Any other data points on attempting to move to an earlier (domestic) flight without either 1) being on flexi fare; 2) adverse weather or other IRROPS; or 3) connecting from int'l to domestic?
We (1x WP and 2x SG, on 2 separate bookings) are on the 6.40pm SYD-ADL today and wondering what our chances would be of getting on the 5.40pm flight instead? Both fairly lightly booked.
I'm no great fan of the SYD lounges so my instinct is not to bother trying to turn up early enough to keep that option open. Any thoughts?
I didn't try, but now I wish I had - the 7:40pm flight (an hour after hours) just got cancelled and they have pushed our flight back to 7:30, presumably so they could accommodate the pax from that one.
Both were fairly lightly loaded - prob around 50% each - so I can't help but be suspicious that this was a tactical cancellation rather than for technical or other reasons.
From experience, flying ex-CBR/ADL/SYD/MEL/BNE - I was almost always (4/5 times) successful requesting flying forward, even when on a non-Flex, non-IROPS situation. I ask at the check-in desk to see if there is a possibility that they can move me to an earlier flight. In my case, I have always had either a connecting to/from International flights or have multiple connections on the same day.
I'd say it also depends on the agent you get to talk to. Some agents are more flexible (and have the right access controls) to move pax to an earlier flight (& waive any extra charges) giving the right reasons in the system.
What I have not been successful is - trying to change the routing. For instance, ex-BNE on a work trip, I asked if I could fly BNE-CBR direct, instead of the booked BNE-MEL-CBR. Now, I'm usually a "why fly direct, when you can connect" person, but in this case, I had to be in CBR for a personal appointment which got preponed. The check-in agent in BNE could not do that without triggering a change fee (which I politely declined).
The above being said, I have had success in changing routing in case of any events that are out of pax control. For instance, black ice/slippery runway in CBR during winters. I was connecting to an international out of SYD and my CBR-SYD was getting delayed due to ice. I asked the agent, if they could put me on an earlier QF out of CBR, so that I could reach SYD on time to make my international connection and was successful.
So it depends on a few things - but I have been generally successful.
Oh and get the flights changed at check-in only. Some agents might suggest you talk to the lounge and change - this never works, especially if you have checked bags (technically, it can work, but it might be a hassle for the airport staff to do this, so they usually deny any changes at the lounge). HLO is a different story altogether.
