Equipment change on PER-MEL

[Josh]

I know this happens a lot, but my (JNB-)PER-MEL segment in late Sept has disappointingly been changed from A330 to 737.

I've tried calling a couple of times to get it moved to an alternative flight on a 330, however, no luck so far (they want to charge a change fee + fare diff).

One agent did comment that she checked, and it's because of the Middle East issues they've swapped a lot of them out, and they may well swap them back. Either way, I'd still like to move, don't want to chance it on a "maybe".

Anyone think it's worth persisting? Any approaches I can lean on?

Thanks!

 

[markis10]

It’s been reported numerous times already. Qantas has decided with the lack of competition their mid life A330 equipment has a better ROI being deployed on routes not ex Per, cest la vie

 

[Saab34]

Anything Perth expect a 737 or A321. Ignore the A330s on any forward booking schedule.

 

[markis10]

Anything Perth expect a 737 or A321. Ignore the A330s on any forward booking schedule.

I think the A220s will show up sooner, rather than later.

 

[AustraliaPoochie]

Yep.
I paid Aud1500 for J on their then A330 from MEL -> PER and back in, for Jul.
It's now swapped to a 737.
They probably will now put me down the back!
Also PER -> SYD and vv, A321 now.
So no more wide bodies planes.

 

[esseeeayeenn]

So now PAX have to pay exorbitant fares for business class on transcontinental routes.
Only to sit in what is effectively a Premium Economy recliner seat with service of the same standard from a smaller galley.

 

[offshore171]

So now PAX have to pay exorbitant fares for business class on transcontinental routes.
Only to sit in what is effectively a Premium Economy recliner seat with service of the same standard from a smaller galley.

Wasn't it always that way though? With the exception of a subset of (A330) flights in recent years (and the occasional 787.)

 

[Josh]

Thanks for the replies everyone. However, wanting to see if any one has actually had success in getting a swapped out 737 flight moved back to a 330. Is there a recommended approach to take, or am I just wasting my time trying?

 

[Quickstatus]

However, wanting to see if any one has actually had success in getting a swapped out 737 flight moved back to a 330.

Wasting your time
As far as I know ALL the transcontinental flights are no longer A330 from July 2026
The A330 will be replaced by either the B737 or A321XLR (via Syd) . Neither have lie flat J.

Perhaps change QF66 to QF64 (JNB-SYD) which is currently operated by an A380, then a shorter flight to MEL in the B737
But then you have to transfer from International to Domestic airport via a Bus

Equipment change between B737 and A330 on the transcontinental has been happening frequently over the years unfortunately. The airline even used the 747 at one stage maybe about 10 years ago (thereabouts)

 

[Josh]

Wasting your time
As far as I know ALL the transcontinental flights are no longer A330 from July 2026

Not all. It seems there's still running about 2 or 3 per week, including one on the day I am travelling. It only has J6 left, so I doubt they'd be able to swap it to a 737.
I would have originally booked JNB-SYD, but it unfortunately doesn't operate the day I'm flying.

 

[Quickstatus]

There's still one on the day I am travelling.

In that case all you can do is request over the phone and make your case.

 

[esseeeayeenn]

Wasn't it always that way though? With the exception of a subset of (A330) flights in recent years (and the occasional 787.)

No before COVID there were usually 1, 2 or even 3 A330 flights each day on PER-SYD, PER-MEL & PER-BNE respectively.
Roughly 50% of daily flights on transcontinental routes were wide bodies.
Certainly (with very very rare exceptions) every midnight horror (aka redye) was on an A330.
The decline started with BNE - I don't think there have been any A330s servicing PER-BNE for years - and spread to MEL & SYD.
It's enough to make you think competition might actually work.
QF kept the wide bodies on transcontinental flights while VA was offering "The Business" on its A330s.
Virgin having no suitable international routes to tempt them to redeploy them.
Also domestic business fares have increased significantly since COVID.
So the price/value proposition has deteriorated significantly.
The only good option now is a seat on a Dreamliner for the domestic sector of an international route.

 

[TeaKozy]

So now PAX have to pay exorbitant fares for business class on transcontinental routes.

I mean... one could just book Y?

I'd never pay what they are asking for J on a 737 transcon, nor the QF premium were it included alongside an international leg - although given they manage to fill the cabin, it seems I'm in the minority (upgrades notwithstanding). Obviously it's not ideal for those that have already booked expecting this product, and I'd suspect (as much as they'd argue otherwise) you'd have grounds for some form of financial compensation (be it a credit or refund). Although as others said, I'd never book with the expectation of flying on a widebody on domestic sectors, except as an international tag ex-SYD.

 

[esseeeayeenn]

I mean... one could just book Y?

I'd never pay what they are asking for J on a 737 transcon, nor the QF premium were it included alongside an international leg - although given they manage to fill the cabin, it seems I'm in the minority (upgrades notwithstanding).

But then I might have to SIT in Y!