Oneworld Classic Flight Reward Discussion - The Definitive Thread

[Noah Count]

Thanks. I guess then I would need to do them quickly enough to ensure I get on the same flight while there are still seats?

Also FWIW I would do the initial search for x2 PAX to minimise the chance of becoming unstuck finding rewards seats available for one and then not being able to find the second seat. The main carrier that springs to mind is QR from/to AU as QR seems to only release 1 seat to QF in J and there are other threads on this subject. CX can also be hit and miss depending on which airport you depart AU.

Hehe. Talk of two computers sounds like two logins from the same account would work which I am guessing wouldn't be the case?

You do not need 2 computers, 2 browsers will work just fine and just switch between them when searching and processing payments. It is not 2 logins from the same account, it is 2 single logins on the same computer using differents browsers. I am assuming that you and your daughter have individual QFF numbers.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

Also FWIW I would do the initial search for x2 PAX to minimise the chance of becoming unstuck finding rewards seats available for one and then not being able to find the second seat. The main carrier that springs to mind is QR from/to AU as QR seems to only release 1 seat to QF in J and there are other threads on this subject. CX can also be hit and miss depending on which airport you depart AU.

You do not need 2 computers, 2 browsers will work just fine and just switch between them when searching and processing payments.

Agree. Two computers to book two seats is not a guaranteed method of securing the seats. There are occasional reports where a third party has actually got in to take the second seat while the others were being set up for payment.

The call centre would get around that problem as they can actually hold them.

 

[GaryLG]

Simultaneous login on two different browsers works, so two computers sounds okay.

Okay, thanks.

 

[GaryLG]

Also FWIW I would do the initial search for x2 PAX to minimise the chance of becoming unstuck finding rewards seats available for one and then not being able to find the second seat. The main carrier that springs to mind is QR from/to AU as QR seems to only release 1 seat to QF in J and there are other threads on this subject. CX can also be hit and miss depending on which airport you depart AU.

You do not need 2 computers, 2 browsers will work just fine and just switch between them when searching and processing payments. It is not 2 logins from the same account, it is 2 single logins on the same computer using differents browsers. I am assuming that you and your daughter have individual QFF numbers.

Thanks for the search tips.

I presume though not two tabs on the same browser.

Yes we do have our own numbers though I would need to move some more points to her account. Do you know how long that usually takes?

Post automatically merged: Oct 9, 2021

Agree. Two computers to book two seats is not a guaranteed method of securing the seats. There are occasional reports where a third party has actually got in to take the second seat while the others were being set up for payment.

The call centre would get around that problem as they can actually hold them.

Thanks for the warning. I guess that means an extra points cost though most likely worth it?

 

[DC3]

… I guess that means an extra points cost …

No extra points.

 

[GaryLG]

No extra points.

Even better.

I suppose I could even leave the points in the one account then?

Guess given what people have been posting about wait times and relative helpfulness, I'll need to pick my time.

Actually if the no extra points applies, does that mean I could just try with all the points and book the outward journey for 2 seats online and then use the call centre for the remaining legs where we separate?

 

[MEL_Traveller]

No extra points.

Extra points in terms of making the booking via the call centre though? The call centre will initially be making two bookings which could be made online and may want to charge.

 

[GaryLG]

Extra points in terms of making the booking via the call centre though? The call centre will initially be making two bookings which could be made online and may want to charge.

That's what I thought, so I'm confused.

So I am now going back to my idea that I put all the points into my account and try and make all the bookings online for both of us for all the "outward leg" and then work on the "return leg" separately where we will be travelling independently?

Any issues with that approach?

 

[BriarFlyer]

I could just try with all the points and book the outward journey for 2 seats online and then use the call centre for the remaining legs where we separate?

If you're booking a OWA for 2 pax, then it needs to be the same route for both. You can't split up and go separate ways at some point. If I understand your post, that's what you and your daughter wish to do ... in which case you will need 2 separate OWA bookings.

 

[GaryLG]

If you're booking a OWA for 2 pax, then it needs to be the same route for both. You can't split up and go separate ways at some point. If I understand your post, that's what you and your daughter wish to do ... in which case you will need 2 separate OWA bookings.

Thanks for that even if it's not the best news, and yes that is the plan.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

That's what I thought, so I'm confused.

So I am now going back to my idea that I put all the points into my account and try and make all the bookings online for both of us for all the "outward leg" and then work on the "return leg" separately where we will be travelling independently?

Any issues with that approach?

That is perfectly doable and guarantees you the two seats!

Edited: I thought you were booking a separate return ticket, but I see this is the OWA thread. BriarFlyer is on the money.

 

[GaryLG]

That is perfectly doable and guarantees you the two seats!

Edited: I thought you were booking a separate return ticket, but I see this is the OWA thread. BriarFlyer is on the money.

Thanks.

 

[DC3]

For QF oneworld award bookings, book what you can, online, then any changes via the QF Call Centre have no points charges, currently.

Use two browsers, or two computers. If someone else miraculously jumps in while you are doing this (minimal risk), then there’s the option of cancelling and repeating the process for other dates. As long as you have the extra points up your sleeve to do this while waiting for re-crediting to your account.

Regarding my earlier post about no points charges, I was referring to changes. Sorry for any confusion with that.

