QFF Platinum requesting release of extra Classic award seats?

[Captain Halliday]

Isn't this part correct? Although presumably that's part of what the bot would check, so they really should just submit the request rather than assuming?

I think it’s route specific.

I’ve had no issues requesting seats during school holidays on a few routes including those I’d expected to be blocked such as MEL-HND (after SYD-HND declined) in DEC23 and SYD-ZQN during ski season 22.

 

[Rangalad]

Yeah that isn’t right. I called the other day and got some seats released for travel next week (domestic) which was successful and that is during school holidays.

I'm frustrated to say the least.
Very annoying I can't get through to HBA.

 

[muppet]

31JAN QF2 SIN-SYD A9->P1 declined.
01NOV QF27 SYD-SCL I4->U3 declined.
25NOV QF28 SCL-SYD I9->U3 decline.

 

[RichardMEL]

I do think the blackout dates are route specific indeed and obviously P1 probably has far more ability to have discretion made for requests over WP.

 

[Rangalad]

I'm frustrated to say the least.
Very annoying I can't get through to HBA.

Finally got thru to HBA.
Flight requested and approved.
Agent “L” never heard of a school holiday blackout period.

 

[levelnine]

Agent “L” never heard of a school holiday blackout period.

Seems to be a lot of confusion about the existence (or not) of blackout periods. It was posted earlier in this thread that they do exist at least for some routes.

 

[Ade]

Agent “L” never heard of a school holiday blackout period.

Seems to be a lot of confusion

Not just the blackout periods. From what I have experienced, there are some incorrect news/details/info that is circulated amongst the new staff members. I have heard things about not able to request seats on codeshare flights in domestic routes - I was told that I can't request a reward seat CBR-SYD because the service is run by QantasLink and NOT Qantas. As WP, I was told that I can request seats only on Qantas services, not codeshare such as QantasLink or Sunshine state etc. I politely told them that's not the case and was able to get seat released.

Other thing is the award assistance fee of 3500 points - not applicable if the pax is unable to find a reward seat online and had to call the CC to get the seats released. Again, I had to explain this, and the 3500 points was removed from the final price

There are other things that don't come to mind. But I was able to point out things to the agent, only to be told that they were told differently. I politely ask them to check with someone else, a supervisor, perhaps? and they come back and agree with what I had said.

Same goes for selecting seats on international flights as WP. I tried selecting a particular aisle seat and for some reason the allocation won't get completed. So I called up the CC, the agent on the phone told me right away that I can't select seat because it is locked for frequent fliers, Gold and above and I have to go to check-in and request for the seat and I was like, Hello!!!

May be not an issue, but I think the software applications that offshore CC use might be different to those AKL/HBA have? The reason I say this is because, every time I get diverted to an offshore CC, the agent on the phone asks me to confirm my FF number, personal details etc. However, this doesn't happen when I call HBA/AKL. I once asked the offshore agent, the reason I came this far is because I had entered my FF number & pin and the agent said, "oh we have a different system we can't see your details". Now, I'm not sure what he meant ... I mean, if he can't see my details, how is he going to verify if I provided the same details as before? Or may be I'm missing something here.

 

[sudoer]

31JAN QF2 SIN-SYD A9->P1 declined.

Despite several attempts with ample A/I class, I've never had a QF1/2 seat released on just the SYD-SIN vv leg. Also had numerous occasions where the agent couldn't see the same availability as EF (no I/A class) and they refuse to submit a request to the droid. Beyond frustrating but interested to hear if anyone has successfully had this leg released using the droid.

Was successful with 2 x QF LHR-SYD U class in May 2022 for April 2023 travel.

 

[Rangalad]

Not just the blackout periods. From what I have experienced, there are some incorrect news/details/info that is circulated amongst the new staff members. I have heard things about not able to request seats on codeshare flights in domestic routes - I was told that I can't request a reward seat CBR-SYD because the service is run by QantasLink and NOT Qantas. As WP, I was told that I can request seats only on Qantas services, not codeshare such as QantasLink or Sunshine state etc. I politely told them that's not the case and was able to get seat released.

Other thing is the award assistance fee of 3500 points - not applicable if the pax is unable to find a reward seat online and had to call the CC to get the seats released. Again, I had to explain this, and the 3500 points was removed from the final price

There are other things that don't come to mind. But I was able to point out things to the agent, only to be told that they were told differently. I politely ask them to check with someone else, a supervisor, perhaps? and they come back and agree with what I had said.

Same goes for selecting seats on international flights as WP. I tried selecting a particular aisle seat and for some reason the allocation won't get completed. So I called up the CC, the agent on the phone told me right away that I can't select seat because it is locked for frequent fliers, Gold and above and I have to go to check-in and request for the seat and I was like, Hello!!!

