MH SIN to ADL classic rewards rescheduled 2 days later - anything I can do?

[Phoenix-1]

Original flight was Monday evening (31st Oct) arriving on Tuesday morning, now it's departing Wednesday evening (2nd Nov) and arriving on Thursday morning. I have to be back in Adelaide by Wednesday night, is there anything I can do? I can't see classic rewards on QF metal returning from Singapore on 31st, any chance they would change to that? I'm only bronze unfortunately.

Points Booking Cancelled? You Have Rights!

There’s a common misconception out there where people think they don’t have any consumer rights when they book a flight using frequent flyer points.

flighthacks.com.au

According to this:

Guess what: the same rules apply! The airline can’t just handball you because the operating airline is a partner. They still have to assist you in getting from point A to point B. That said, it helps if you come prepared and can articulate what outcome you expect. If you can provide the call centre staff with options, they could then use their authority to act on those.

Does that mean they'll be willing to open a seat for me? Or am I limited to classic rewards only?

Thanks

 

[aikman]

There are mixed reports. Some people say they've had success, some have failed. Some people say Qantas must sort it out, some say not to waste your time. I guess if you don't ask then you don't get. At the end of the day, Qantas has full control of the outcome so it really depends on how much time, effort and emotion you want to invest in trying to convince Qantas to open up a seat for you.

 

[Andy72]

Original flight was Monday evening (31st Oct) arriving on Tuesday morning, now it's departing Wednesday evening (2nd Nov) and arriving on Thursday morning. I have to be back in Adelaide by Wednesday night, is there anything I can do? I can't see classic rewards on QF metal returning from Singapore on 31st, any chance they would change to that? I'm only bronze unfortunately.

Points Booking Cancelled? You Have Rights!

There’s a common misconception out there where people think they don’t have any consumer rights when they book a flight using frequent flyer points.

flighthacks.com.au

According to this:



Does that mean they'll be willing to open a seat for me? Or am I limited to classic rewards only?

Thanks

Unfortunately depends on completely who you get and their ability in the call centre, for the same problem I very different results with SA vs Hobart

 

[justinbrett]

There's award availability on QF72 (SIN-PER) or JQ8 (SIN-MEL) in Y for 31 Oct.

You could call up and ask for either of these, and they should be able to get a seat for you on a connecting domestic flight (there is availability from both these airports on 01 Nov, but might be a longer layover).

 

[Pushka]

Original flight was Monday evening (31st Oct) arriving on Tuesday morning, now it's departing Wednesday evening (2nd Nov) and arriving on Thursday morning. I have to be back in Adelaide by Wednesday night, is there anything I can do? I can't see classic rewards on QF metal returning from Singapore on 31st, any chance they would change to that? I'm only bronze unfortunately.

Points Booking Cancelled? You Have Rights!

There’s a common misconception out there where people think they don’t have any consumer rights when they book a flight using frequent flyer points.

flighthacks.com.au

According to this:



Does that mean they'll be willing to open a seat for me? Or am I limited to classic rewards only?

Thanks

Jetstar cancelled our award Bali flight two weeks ago. I called Jetstar and they said as Qantas was the booking Agent then I had to call them. Qantas eventually provided me with another Jetstar flight. Call Qantas but they will always state they can't get another airline to release an Award seat however that's the first call.

 

[TomYagher]

The other option I’ve had success with is calling the operating airline. They will initially tell you to go to qantas as the booking agent, but tell them something along the lines of qantas can’t release the same fare class on your airlines booking, and they may sort it out for you.

 

[Phoenix-1]

Thanks for the replies. I tried calling to ask, but they stuck to saying they can only re-book classic reward flights.

The other option I’ve had success with is calling the operating airline. They will initially tell you to go to qantas as the booking agent, but tell them something along the lines of qantas can’t release the same fare class on your airlines booking, and they may sort it out for you.

Thanks for this. I spoke to MH and they said they're willing to re-route via Melbourne, but that Qantas has to speak to MH in order to get that code. I then called Qantas who were unwilling to call MH to find that out because they're apparently unable to call MH.

Anyone heard of this before? I'll keep asking Qantas.

 

[TomYagher]

they're apparently unable to call MH.

I would think it is entirely possible for a Qantas call center rep to put you on hold and call MH while you wait. They can call us so why can't they call another airline? If it was me I'd be pushing the "you are my booking agent line" and stand firm (and polite) saying it is their responsibility to fix the situation, especially as you have negotiated an option with MH, who hopefully put notes on your booking that both airlines can see.

 

[justinbrett]

I would think it is entirely possible for a Qantas call center rep to put you on hold and call MH while you wait. They can call us so why can't they call another airline? If it was me I'd be pushing the "you are my booking agent line" and stand firm (and polite) saying it is their responsibility to fix the situation, especially as you have negotiated an option with MH, who hopefully put notes on your booking that both airlines can see.

Because there is a special department that does oneworld liaison for this exact situation. But that's what the call centre should be referring it to.

 

[Matt_01]

Thanks for the replies. I tried calling to ask, but they stuck to saying they can only re-book classic reward flights.


Thanks for this. I spoke to MH and they said they're willing to re-route via Melbourne, but that Qantas has to speak to MH in order to get that code. I then called Qantas who were unwilling to call MH to find that out because they're apparently unable to call MH.

Anyone heard of this before? I'll keep asking Qantas.

As mentioned by @justinbrett there is a OW service desk that QF or any other OW airline can send requests to for changes such as this. Depending on the agent you get through to they may not know about this so ask them to speak with their supervisor.