No Dreamliner for me

[Justinf]

Hi all.
I booked a J QF flight MEL-LAX for 11 Feb 2018.
It is a rewards flight one way. Initially the flight was on the Dreamliner at around 2pm-ish and I needed to get to Minneapolis from LAX, so I booked Delta first class flight leaving at 1pm, as the QF flight didn't get in to LAX until 9.30am.
I got an email this morning saying the MEL-LAX flight has been changed to 6.30am and is on the A380, which is actually annoying as I had enough points to go in F, but as the 787 didn't have F, I settled for J.
I now arrive at LAX at 6.30am.
I guess my question is, is it worth changing my Delta flight to something earlier, or should I just leave it as is in case of a QF delay?
Also, as it is an award booking, I am not entitled to upgrade to F. Should I call the guest centre and at least ask of this just tough luck buddy, suck it up?
It's also worth noting, that even though I am in 'first' for the Delta flight, I am not entitled to complimentary access to the Sky Club at LAX.

 

[andyhui01]

It's also worth noting, that even though I am in 'first' for the Delta flight, I am not entitled to complimentary access to the Sky Club at LAX.

Oddly, you need to be on a flexi Y ticket to get Lounge access, or a VA SG/WP.

 

[TomVexille]

Looks like 95 has been removed from inventory on that day

 

[blackcat20]

Could you ask to move your QF flight back a day if you still want the Dreamliner? Of course it would mean changing your Delta flight, or overnighting in LA....

 

[mannej]

Have you tried to submit an upgrade request? I'm fairly sure award flights are eligible for upgrade requests now.

 

[mannej]

Have you tried to submit an upgrade request? I'm fairly sure award flights are eligible for upgrade requests now.

I've just looked at the website, looks like you can't go from J to F this way

 

[Justinf]

Have you tried to submit an upgrade request? I'm fairly sure award flights are eligible for upgrade requests now.

Yup. No go. :-(

Could you ask to move your QF flight back a day if you still want the Dreamliner? Of course it would mean changing your Delta flight, or overnighting in LA....

I wish I could, but I'm locked in to the 11th.

I was looking forward to the 787 with the 1-2-1 layout and had picked a pretty nice seat. Oh well, these things happen.

Oddly, you need to be on a flexi Y ticket to get Lounge access, or a VA SG/WP.

I'm just lowly Silver and will be Red in a few weeks.

 

[harvyk]

Did you give QF a call, or just try via the website?
By actually calling QF (and you may need to try a couple of times) and explaining what has happened you may get lucky and offered the chance to cancel and re-book into F. It's possible that you won't even be charged a fee (they sometimes waive them when doing things which can't be done via the website)

 

[Matt_01]

Call QF this should be considered an involuntary change. You can make changes on this basis and should not be charged additional fees other than standard taxes.

 

[Justinf]

I'll call them when I get home. I stupidly accepted the change on the website though so I don't know if that will hinder my chances or not?

 

[Matt_01]

When did you accept, was it to day, if so give the a call and use the same day change excuse.

 

[Justinf]

When did you accept, was it to day, if so give the a call and use the same day change excuse.

Yep, was today. I rang them and I am getting the automated call back when someone is free. Wait time - 39 minutes.

 

[kermatu]

I have been able to get a flight changed after I had hit 'accept' once as well. Higher status may have helped but was definitely more than a couple of days after I did it. I was moved onto a QF flight from an EK flight. Managed to get it changed back.

 

[Justinf]

Well after being told I could get an upgrade request I was then told that no such thing can happen with an award flight.
The old sorry there's nothing I can do line.

 

[JessicaTam]

Well after being told I could get an upgrade request I was then told that no such thing can happen with an award flight.
The old sorry there's nothing I can do line.

HUACA. Particularly as it is an involuntary change as suggested above.

 

[VPS]

HUACA and tell them you make us all happy with your TRs so if they are good to you we'll be nicer to them

 

[Matt_01]

Well after being told I could get an upgrade request I was then told that no such thing can happen with an award flight.
The old sorry there's nothing I can do line.

I would have responded earlier, however I was in the air. My following comments are only for the QF booking.

The agent is correct in one respect, J awards can not be upgraded to F however it seems that the individual was not as helpful as they could have been either through lack of knowledge or just could not be bothered. In dealing with this type of situation it is important to frame your request correctly to deal with the agents response.

This would be my approach:

In your OP you stated you have the points to book reward F.

Call them back, be polite, let them know that you were originally planning to book an F reward (you have posted you have travelled QF F in the past), but given the new 787 marketing you thought you would give it a try but this was not your preferred option.

Ask what F reward availability is like on your preferred date of travel and have some flexibility for other options around when you want to travel either a380 F or 787 J.

If there is an option that suits ask for that and let them know you assume there is no additional fees (points change fees) other than mandatory fees and taxes.

Worst case, you are still travelling in J, just on an older QF J product. With the risk of inundated with criticism from want-to-be J flyers, the QF Sky seat 2 is still comfortable.

Do not feel obligated to accept whatever is offered straight a way. This is an involuntary change, provided your original booking was ticketed QF have an obligation to honor that booking and in my experience will do so. I would at least call them back and ask QF to reverse the change acceptance as you are now rethinking your travel plans.

In the past I have left involuntary changes open for weeks/couple of months, just ask the agent will your changed booking remain in place until you formally accept.

Like Kermatu suggested my experience may be based on my status, but I would give it a shot.

 

[kermatu]

Good suggestions.

For the record I was Platinum at the time, not P1. My change was made on the general line as it was a Sunday evening from memory when I could focus on the booking. So I agree worth a shot.

 

[katiebell]

I suspect that the B787 will not be worth it: too few WCs, far fewer staff (according to reliable sources) the ability of FAs to black out you window at any time and not let you be in control (and the dimmed but not opaque window casts a funereal gloom over the cabin); no F. The myth of less jet lag... The only im provement is direct aisle access for all (i.e. the modern standard for J for several years, QF only just catching up). I would try to get the A380 and make the most of it while you can.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

Well after being told I could get an upgrade request I was then told that no such thing can happen with an award flight.
The old sorry there's nothing I can do line.

From what I understand this shouldn't be a case of requesting an upgrade. This was an involuntary change of flight, and as such you want to rebook in F, free of charge.