Do I have a choice?

[Flying Pig]

Booked LAX-SYD-AKL-SYD-LAX a fortnight ago. Got an 'friendly' email last night from Qantas telling me that our return flights had been changed without actually saying why but that I could 'manage' the changes on the app/website. After sussing the cause (they've axed QF17) I set about 'managing' the shambles. Qantas 'recommended' that we take two alternatives that did not play well with our hotel and Air New Zealand bookings just prior to leaving NZ. When I clicked on 'Manage' and then 'Edit' I failed to see how I could change their 'recommended' alternatives. I consider myself reasonably internet savvy but I was completely at 6s and 7s. Do they make it particularly obtuse or do I not really have a say in the matter?

Thanks

 

[defurax]

Actually, when QF cancels a flight in your booking that gives you a lot of flexibility in your options, but you need to call for that. The options they show online are pretty basic or non-existent.
As an example, I was in the US recently and QF cancelled my DFW-SYD flight, they were suggesting some horrible options with DL and UA, I asked for DFW-LAX-BNE-MEL on AA and QF and it was ticketed/reissued in 5 minutes.

 

[Flying Pig]

defurax, thanks, I've seen the posts decrying the call center wait times so I tried the seemingly useless online route. Guess I'll have to put the kettle on and try calling.

 

[RooFlyer]

Do they make it particularly obtuse or do I not really have a say in the matter?

Yes, the website and ability to 'manage' changed itineraries is a shambles but you do have a say in the matter. I'm not sure who you'll get if you call (local USA rep or one of their call centres), but line up exactly what replacement you want (see defurax - used AA), and maybe a fall-back and insist that as they have cancelled your flight, they get you a satisfactory replacement. Unfortunately, some at their Asian call centres are clueless and may try to put you off with "no, you can't do that ..." etc. MAke sure you get a replacement e-ticket promptly.

Welcome to AFF

 

[Flying Pig]

Thanks, Roo, I will have me ducks in a row and, trust me,
I will be politely assertive as I turn on the Irish porcine charm.
Luckily I somewhat anticipated this so I paid for a flex booking
on AirNZ so I have some wiggle room there.

 

[Flying Pig]

Update:

Glad I charged my phone before calling. The very nice Indian lady had no clue and/or authority. 56 minutes, probably 50 of which was being on hold listening to Techno Lite! The good news is I didn't have resort to any charm, Irish or porcine, let alone assertiveness. No probs changing Qantas' 'recommended' AKL-SYD-LAX to AKL-MEL-LAX in order to get on the QF 95 787. The new itinerary showed on the app within a minute or two! Impressive! Hopefully seat selection on the app will be equally impressive.

Edit:
Seat selection was a breeze plus I was able to change our outbound seats. Originally none were available together but somebody must have canceled as a prime pair were available just now!

 

[Mattg]

Update:

Glad I charged my phone before calling. The very nice Indian lady had no clue and/or authority. 56 minutes, probably 50 of which was being on hold listening to Techno Lite! The good news is I didn't have resort to any charm, Irish or porcine, let alone assertiveness. No probs changing Qantas' 'recommended' AKL-SYD-LAX to AKL-MEL-LAX in order to get on the QF 95 787. The new itinerary showed on the app within a minute or two! Impressive! Hopefully seat selection on the app will be equally impressive.

Edit:
Seat selection was a breeze plus I was able to change our outbound seats. Originally none were available together but somebody must have canceled as a prime pair were available just now!

Do you have a new e-ticket number? (This is a long number starting with "081" for Qantas bookings.)

 

[Flying Pig]

AFAIK I only have the 6 digit combo. Why do I need it? When it comes time to check in will it not be a simple click or two on the app?

edit:
Yes, there were 081 ticket numbers issued.
Do I enter them in some sort of lottery?

 

[blandfordryan]

Just check here and see if it pops up:

Manage booking

Access your flights in Manage booking and start tailoring your flight experience with Finnair!

www.finnair.com

If it doesn't, your booking is not confirmed and you will most likely be turned away at check in.

 

[Mattg]

AFAIK I only have the 6 digit combo. Why do I need it? When it comes time to check in will it not be a simple click or two on the app?

edit:
Yes, there were 081 ticket numbers issued.
Do I enter them in some sort of lottery?

The 6-digit combo is the PNR, which is created whenever a reservation is made. Having a PNR doesn't necessarily mean that the booking is ticketed, i.e. payment is processed and you have a valid ticket for travel.

If you have received a new itinerary with new ticket numbers starting with 081, this just means Qantas has re-issued your booking properly and you're good to go.