Edited

 

[GaryLG]

For QF oneworld award bookings, book what you can, online, then any changes via the QF Call Centre have no points charges, currently.

Use two browsers, or two computers. If someone else miraculously jumps in while you are doing this (minimal risk), then there’s the option of cancelling and repeating the process for other dates. As long as you have the extra points up your sleeve to do this while waiting for re-crediting to your account.

Regarding my earlier post about no points charges, I was referring to changes. Sorry for any confusion with that.

Edited

Thanks and no problem about the mixup, appreciate the help.

 

[Noah Count]

@GaryLG I can understand your confusion and many on this site quote QF rules, read into them on way to many levels and to the best of my knowledge the QF booking engine is not owned by QF. These are just my thoughts:

• You wanted to make a booking with your daughter and travel home on different sectors, this is just not possible unless the booking is split and the OWA rules will kick in for each booking.
• QF announced sometime last year that no change/ QF penalty fees (change or cancellation) would be applied to OW reward bookings made before 28 Feb 22 and know changes are permitted through to Dec 22 without penalty points.

Feel free to send me a PM if you would like more information

 

[GaryLG]

@GaryLG I can understand your confusion and many on this site quote QF rules, read into them on way to many levels and to the best of my knowledge the QF booking engine is not owned by QF. These are just my thoughts:

• You wanted to make a booking with your daughter and travel home on different sectors, this is just not possible unless the booking is split and the OWA rules will kick in for each booking.
• QF announced sometime last year that no change/ QF penalty fees (change or cancellation) would be applied to OW reward bookings made before 28 Feb 22 and know changes are permitted through to Dec 22 without penalty points.

Feel free to send me a PM if you would like more information

Thanks for that, I'll keep your offer in mind.

I hadn't realised they didn't own the booking engine, on one level that seems crazy but in this day, I guess I shouldn't be surprised.

 

[burlmy]

Has anyone managed to include AS in a Business class OWA? I've been looking at what new options have opened up since AS has joined OW. However the Qantas online booking system is treating AS domestic "first class" (CDIJ) as being equivalent to first class for redemption purposes. Therefore it charges the number of points required for first class and including an AS flight would bring the whole booking up to 455k instead of 318k.

On routes where AA and AS both operate, you can see the Qantas website is quoting AA domestic first class at the business class rate, but AS first class at the first class rate. For example, LAX-SEA is 43,500 on AS and 27,600 on AA.

Interestingly, the QF partner earning tables have been updated, so you would only get the business class earn rate if you were to pay the cash fare. And the website obviously knows that AS CDIJ is business class, as it gives you an information note on the booking that the flight will be in business even though it is charging you the points for first.

Looking at the same redemption using BA avios, AS first is quoted at the business class rate.

It just looks to me that they haven't updated their systems properly since AS joined OW, but QF customer service don't see there is a problem. Any ideas?

 

[Danger]

Has anyone managed to include AS in a Business class OWA? I've been looking at what new options have opened up since AS has joined OW. However the Qantas online booking system is treating AS domestic "first class" (CDIJ) as being equivalent to first class for redemption purposes. Therefore it charges the number of points required for first class and including an AS flight would bring the whole booking up to 455k instead of 318k.

On routes where AA and AS both operate, you can see the Qantas website is quoting AA domestic first class at the business class rate, but AS first class at the first class rate. For example, LAX-SEA is 43,500 on AS and 27,600 on AA.

Interestingly, the QF partner earning tables have been updated, so you would only get the business class earn rate if you were to pay the cash fare. And the website obviously knows that AS CDIJ is business class, as it gives you an information note on the booking that the flight will be in business even though it is charging you the points for first.

Looking at the same redemption using BA avios, AS first is quoted at the business class rate.

It just looks to me that they haven't updated their systems properly since AS joined OW, but QF customer service don't see there is a problem. Any ideas?

It absolutely is a problem, as you've noted.

Are you seeing something like the following, where the dodgy QF award booking tool shows a seat in F but the exclamation point saying it's actually in another class?

 

[burlmy]

It absolutely is a problem, as you've noted.

Are you seeing something like the following, where the dodgy QF award booking tool shows a seat in F but the exclamation point saying it's actually in another class?

Yep exactly, so it knows its equivalent to business, but wants to charge you as first!

 

[MEL_Traveller]

Has anyone managed to include AS in a Business class OWA? I've been looking at what new options have opened up since AS has joined OW. However the Qantas online booking system is treating AS domestic "first class" (CDIJ) as being equivalent to first class for redemption purposes. Therefore it charges the number of points required for first class and including an AS flight would bring the whole booking up to 455k instead of 318k.

On routes where AA and AS both operate, you can see the Qantas website is quoting AA domestic first class at the business class rate, but AS first class at the first class rate. For example, LAX-SEA is 43,500 on AS and 27,600 on AA.

Interestingly, the QF partner earning tables have been updated, so you would only get the business class earn rate if you were to pay the cash fare. And the website obviously knows that AS CDIJ is business class, as it gives you an information note on the booking that the flight will be in business even though it is charging you the points for first.

Looking at the same redemption using BA avios, AS first is quoted at the business class rate.

It just looks to me that they haven't updated their systems properly since AS joined OW, but QF customer service don't see there is a problem. Any ideas?

Discussed here at post #60: Alaska Airlines joining Oneworld - seems a known issue atm.