QF Online Multi-City Booking - other than cheapest whY

[equus]

Tried a search on the forums, without any luck.

I am trying to do some dummy bookings to compare the cost of cheapest red-E (non-upgradeable) fares to the cheapest upgradeable fares.

Online, when selecting return fares, the table comes up with the various fare levels available when selecting Economy giving the ability to compare likely options.

Alas, I am trying to do an origin open-jaw (SYD-HKG-BNE). Multi-city booking works for this, but doesn't show or offer anything other than the cheapest fare.

I have tried getting the legs separately by choosing the simple return option (for each of origin and destination), and pricing the flights in question (half from each, the components show for each leg, and the return is simply the sum of the two). Comparing the addition of the red-E for the two legs gives a different (more expensive) answer than the multi-city cheapest option on the same flights, but with not a lot in it. I can get an idea of the cost of the flexible fares this way, but given the discrepancy in the red-E numbers, I am not confident of the accuracy.

Does anyone know of any alternatives to calling up QF to get a quote (to start with), and then if I actually wanted to book, would I be forced to call over the phone? Any opinions on the likelihood of getting service fees waived given the website won't seem to allow me to do it online (unless someone here can help?)

Thanks in advance.

 

[MelUser]

I have had the same problem and phoned Qantas - they said that you have to do it over the phone.

The other way is via a travel agent - you just have to direct the travel agent to use Economy (S).

If I have to travel economy internationally, I will always book in Economy (S) [cheapest upgradeable fare] or better and then request a points upgrade.

 

[Mal]

The other way is via a travel agent - you just have to direct the travel agent to use Economy (S).

If I have to travel economy internationally, I will always book in Economy (S) [cheapest upgradeable fare] or better and then request a points upgrade.

I think V class is the lowest return upgradeable fare to HKG ($1022 ++ up till end June - Current total of around $1260 SYD-HKG-BNE), and it can be used in an open jaw.

 

[equus]

Thanks all, that confirms what I thought ($1022++ for V). Called up and got it all booked for $1330.43 all up per person - and interesting V both ways, when EF was showing VC for the outbound, but I realise this is US vs AU sale availability.

Even more strangely, this is cheaper than the QF website was quoting for a return "Super-Saver" (taking the separate legs). The website, if it was prepared to book it, was wanting around $1564 pp, and even red-E online was $1247. Seems that it is sometimes cheaper to call.

Haven't seen the actual receipt yet, so not totally sure is the quoted figure included all the service fees, but even if not, still happy, as it came out cheaper than I was expecting, is upgradeable, and is refundable (not 100% sure on ability to be free on the dates, so the refund fee - or hold in credit is important).

So, now to put in the upgrade request. Only coming off a PS, but so far hitting 4 for 4 on the last 4 times on these legs, all for 2 people. EF is showing C9/D9/I0 for outbound, and only 9 J seats allocated, and C9/D9/I0 also for inbound and only 5 seats allocated (although lots blocked).

The real question - is it worthwhile spending the $80pp for exit rows (they are available now), and saying too bad about the $160 if the upgrade comes through (and I certainly wouldn't worry about that if the upgrades occur)?

What is the view of the forum on whether exit rows are worthwhile (and which one - toliet or galley) for QF127 day flight on 744, and QF98 night flight on A333?

Thanks for the replies to the original question.

 

[MelUser]

I would not pay for exit rows and put in upgrade request. Does this flight have premium economy - perhaps tick the box for premium if upgrade not successful.

If none of this comes through then you can buy an exit row at checkin.

From my experience, exit rows still seem to be available on the day of travel as it appears people don't want to spend the extra.

 

[tuapekastar]

The real question - is it worthwhile spending the $80pp for exit rows (they are available now), and saying too bad about the $160 if the upgrade comes through (and I certainly wouldn't worry about that if the upgrades occur)?

From the QF website (I searched 'exit row' and this was one of the FAQs returned) - my bolding.

Purchased Exit Row seats are non-refundable unless:

• there is an aircraft change or a passenger is not able to sit in an exit row for Qantas operational reasons; or
• there is a flight disruption causing a passenger to be moved to another flight and Qantas is unable to seat the passenger in an exit row seat on the new flight, or
• Qantas assesses the passenger as not meeting ATSB guidelines and the passenger is seated in a regular Economy seat, or
• if after purchase the passenger becomes unable to fulfil the requirements to sit in an Exit Row, or
• the customer receives an upgrade to a higher cabin.

So I think in this case you can have your cake and eat it too!