Oneworld award booking

[gaz1]

Hi,

We are in the process of making a round-the-world One world booking.
They told us that if we miss ANY flight for any reason that is not their fault (eg slept in, missed train, taxi broke down) then the ENTIRE rest of the ticket would automatically be CANCELLED.

Just wondered if anyone had heard about this?

I asked if we could simply make our own way to the next sector - no - the entire ticket is cancelled.

Apartently this is not the case with Qantas only bookings - just oneworld bookings due to the restrictions imposed by the booking system.

I asked if the frequent flyer travel travel insurance would cover this - no - not unless you missed the flight due to a couple of incidences (such as cancellation of a schedulled public service).

Anyone know any insurance options to protect yourself against this?

OK, so we never intend to miss a flight but it sounds like a bad loophole in the oneworld awards system. Any other ideas?

Gary.

 

[NM]

Yes, this is a standard restriction with that particular award type. Once the first flight has been taken, no changes can be made to any sector, and as with any RTW type fare, the sectors must be flown in order.

Any decent travel insurance package should cover you for problems that are not your fault (ie missed connections, illness, accident etc). But I don't know of anything that will cover for sleeping in or just being late to the airport. Do your own homework on travel insurance. Most won't/can't refund the points, but they should be able to get you home if the fare in cancelled due to missing a flight that was caused by something that meets their activation conditions. Make sure you understand what is included and what is not. A good place to compare and view policies is www.travalinsurance.com.au.

This is a good reason to make sure you have either a paid Qantas Club membership or OneWorld Sapphire/Emerald status so you have lounge access at most airports. Then plan to be at the airport early and enjoy the time in the lounge before boarding.

 

[serfty]

... www.travalinsurance.com.au ...

That's www.travelinsurance.com.au

 

[NM]

yeah ... what he said . There goes my tpying agian :? .