OK, I have attempted to change my flight and called up QF (cannot be changed through the EK website, it said call Qantas), and being a lowly bronze member, I get connected to the Philippines call centre after over an hour of waiting.
They are unable to change my flight date or booking. They said that it is not possible to rebook my flight as a revenue fare class as it is not allowed for award flights, and, even though there did happen to be first class Classic flight availability on my preferred dates and destinations, this was not allowed in my case as I did not have enough Status (only Silver and above) - even though I had booked the original redemption far in advance of that rule change.
I was also offered to downgrade to business with points refund, or cancel the booking.
Needless to say I was less than impressed this lady's attitude. Her motto seemed to be "deny the customer until forced to do otherwise". I have escalated this to her manager who is meant to call me later today. Let me know whether there are any other options. There is still time, and if there is ultimately no resolution I am going on this booking as it stands (although according to the EK schedule it no longer runs on that day of the week for now, I wonder what happens then).
They are unable to change my flight date or booking. They said that it is not possible to rebook my flight as a revenue fare class as it is not allowed for award flights, and, even though there did happen to be first class Classic flight availability on my preferred dates and destinations, this was not allowed in my case as I did not have enough Status (only Silver and above) - even though I had booked the original redemption far in advance of that rule change.
I was also offered to downgrade to business with points refund, or cancel the booking.
Needless to say I was less than impressed this lady's attitude. Her motto seemed to be "deny the customer until forced to do otherwise". I have escalated this to her manager who is meant to call me later today. Let me know whether there are any other options. There is still time, and if there is ultimately no resolution I am going on this booking as it stands (although according to the EK schedule it no longer runs on that day of the week for now, I wonder what happens then).
