Classic reward seat release for partner of WP if WP is travelling on separate booking

[bPeteb]

I've had a quick search but can't find an answer.
I just booked return Y flights to MEL using my AMEX travel voucher. Went in to book my partner classic reward seats and only J available (that he doesn't want, yeh, I know).
I called QFF to ask if Y seats could be released for him but was told I could only do this if I was also travelling. I said I was, and gave them the PNR, but was then told it had to be the same booking.
Is this correct? This wouldn't work if I wanted to pay for one seat and points for the other. If it is, we'll just book the seats and pay. If not, looks like I'll call back tomorrow and hope I get Hobart.
I'm sure I've done this before but maybe I'm imagining things.

 

[ChrisMars]

Pretty sure I read several times in this forum that a WP can uses it's own point to just book family members. You might call and try again.

 

[Ade]

I have definitely had seats released for family, even when I was not travelling. So it is definitely doable. This is a classic case of a HUCA.

 

[dylarr]

Yep this is permitted. You can release seats even if you're not travelling as long as the person is on this list and the points are deducted from your account:

https://www.qantas.com/au/en/frequent-flyer/discover-and-join/terms-and-conditions.html#eligiblefamilymembers

 

[bPeteb]

Tried again this morning and call was answered in Auckland. Done straight away. Then before I was advised it was all done call went to survey. I can see the booking but I'm calling back to check it will be ticketed as not asked to pay the usual taxes for a rewards flight. Wait is decent this morning.

 

[Ade]

not asked to pay the usual taxes

If not paid, I suspect the booking would have pushed to the ticketing queue. Payment needs to go thru successfully before ticketing. Good that you are calling again.

 

[bPeteb]

Glad I called back. I think the booking might have just dropped out at some stage or I might have been sent an email telling me the booking was incomplete. All confirmed and ticketed.