Can't book "Any Seat Reward" DPS to SYD

[forrestgump]

Hi,

Long time reader, first time poster.

I have a problem in using my QFF points that I am hoping somebody can help with. I will try to describe the situation as best I can.

I have about 170,000 points and I would like to get some use out of them.

My wife and I are flying to Bali on 7th April and we have already bought these tickets (for cash) with Jetstar. We plan to return (to Sydney), leaving Bali on 20th April. Qantas do offer some Classic Awards seats for that return for 25,000 points plus about $160 each. These seats are, however, via Brisbane and we would prefer to fly direct. Our preferred flight from DPS->SYD is JQ38.

Now, I will try to go through the problems I am having on the website.

If I request a return ticket (SYD->DPS->SYD) then I am offered flights without any problems. Including the return on JQ38 for about 67,000 points. However, of course, I don't want a return, I just want that second leg on JQ38 (DPS->SYD).

So, if I try to do this I have problems that I will try to explain.

I select "One-Way" with a departure from DPS. It will not then let me choose SYD as a destination unless I tick the box "Search Qantas and Partner Classic Awards". It seems I have no choice but to select that box to proceed.

I now strike issue number 1. The booking machine displays a message indicating that I will need to present, with my CC, to the Qantas office in Jakarta within 2 days of making the booking. Of course that is not possible, I am still in Sydney and have no intention of going to Jakarta anyway. This, however, is not my first order issue.

So, I accept that message and continue.

I now strike issue number 2. I am now only offered Jetstar Classic Awards seats (via Brisbane etc). This is not what I want. I want a seat on JQ38 that I can pay for with points, as an "Any Seat Reward". I know that there are seats available on JQ38 because when I did the dummy run above, I was offered these seats at 67,000 points.

On the Qantas website it says:

QANTAS & JETSTAR ANYSEAT REWARDS

You can use points to book any available seat on any Qantas or Jetstar flight with a QF or JQ flight number.

So, why can't I get that one way ticket from DPS->SYD that I know exists.

I don't want to do it over the phone because I gather they will charge me 6,000 points per ticket.

I hope I have described the situation satisfactorily and would really appreciate any advice or suggestions.

tia.

 

[markis10]

Please have a look at this thread:

http://www.australianfrequentflyer....rogram/asa-change-summary-how-book-52004.html

The ability to book the true any seat awards that are cheap has been removed, however it can still be done by ringing, and wont cost extra re fees.

 

[forrestgump]

Thanks for that.

However, having read the summary posts, I don't think that exactly describes what I am encountering. I am not trying to book a "Classic Awards" as an ASA. In fact, there are no CA seats available on JQ38. There are seats available though. The booking system was happy to offer me a seat on JQ38 as an ASA, online, if I booked it as part of a round trip.

Makes no sense. I'm feeling that the situation I am encountering is not a policy issue but a booking system issue. Or, I am not pressing the right buttons.

 

[Mr_Orange]

I'd still call up, explain the web site 'errors' and make the booking on the phone and make sure reinforce the point that you are only calling because the booking can't be made on the web site despite availability therefore you should not pay the telephone booking fee.

 

[forrestgump]

I'd still call up, explain the web site 'errors' and ....

Starting to look like that. I truly hate dealing with call centre operators - I just end up getting very frustrated when they don't understand my explanation of the situation.

Maybe a stiff drink first?

 

[Grooba]

Starting to look like that. I truly hate dealing with call centre operators - I just end up getting very frustrated when they don't understand my explanation of the situation.

Maybe a stiff drink first?

Absolutely and remember HUACA nicely if you are not happy or don't get the answer you are expecting.

 

[grussellt]

Starting to look like that. I truly hate dealing with call centre operators - I just end up getting very frustrated when they don't understand my explanation of the situation.

Maybe a stiff drink first?

You might be surprised but there are some very helpful staff who will help you through this. Over the years they have also taught me a lot and seem to enjoy it. Once you learn the ropes it's amazing the awards that you can find. Unfortunately they seem to now be accompanied by increasing cash charges.

 

[opusman]

To book a one-way originating in Indonesia you would need to do it from the QF Indonesia website.

 

[serfty]

It may also be the case that Qantas are not making those Bali to Sydney seats available for point ofsale (POS) Indonesia.