Cancelling a domestic economy "Red e-Deal"

[transpactraveller]

Many years ago when I cancelled a Red e-Deal ticket I was given a credit voucher to use on a future flight, minus the $99 change fee. Is that still what happens today?

I also remember being told you won't get the voucher if you cancel within 24 hours of departure - you forfeit everything. In this situation, there's nothing to gain by cancelling and you should check-in and no-show, because otherwise you could miss out on a refund if Qantas actually cancel the flight themselves at the last minute.

With US airlines on non-refundable tickets, you can still get a cash refund of the non-airfare components (eg taxes and government charges) if you don't fly. Can you do the same with Qantas?

I did try to find info about the cancel process on Qantas.com but it's a bit vague and confusing. Hopefully the collective wisdom of this forum can clarify! Thanks!

 

[SYD]

Clicking on the “CANCEL / VOUCHER” button should tell you what your options are (it won’t immediately cancel just clicking on that).

 

[AIRwin]

Is that still what happens today?

I believe so:

https://www.qantas.com/au/en/book-a-trip/flights/fare-types/fare-guide-information.html/australia/australia.html

 

[oz_mark]

I think you can cancel until the day of departure, rather than 24 hours,

Also, the $99 change fee is usually charged when you redeem the voucher (ie actually make the change)

As for refund of taxes, you don't get the GST component back.

 

[kangarooflyer88]

Sometimes it makes sense to wait for the airline to cancel the flight or do a schedule change. Then you can simply call up and request a full refund

 

[oz_mark]

Sometimes it makes sense to wait for the airline to cancel the flight or do a schedule change. Then you can simply call up and request a full refund

Taking a bit of a punt on which flights are going to be cancelled.

 

[kangarooflyer88]

Taking a bit of a punt on which flights are going to be cancelled.

In fairness, what is there to lose by holding off on cancelling a flight? Does Qantas reduce their cancellation fee if you cancel earlier? Do they provide a bigger refund if you cancel earlier? Clearly that's not the case, so why not let that ticket be Qantas' liability until you absolutely must cancel?

 

[SYD]

In fairness, what is there to lose by holding off on cancelling a flight? Does Qantas reduce their cancellation fee if you cancel earlier? Do they provide a bigger refund if you cancel earlier? Clearly that's not the case, so why not let that ticket be Qantas' liability until you absolutely must cancel?

I reckon you’d have more chance with VA cancelling a flight. I’m struggling to remember the last time I had a QF Dom flight cancelled. Yes, they happen but often on the day and you’re quickly moved to the next available - 15 or 30 mins later if you’re on the triangle routes. But the point is, the chances of one person banking on a cancellation is low IMHO. But yeah, you could hold off until the day before if you wanted. Just set the alarm!

 

[CaptJCool]

I had this is June 2022 when my melb friend got COVID so I canceled the $109 fare. I was given about $24 refund, which I understand is the taxes.

13.4 Refunds on Taxes and Charges​

Whether or not your airfare is refundable, if you do not use your Ticket, you may be entitled to claim a refund of certain charges and taxes which you have paid, except for any amounts we have had to pay to third parties even though you have not travelled. We may deduct a reasonable administration fee. If the fee exceeds the amount of the refund, no refund will be paid.

Conditions of Carriage | Qantas AU

Refer to Qantas Conditions of Carriage that define the passenger rules, fares, refunds and more set out in your ticket.

www.qantas.com

 

[transpactraveller]

I had this is June 2022 when my melb friend got COVID so I canceled the $109 fare. I was given about $24 refund, which I understand is the taxes.

13.4 Refunds on Taxes and Charges​

Whether or not your airfare is refundable, if you do not use your Ticket, you may be entitled to claim a refund of certain charges and taxes which you have paid, except for any amounts we have had to pay to third parties even though you have not travelled. We may deduct a reasonable administration fee. If the fee exceeds the amount of the refund, no refund will be paid.

Conditions of Carriage | Qantas AU

Refer to Qantas Conditions of Carriage that define the passenger rules, fares, refunds and more set out in your ticket.

www.qantas.com

The weird part about that, they have a special fee free refund form for tickets purchased in France! It must be local legal requirement there?

 

[SYD]

The weird part about that, they have a special fee free refund form for tickets purchased in France! It must be local legal requirement there?

and if not?….

 

[transpactraveller]

and if not?….

You have to pay a "reasonable administration fee" of which the amount is not listed, except to say that it may exceed the amount of your refund.

 

[SYD]

You have to pay a "reasonable administration fee" of which the amount is not listed, except to say that it may exceed the amount of your refund.

Odd. Are you OS at the moment? You may want to double check you’re on the QF Oz website and no VPN…(or VPN set to Oz).

 

[kangarooflyer88]

I reckon you’d have more chance with VA cancelling a flight. I’m struggling to remember the last time I had a QF Dom flight cancelled. Yes, they happen but often on the day and you’re quickly moved to the next available - 15 or 30 mins later if you’re on the triangle routes. But the point is, the chances of one person banking in a cancellation is low IMHO. But yeah, you could hold off until the day before if you wanted. Just set the alarm!

Depends on how far in advance you book and a few other factors. Looking at QF flights I have booked that have been cancelled or significant rescheduled was SYD > CBR (both directions) booked in late March with departure in November/December. I also had LDH > SYD cancelled a couple months in advance which was great since that allowed me to force Qantas into rebooking me into the afternoon return for free! Does it happen on every trip? No, but it's a possibility and certainly not a slim one given how tight Qantas is operating now due to COVID and the short staff and fleet they are running!

Always let the airline make the first unforced error. That's my philosophy!

-RooFlyer88

 

[SYD]

Always let the airline make the first unforced error. That's my philosophy!

But set your alarm. Winner takes all!

 

[transpactraveller]

Can the credit voucher be used by a family member or does it get locked to the name of the original ticket holder?

 

[MEL_Traveller]

I reckon you’d have more chance with VA cancelling a flight. I’m struggling to remember the last time I had a QF Dom flight cancelled. Yes, they happen but often on the day and you’re quickly moved to the next available - 15 or 30 mins later if you’re on the triangle routes. But the point is, the chances of one person banking on a cancellation is low IMHO. But yeah, you could hold off until the day before if you wanted. Just set the alarm!

I had a QF ticket I could no longer use. Waited until day of departure and was notified about three hours before departure that it had been delayed and I was accommodated on a flight an hour or so later. This was enough to trigger a full cash refund.