Classic Reward Booking - result changes

[gapmatt]

Hey guys,

I've been looking to book a return ticket using QFF points from MEL to TPE, 26/1/16 - 13/2

Earlier this morning when I looked, there were no reward seats available on the 26/1, however now 1 has popped up with Cathay Pacific. It's not my ideal departure time, but I'm curious if I should be waiting out to see if more pop up?

Do seats pop up because someone has changed/cancelled their reward seat?

 

[RichardMEL]

I would grab it while you can. At least you have a seat.

you may be able to change if something else opens up later (not very likely IMHO) for a penalty but I'd grab it while it's there.

 

[Flying Fox]

Do seats pop up because someone has changed/cancelled their reward seat?

Yes. Sometimes seats go back into inventory when someone else changes/cancels their flight. However, this is not always the case.

In addition, airlines have also been known to release more reward seats as time marches on.

 

[JohnK]

Grab it while it's there. Last minute award travel can be really difficult unless you are spontaneous.

 

[gapmatt]

Thanks for the replies!
There are some economy award seats available, but given the cheap fare price of under $1,000 plus my $400 travel AMEX travel allowance from my CC, I'm tempted to wait out for a business class award seat to use the points.

May save my points for another trip!

 

[MEL_Traveller]

26 Jan is CNY IIRC. Award seats have been fairly thin on the ground before and after that time, well into Feb in some cases.

 

[yohy?!]

26 Jan is CNY IIRC. Award seats have been fairly thin on the ground before and after that time, well into Feb in some cases.

+1 dont expect J inventory to open up in the highest peak of the year for Asia

 

[MrJetset]

In addition, airlines have also been known to release more reward seats as time marches on.

This is hardly true when it comes to QF, although the phone agents will tell you that often. If there's one thing QF does well it's inventory management.

This is why getting to WP is important.

 

[Haplo]

I dont think CNY will have an effect on the SYD/HKG leg. If anything it will only affect the HKG/TPE leg which has very regular flights so it shouldn't be a problem there.

Have you tried searching for China Eastern availability (via Delta's website) and they are a redemption partner for Qantas except you need to call Qantas to book them for you.