Chances of more Classic Award seats being released

Joy6328 · Mar 31, 2022

Hi!

I realise no-one has a crystal ball - but what is the likelihood of Qantas releasing more Classic Award seats?

I would like to book 4 x Premium Economy or Business Seats from LHR to SYD or BNE in early January 2023. Obviously that's already difficult but I'd even take 2, and pay cash for the other 2, but it's already slim pickings. I assume i'm too low in status, or they've already been snapped up...

Is there any chance Qantas might release more during the year or do I just grab what I can and book the rest at the best price I can get? Currently can only get 2 x Cathay Premium Economy.

Thoughts?

Thanks in advance!

Joy.

levelnine · Mar 31, 2022

Early Jan is peak travel period, so I'd say the chance is about as much as Alan Joyce personally answering your phone call to Qantas.

2x in Cathay PE with points + 2x in Cathay with cash might be your best bet.

Joy6328 · Mar 31, 2022

levelnine said:
Early Jan is peak travel period, so I'd say the chance is about as much as Alan Joyce personally answering your phone call to Qantas.

2x in Cathay PE with points + 2x in Cathay with cash might be your best bet.

Thank you, I thought as much but just needed to hear it from someone else

Pushka · Mar 31, 2022

Try the multi search function as that throws up many more options than a straight Aus - LHR search with different airlines.

Joy6328 · Mar 31, 2022

Pushka said:
Try the multi search function as that throws up many more options than a straight Aus - LHR search with different airlines.

I did - there is hardly anything available even if I throw in MEL... a few via Doha but they all have economy seats for the longest legs. I might just have to bite the bullet

thank you though!

cjd600 · Mar 31, 2022

bite the bullet, but dont give up checking...
e.g. theres a few SYD-LHR 4J days late sept on QF1 now available (I know you are after LHR-SYD, but just showing an example)
They certainly werent there before, and that many on that route is rare (espec for QF Bronze me).
So, there can be random releases after the regular release point.
Maybe Alan Joyce is answering the phone tonight as well.

Joy6328 · Mar 31, 2022

cjd600 said:
bite the bullet, but dont give up checking...
e.g. theres a few SYD-LHR 4J days late sept on QF1 now available (I know you are after LHR-SYD, but just showing an example)
They certainly werent there before, and that many on that route is rare (espec for QF Bronze me).
So, there can be random releases after the regular release point.
Maybe Alan Joyce is answering the phone tonight as well.

That's what I was hoping for - some random drops

I'll keep an eye out, thank you!

RichardMEL · Mar 31, 2022

It's very unlikely unfortunately - specially in those numbers. As above it's such a peak time for travel. Even with a high level of status I would think it unlikely.

You may need to split pax up if trying for rewards in premium cabins, and look for options - such as Doha, EK via DXB and so on - even SriLankan, Royal Jordanian and other combinations.

I mean miracles can happen, but I would not bank on it.

Your other option may be to try to get reward seats part way - say to SIN or BKK, CMB or DXB/DOH and looking for other options from there. Premium fares can sometimes be cheaper and more selection from bigger hubs along the way. You might even need to look at things like JQ to SIN and go from there.

good luck!

Joy6328 · Mar 31, 2022

RichardMEL said:
It's very unlikely unfortunately - specially in those numbers. As above it's such a peak time for travel. Even with a high level of status I would think it unlikely.

You may need to split pax up if trying for rewards in premium cabins, and look for options - such as Doha, EK via DXB and so on - even SriLankan, Royal Jordanian and other combinations.

I mean miracles can happen, but I would not bank on it.

Your other option may be to try to get reward seats part way - say to SIN or BKK, CMB or DXB/DOH and looking for other options from there. Premium fares can sometimes be cheaper and more selection from bigger hubs along the way. You might even need to look at things like JQ to SIN and go from there.

good luck!

That's a good idea - I hadn't thought of only going to SIN or BKK - we have 2A and 2K so don't really want to split up on separate aircrafts but you've given me another really option, thank you!

levelnine · Mar 31, 2022

In addition to SIN and BKK, keep an eye out for KUL with Malaysia Airlines.

Joy6328 · Mar 31, 2022

levelnine said:
In addition to SIN and BKK, keep an eye out for KUL with Malaysia Airlines.

Will do - thank you

Scr77 · Mar 31, 2022

levelnine said:
Early Jan is peak travel period, so I'd say the chance is about as much as Alan Joyce personally answering your phone call to Qantas.

2x in Cathay PE with points + 2x in Cathay with cash might be your best bet.

I would avoid CX. Get creative...What about rewards to Sri lanka and paid from there.….or BA via Sin.

Mwenenzi · Apr 1, 2022

Looking only from LHR will be limiting your options. Look at the other airports that QF ff partners fly from (QR EK). LGW, MAN, EDI. BHX etc.
But the limiting flights are probably the last leg to AU. ADL also has international flights (but not with Air Sydney). CX is a political risk.
Split your party. May need to fly to/from different destinations on different days

List of Qatar Airways destinations - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

List of Emirates destinations - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

Dr Ralph · Apr 1, 2022