Qatar Airways Refund Terms and conditions - Beware

[Big Dragon]

Thanks to everyone for the feedback and information. It looks like if you are an economy flyer then it is very much a case of "buyer beware". I guess that in the end, the easy part is entering into a contract (Airfare) with the Airlines. The hard part is that when it goes wrong or sour for any reason, you need to have a way out.
I'll do my best from here, and thanks again.

 

[Ian mitchell]

Hi everyone.
Before I begin paying out on an airline, I would appreciate some feedback and advice if anyone has any.
I booked a return flight with Qatar airways from Melbourne to Dublin in August (2025). I have not had my leave approved and will need to cancel. After contacting the Airline, I discovered that the Airfare alone is eligible for a refund but the seats booked are not?? what on earth is that?? I am eligible for a voucher for the full amount, to be used within 12 months, but the refund will only cover the Airfare of $2200, not the seats $900. Total cost of the airfare is $3100. The Qatar Airway policy clearly states a refund (less costs which I have discovered are USD$250) will be offered for the fare paid. Nowhere does it say that seats are an extra and will not be refunded. I paid $3100, yet my refund will total approximately $1800 only!!!!!!!
Apparently the seats are an added extra???? What does that mean? Am I expected to stand on the flight??
Has anyone experienced this previously, and before I look to escalate this issue, can anyone point me in the correct direction for an escalation or give me the Customer Service email address for Qatar? I've already used the Chat service to no avail? Anyone?

Qatar r not on this alone. Qantas don’t refund seat selection, Turkish Airlines don’t. I tried both but both refer you to T&Cs and clear statements if not being refunded if u cancel.

 

[bpc]

Qatar r not on this alone. Qantas don’t refund seat selection, Turkish Airlines don’t. I tried both but both refer you to T&Cs and clear statements if not being refunded if u cancel.

Nor British Airways

 

[comehither]

Wow I must be in a different world as I never pay for seat selection. Must be a money maker if people are paying $800 on top of the fare to pick seats...

 

[bpc]

Wow I must be in a different world as I never pay for seat selection. Must be a money maker if people are paying $800 on top of the fare to pick seats...

I'm guessing you're not 6'3"

 

[bpc]

Nor British Airways

I'm out two hundred bucks after I had to change a QFF classic rewards flight from europe back to oz. Not even for an exit row seat, just to avoid being stuck in the middle in Y in the back of a godawful dreamliner.

No availability on the original BA route, so had to cancel it and book a rewards flight with Air France instead. I'm consoling myself by viewing it as a successful upgrade bid.

 

[StayGoldPonyboy]

Booked a QR J award flight last week using their app and noticed in the seat selection process there was a pop-up clearly saying 'seats non refundable if you plans change' etc etc. Not sure how long that pop-up has been there, I think I had to acknowledge it to move on?? ( Forgot to screenshot it for this thread oops)