Change flight and pay $99 change fee or cancel for voucher and rebook?

[RedSMS]

Hey guys,

I have an interesting conundrum here.

I am currently in Port Douglas and am scheduled to fly back to MEL on Fri (QF703.)

I would really love to stay for another few days and I am strongly considering staying another 2 days.

My flight back is a Red-E-Deal worth $199 and evidently there are 2 ways in which I can go about this (possibly)

I want advice on the best way to do this.

If I were to pay the cancellation fee, it would cost me $177 to change my flight from CNS-MEL to Sunday, however,

If I were to request a credit/voucher (due to covid,) I would save $89 as the return option on Sunday is $288 as opposed to the $199 that I paid.

1. Which option should I take and why?
2. Is this unethical?
3. Either way, will I still earn Status Credits?
4. IF I choose the credit option, how long does it take to be issued? (So that I can rebook ASAP?) Although I would entertain the idea of booking the $288 fair IF the credit took a while to come through.)

And finally,

Will QF Allow this?

Cheers

 

[equus]

Is this simply the return leg of a booking (i.e. have you already flown MEL-CNS on this booking)?

If so, I am not sure you have any choice, as the credit/voucher offer due to Covid-19 is for not wanting to fly - not just for wanting to change dates. You will likely not be able to cancel online in this case.

1. Check to see if the "Cancel" option is active via Manage-my-Booking. If it is not, you have your answer.
2. Probably be classed as gaming the system (if you can do it), and you have to consider what your ethics tell you.
3. Yes
4. Depends on the time to process - almost certainly linked to Point 1 above (i.e. may not be possible).

The finally part - see Point 1. I am guessing you have already flown the first leg, and won't be able to cancel, so the answer is likely to be No.

 

[RedSMS]

I get these options.

Considering that my travel changes are due to wanting to stay longer, I will cop the $99 and change the flight. Although, part of the reason for wanting to stay longer is because I know that so many future bookings will have to be cancelled... IE no Holidays or conference trips for a while

 

[equus]

Looks like the system will let you. Up to you if you want to roll the dice.

 

[dylarr]

It took 2.5 days for the credit voucher I requested to come through. Others have been reporting they got it quicker.

It may be safer to get a chat agent to change your flight for you. Ask them if they are able to process the change for you whilst waiving the service and change fees per the current waiver.