QF Changed Planes

[deka2]

We are booked on QF031 to LHR 23.05.10 and particularly chose this flight as the aircraft we wanted to try the A380

Checked our Itinerary on QFF today to find that it is now listed as a 747-400.

Do QF change their planes often and what is the chance it will change back?

 

[anat0l]

Was it a A380 when you booked? Looks like QF have changed the timetabled equipment; I've looked up your date in the online timetable and it's a 744 as you've said.

Hard to predict when QF change their equipments (or even type of equipment, e.g. a 4-class 744 to a 2-class 744), but it does happen and unfortunately can work out of favour with you.

There's about as much chance of it changing back to a A380 as there was when it just changed, i.e. can't predict. To your credit, there is still about 4 months until you travel so in time it just might change. Don't hold your breath, though.

EDIT: Just re-read the online timetable. Seems that maybe a A380 is being taken out of service or something, because there are several weeks in the next few months where QF31 is not operating daily (one day off). For the rest, the Sundays (of which 23/05/10 is one) all specify operating on 744 equipment.

 

[deka2]

Many thanks anat0l.

Yes it was an A380 when we booked. The only saving grace so far is that on our itinerary we are shown as having been allocated 70J and 70K, which look like quite good seats.

Given we are both QFNB that will probably change as well.

 

[ozbeachbabe]

I think there's been a few too many hiccups with the A380 of late and I would be happy if my aircraft was the 744. Imagine if right up to the day of departure it was an A380, then there's a problem on the day and your plans are disrupted by 24 hours.

Would be quite a logistical nightmare for any airline reaccommodating hundreds of pax in peak season onto other flights.

My recent trip to the USA I deliberately avoided flying into/out of LAX & chose SFO as the inbound and outbound gateway which is only operated by the 744. No problem either way on an aircraft that has been tried and tested.

Enjoy your trip!

 

[deka2]

Point taken,

Given our Status as the lowest of the low and the length of time until we fly, I'm sure this will not be the only change.

One has to be philosophical.

 

[NM]

The delayed delivery of the next set of A380 aircraft has forced some schedule changes. Remember that you have purchased a ticket for travel in particular class of service between two points, not for a specific type of aircraft. Changes to operating equipment can and do happen, both for future schedules and last minute changes due to equipment maintenance/failures and other operational requirements.

 

[oz_mark]

If it is any consolation A380 number 6 was due to arrive this morning.

 

[mannej]

I think there's been a few too many hiccups with the A380 of late and I would be happy if my aircraft was the 744. Imagine if right up to the day of departure it was an A380, then there's a problem on the day and your plans are disrupted by 24 hours.

Would be quite a logistical nightmare for any airline reaccommodating hundreds of pax in peak season onto other flights.

My recent trip to the USA I deliberately avoided flying into/out of LAX & chose SFO as the inbound and outbound gateway which is only operated by the 744. No problem either way on an aircraft that has been tried and tested.

Enjoy your trip!

Oz, not entirely the case. There have been times of recent where the B744's have been delayed 24hrs etc.

I think it is more luck than anything else if you are delayed by that amount of time.

 

[markis10]

The delayed delivery of the next set of A380 aircraft has forced some schedule changes. Remember that you have purchased a ticket for travel in particular class of service between two points, not for a specific type of aircraft. Changes to operating equipment can and do happen, both for future schedules and last minute changes due to equipment maintenance/failures and other operational requirements.

Given the OP's booking is in May and the deliveries were deferred in early April last year, it would be resnoable to expect at the time of booking the timetable took this into account for aircraft #7 onwards, especially as it was at QF's request. I note that #6 is two weeks late arriving this morning for some reason, its possible but unlikely that delay has implications in May, I suspect its for another reason other than delivery delays.

While I agree you are buying a fare from point A to point B, one possibly could also say that such changes could be construed as "bait and switch" tactics, there is no doubt the A380 is being pushed by the airlines that have it as a reason to book them on the routes they fly!

 

[codash1099]

I was booked on QF31 for March 14 and it too was changed to a 744.

However qf9, which I think was previously a 744, was switched to a A388, and I transferred to that.

(Note: my transferring from QF31 to QF9 probably means that the A/C will be switched back by the time I leave ).

 

[deka2]

If there were QFF seats available closer to our departure date on an A380 a day either side of our original departure we would probably spend the 5000 points to change.

 

[markis10]

If there were QFF seats available closer to our departure date on an A380 a day either side of our original departure we would probably spend the 5000 points to change.

have you called QF and explained that you booked that flight for the operating equipment that was indicated, the three days before your flight are all operated by the A380, I would not be surprised to hear they could change you for no fee.

 

[deka2]

There a no FF seats showing as available either side of our departure date.

 

[markis10]

There a no FF seats showing as available either side of our departure date.

Give them a call, what you can see as availability wil lbe different to what they can see, its worth a shot, they may even make a seat available to you, who knows.

 

[drron]

I was booked on QF31 for March 14 and it too was changed to a 744.

However qf9, which I think was previously a 744, was switched to a A388, and I transferred to that.

(Note: my transferring from QF31 to QF9 probably means that the A/C will be switched back by the time I leave ).

You have made it almost certain that the switch back will take place

 

[deka2]

Rang Qantas, no availability of QFF seats near our departure date.

Could not offer anything other than check closer to departure date.

My QFNB status would not have helped.

Not a big deal, and anything can happen in 4 months.

 

[Sunhill]

That happened to me too. Same thing I was keen to have a look around the A380. Same flight too. QF31 to London. I can't say how often I checked the itinerary before the flight, but I was quite surprised, and somewhat disappointed, when I hopped on an old B747 for the trip.

Actually I have another similar booking in October. I might just have another look now ... fingers crossed.

Bugger! Just checked ... my QF32 has been changed to 747 too!

 

[N860CR]

I'm booked on QF31 in September and it too has changed from A388 to B744, so it seems like its a long-term change.

 

[deka2]

Looks like I'm not the only one to be disapointed.

Has anyone had their aircraft type change back?

Might give us all some hope.

 

[Alanslegal]

Not a big deal, and anything can happen in 4 months.

Good luck, hope it switches back to a 388, those planes are indeed a joy to fly in