Changing flights at domestic Q-Lounges

[rejox]

I am planning on flying Syd-Melb on a Friday night and wanted to book a Red e-Deal (discount economy) ticket for 8pm (might get stuck at work).

What I want to know is - if I did get out of work early and say got to the airport at 4pm - can you approach the service desk inside the lounge and ask for an earlier flight?

Has anyone been able to do this before with a Red e-Deal ticket or will I need to purchase a Flexi ticket?

 

[opusman]

Technically those fares aren't changeable on the day, but it never hurts to ask.

 

[serfty]

Search for "Flow Forward" - your best chances are indeed busy Friday evenings.

 

[docjames]

Ask but don't expect.

 

[harvyk]

Just don't check bags first, otherwise they can't move you to earlier flights even if they want to.

 

[Eddie Bauer]

+1 to ask and you MAY receive. IME it all depends on how the service desk staff are feeling on the day as to whether they will even look at it for you. My conversion rate sits around 30% so far. These have been for changes onto earlier flights during the middle of the day, Q-Link ex Perth on red e-deal tickets and carry on only.

 

[puppysparkes]

I was fortunate enough to be re-booked after missing my flight. I regard this as being a rare occurance, especially considering I was on a sale fare, the one below the red e deal. What happened next was outstanding customer service. I was unable to print my boarding pass and approached the service desk. The agent noted that I was rebooked on the milk run and booked me on a direct flight. Needless to say, I was enternally greatfull and returned with 2 boxes of chocolates the following day for the agents. One for rebooking me when I was not entitled, and the other for getting me on a direct flight. In saying that, I advise against asking when your not entitled, as per the fare rules.
Front line staff, you are the reason I fly Qantas.

 

[munitalP]

book last flight of the day ex SYD. My success rate over 12 months weekly travel for change was all but 1 (maybe 2) flights where I wasn't put on next available. Take a box of roses chocolates - it helps as well!

 

[nlagalle]

The quick check kiosks also offer earlier flights as well and I've seen it on edeals too. It'll all have to do with the loads etc..

 

[Kangol]

Take a box of roses chocolates - it helps as well!

How do you do that exactly, give the chocolates before asking to be put on an earlier flight?
Or, if you ask and they oblige do you pull out the chocolates and say "This is to say thankyou for changing my flight "
What if they don't/can't put you on one, do you take them back?

 

[medhead]

I would give the chocolates as a reward. Don't get the change no chocolates....

 

[Simo]

IMHO it half depends on the flight loads and the way you book in as well.

I have seen the agents change one flight but not the next person's.

I use to always book the last flight out of TSV but a lot of the time try and get the earlier flight success rate was nearly 100%.

 

[Robert K]

This is why there's so many fat people. STOP GIVING PEOPLE CHOCOLATES!

I can't see why they wouldn't put you on an earlier flight if there's space. Apart from being lazy. It doesn't cost them anything.

 

[nlagalle]

I can't see why they wouldn't put you on an earlier flight if there's space. Apart from being lazy. It doesn't cost them anything.

it's not a matter of them being lazy Pu Koh, it's if the system allows them to move it.. sometimes it won't allow it and it has been mentioned on here.

 

[QFBOY]

When flights are oversold or bad storms are expected, or even a cancelled service the staff via the system have the ability to move people forward. They allow this on all fare types to avoid having to overnight anyone who is still left at the end of the day.
Chatting to staff, I am aware of oversold MEL-SYD flights late afternoon by some 50 seats and all got away with no one the wiser.

 

[munitalP]

How do you do that exactly, give the chocolates before asking to be put on an earlier flight?
Or, if you ask and they oblige do you pull out the chocolates and say "This is to say thankyou for changing my flight "
What if they don't/can't put you on one, do you take them back?

I give the lounge angels chocolates at Xmas wrapped up and with a thank you card for their efforts toward me over the previous year. Mel & Syd are recipients, and 1 staff member at Bne I give xmas chocolates to.

Give while expecting nothing in return.