called and got the far for ~6100RMB, saving about A$500 from booking with QF and CX separately, and A$400 from the Aus call centre. Very good service. Just handed over QFF number and it emailed the booking automatically.

What special China J fare are you talking about? I'm curious. Also wondering if they do any W specials going through SYD.

 

[frankxinyu]

but you have to go to their office to physically present your credit card?

i always buy the return j fare on QF, originating from PEK.

PEK-HKG-SYD-BNE, return for 26500 rmb.

i do that at least 4 times a year and so far every time i have to go to their beijing/shanghai office for credit card.

I spoke to QF aus before and they took it as far as they could but they cant change it.

so i am very very surprised to hear that QF china took the booking over the phone.

 

[Isochronous]

but you have to go to their office to physically present your credit card?

i always buy the return j fare on QF, originating from PEK.

PEK-HKG-SYD-BNE, return for 26500 rmb.

i do that at least 4 times a year and so far every time i have to go to their beijing/shanghai office for credit card.

I spoke to QF aus before and they took it as far as they could but they cant change it.

so i am very very surprised to hear that QF china took the booking over the phone.

I have to go to the office with card in about two weeks - they didn't take any card number on the phone. Do you know if they take Amex? I forgot to ask.

$4000 return in J isn't bad value actually, but not as good as ex-TPE.

 

[frankxinyu]

I have to go to the office with card in about two weeks - they didn't take any card number on the phone. Do you know if they take Amex? I forgot to ask.

$4000 return in J isn't bad value actually, but not as good as ex-TPE.

depends, the Beijing one takes Amex I know for a fact.

But you will not get bonus points as the transaction is not charged to qantas, instead a Chinese travel agency.

Good luck finding the place too!

 

[Cruiser Elite]

$4000 return in J isn't bad value actually, but not as good as ex-TPE.

Yes the ex TPE fares look great - but it is the TPE-PEK / TPE-PVG sectors I have real trouble with - would love to sit and chat so someone who has actually added these sectors regularly in J or F to talk me through it.