QF109, is QF operating from DRW to LHR?

[glasszon]

I just saw QF loaded a flight (QF109) from DRW to LHR on 8th of August, interestingly I can only book it on Expedia as MEL-DRW-LHR but it doesn't appear on the QF website, is that a genuine flight? I can see it on flightradar and would love to fly directly to London from Melbourne without an overseas transit stop.

 

[dajop]

This flight has been running to service the repatriation flights from LHR-DRW (which operate as QF110), and operated 4 times in July, and is appearing on QF site ex-DRW, but not ex-MEL. Edit: Expertflyer not showing it operating ex-MEL, but can book with a domestic MEL-DRW leg via multicity engine, but with a 7 hr layover at DRW (or flight previous day).

Flight history:

QF109 (QFA109) Qantas Flight Tracking and History - FlightAware

Track Qantas (QF) #109 flight from Darwin Int'l / RAAF to London Heathrow

flightaware.com

 

[AIRwin]

I can only book it on Expedia as MEL-DRW-LHR but it doesn't appear on the QF website, is that a genuine flight?

Book here?

https://www.qantas.com/au/en/travel-info/travel-updates/coronavirus/qantas-international-network-changes/flights-to-london.html?int_cam=au%3Aen%3Aarticle%3Ahelping-you-to-return-home%3Aen%3Ann

 

[Mattg]

It is a legitimate flight. But you won't earn any points or status credits for it, there is limited catering and you can't upgrade with points.

Special Qantas Flights to UK Uncompetitive

Over the coming month, Qantas will operate six "special commercial flights" from Darwin to London. In each instance, the Boeing 787s need to position to

www.australianfrequentflyer.com.au

 

[glasszon]

Thanks everyone, I didn't realise QF sold seats on the outbound DRW-LHR flight.

Given the lack of SC and catering, I will stick with the SQ flights to LHR. One of the goals was trying to qualify for the QF Gold challenge from the SC from the QF flight.

 

[henrus]

Given the lack of SC and catering, I will stick with the SQ flights to LHR. One of the goals was trying to qualify for the QF Gold challenge from the SC from the QF flight.

These flights are only operating during the pandemic whilst Qantas repatriates people. They come with the big advantage of being a nonstop DRW-LHR flight which avoids transits. People have caught covid whilst in transit in Singapore (and other airports) plus you never know when the UK traffic light system might change. See my comments on the article Matt linked above.

 

[RichardMEL]

yeah I do not think DFAT would consider "Need flight to meet the Gold Challenge" as a valid exemption reason for travel out of Australia.....

... or would they?