Difficulties booking CX Award flights through Qantas

[one9]

As QFF website usually doesn't show CX award flights, I usually check Asia miles website first to find appropriate awards and then call Qantas to book.

The last two times I have successfully done this on both occassions I needed to call Qantas two or three times to do it as the first person I spoke to could not see the flights that I could see and would always say that Asia miles has different award flight availability. However after calling back 5 minutes later one or two times the next agent was able to find the flight and book it.

This time I wan to book a flight TPE to SYD through HKD. The asia miles website shows about 10 different combinations. But when I call Qantas they can only see 1. I have called them three times and it is always the same. I think they can see the flights separately and they could make two separate bookings, but the agent told me that Cathay does not allow them to do that and they will see the two seperate bookings & cancel the booking. The agent said that Qantas is only allowed to book the flight combination's that Cathay allows them to book. Is this true? Is there any other option? Do you really think Cathay would cancel if I get Qantas to book?

 

[JohnK]

As you mention there has been difficulty with CX award flight availability on the QF website in the past couple of years.

From what I understand CX releases a limited amount of award availability to QF so there is no guarantee that the award flights you see via Asia Miles account would be available via QF.

 

[kamchatsky]

Actually, last year I had experience of the opposite: I was looking at HKG-LHR on CX award on Asia Miles engine. The flight I wanted (mid night departure getting to LHR at 5am) was not available in Asia Miles. However, if I booked using QF points, it actually was available and I booked it as part of my RTW OW Y award. So you should check it anyway even if it is not available in Asia Miles.

 

[Timba-Jet]

I've had 2 experiences trying to book CX Award flight with QFF points.

1. Trying to book, SGN-xHKG-SYD, heaps of CX availability showing online. SGN-HKG arrives aprox 3pm, SYD-HKG choice of 7,9pm or midnight. Decided on midnight to allow time to visit HK. Error message displayed when trying to book/pay. Called QFF, agent explained CX does not allow that connection and must go on either 7 or 9pm flight.


2. HKG-SYD in J only showing as available if searching for a return SYD-HKG-SYD, unable to book one-way online. QFF agent explained this is a system limitation and would not waive assisted booking fee.