Change domestic connection for international booking

[justinbrett]

We are travelling BNE-SYD-BKK with Qantas after Christmas and we're booked on the 0600 flight out of Brisbane, which leaves a tight but allowable connection in SYD. Not wanting to rush, what's the chance of being offered an an earlier flight (either the 0500 or 0530) if we simply arrive early, or even call up to change? It's L class and I'm Gold. To complicate matters I've had J upgrade requests in since Sep so also afraid changing online/over the phone will drop me to the bottom of the list even though that legs not changing.

 

[kermatu]

I'd put a call in and see if you can move that leg - if it's the same price it might work. It shouldn't affect the J requests for the next sector.

There are mixed reports as to success rate of people in such circumstances. If the transit is acceptable, and Qantas hasn't changed a flight time on you, may not be lucky. But no harm in asking!

I've been successful the few times I have tried, but that's almost always as a result of a change in flight times by QF or a request at the airport (as Platinum or P1).

 

[justinbrett]

Thanks, obviously if we miss the connection in Sydney it will cost Qantas money, so I figured if there's spare seats on the earlier flights (which this time year, who's flying at 5am?) they'd have rather rule out that risk. Unlikely over the phone but figured a good chance at the airport.

 

[Shan Man]

Depending on what class fare you've booked they might charge you a change fee over the phone + Fare difference + Call up Fee ($40 I think?)

I did this earlier in the year (Called up) for a trip MEL-SYD-JNB but got away with it for free as a WP.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

We are travelling BNE-SYD-BKK with Qantas after Christmas and we're booked on the 0600 flight out of Brisbane, which leaves a tight but allowable connection in SYD. Not wanting to rush, what's the chance of being offered an an earlier flight (either the 0500 or 0530) if we simply arrive early, or even call up to change? It's L class and I'm Gold. To complicate matters I've had J upgrade requests in since Sep so also afraid changing online/over the phone will drop me to the bottom of the list even though that legs not changing.

This comes up quite often! I think results vary... try calling QF and see if they will move you. If they don't want to (or it's going to be too expensive), try arriving at the airport early and shoot for an earlier flight. If seats are available, check-in staff seem to be willing to accommodate.

 

[ozbeachbabe]

We are travelling BNE-SYD-BKK with Qantas after Christmas and we're booked on the 0600 flight out of Brisbane, which leaves a tight but allowable connection in SYD.

Not wanting to rush, what's the chance of being offered an an earlier flight (either the 0500 or 0530) if we simply arrive early, or even call up to change?

It's L class and I'm Gold. To complicate matters I've had J upgrade requests in since Sep so also afraid changing online/over the phone will drop me to the bottom of the list even though that legs not changing.

It will depend on the day of the week eg on a Sunday there is no flight at 0500. The first flight is QF503 @ 0530 which arrives SYD 0805.

The next one is QF507 @ 0700 which arrives at 0935 ie way too late for the 0955 departure of QF23.

 

[justinbrett]

It will depend on the day of the week eg on a Sunday there is no flight at 0500. The first flight is QF503 @ 0530 which arrives SYD 0805.

The next one is QF507 @ 0700 which arrives at 0935 ie way too late for the 0955 departure of QF23.

Its a Monday (29th) there's a 0500, 0530 and 0600.

 

[Simo]

I have had tight connection between domestic and International and have been tight but QF would have put me on the next available flight. It wasn't a big deal as only going to SIN

 

[justinbrett]

Only one (QF) flight per day to BKK. EK flight is much later and arrives after midnight (instead of 3pm).

 

[Simo]

Make the ph call and see what they say. Worst thing is you get the flight that gets you there at midnight

 

[kermatu]

But if the next available flight is already full, you are out of luck. Not that it sounds like the connection is so tight that will be the case. QF are also pretty good at seeing onward connections and may move you to the earlier flight anyway if your 6am looks like being delayed.

In any event, as most of us have suggested, give them a call asap and see. If no luck, try again over the phone later or at the airport on the day.