May be not an issue, but I think the software applications that offshore CC use might be different to those AKL/HBA have? The reason I say this is because, every time I get diverted to an offshore CC, the agent on the phone asks me to confirm my FF number, personal details etc. However, this doesn't happen when I call HBA/AKL. I once asked the offshore agent, the reason I came this far is because I had entered my FF number & pin and the agent said, "oh we have a different system we can't see your details". Now, I'm not sure what he meant ... I mean, if he can't see my details, how is he going to verify if I provided the same details as before? Or may be I'm missing something here.

I’ve dealt with agent “L” before. Long term QF employee.
There were only two people booked (J/class) on the requested flight. Both D and I class available.
Hazard a guess the CPT staff aren’t trained properly and/or couldn’t be bothered.

 

[mrsterryn]

Best staff member I ever had was a Wendy in Hobart. I am fairly certain I have seen other compliments for a Wendy.
If Wendy tells me no , I actually trust her . I have been lucky to have had her a few times

 

[Ade]

Best staff member I ever had was a Wendy in Hobart. I am fairly certain I have seen other complimenta for a Wendy.
If Wendy tells me no , I actually trust her . I have been lucky to have had her a few times

OMG!!! Wendy!!! what a rockstar staff at HBA!!! She once helped me when I was in BLR, trying to explain my baggage allowance to newly appointed QF staff at BLR ... early days of the QF67/68 and the staff just wouldn't believe that I had 60kg allowance as a WP flying J (upgraded using points on the day before the flight). They kept insisting that I only 32kg, then after some explanation accepted that I had 50kg, but not the 60kg (10 kg extra when flying J) ... The QF manager then went on to ask his staff to charge me for the additional 10kg ...

I had to call HBA and Wendy to the rescue.

I explained my situation - she listened, apologised and asked me to hand over the phone to the QF check-in manager at BLR. She told him that I was right and to afford any assistance I needed. She even said that if the QF airport manager doesn't want to let me check in the additional 10kg, the manager can charge the extra on a QF credit card and she will deal with the charges directly. The manager then processed my check-in.

Ah, this reminds me, I need to complete the trip report for that particular trip. So many issues with the BLR direct service, and the codeshare with 6E !!

 

[Nickor]

Despite several attempts with ample A/I class, I've never had a QF1/2 seat released on just the SYD-SIN vv leg. Also had numerous occasions where the agent couldn't see the same availability as EF (no I/A class) and they refuse to submit a request to the droid. Beyond frustrating but interested to hear if anyone has successfully had this leg released using the droid.

Was successful with 2 x QF LHR-SYD U class in May 2022 for April 2023 travel.

Early Oct 22 I had success in getting 1 SYD-SIN J QF1 12/9/23 and 1 SIN-SYD F QF2 20/9/23. These dates are either side of the Grand Prix weekend and I felt extremely lucky. Very friendly and knowledgeable Hobart agent set up the droid and QF2 came back with both J and F availability. The agent then offered me the opportunity to ‘phone a friend’ before deciding which class on QF2

EF showing A9 I9 both flights

 

[jpp42]

I have heard things about not able to request seats on codeshare flights in domestic routes - I was told that I can't request a reward seat CBR-SYD because the service is run by QantasLink and NOT Qantas. As WP, I was told that I can request seats only on Qantas services, not codeshare such as QantasLink or Sunshine state etc.

Those aren't even codeshare services - they operate under the QF code, they just have a different operator (AOC). They seem to lack a basic understanding of what "code" and "codeshare" even refers to... *sigh*.

Also had numerous occasions where the agent couldn't see the same availability as EF (no I/A class) and they refuse to submit a request to the droid.

It seems like it would be easier for them just to submit it so they can blame the denial on the computer... what is the incentive for the agent not wanting to even submit it?

 

[RichardMEL]

Those aren't even codeshare services - they operate under the QF code, they just have a different operator (AOC). They seem to lack a basic understanding of what "code" and "codeshare" even refers to... *sigh*

Most definitely. However there are those who also seem confused by these QFlink flights in terms of eligibility for DSC and other type promos.... I mean I guess you see "operated by..." and assume codeshare which on the surface is a reasonable assumption to make I guess. However, all it takes is some understanding and training of either QF codeshare ranges and/or regional partners or owned subs... ie those under the QFLink "brand"

(and remember the initial problems with QF IT crediting alliance flown QF19xx flights after the start of that arrangement a few years ago)

As you say comes back to proper training.

It seems like it would be easier for them just to submit it so they can blame the denial on the computer... what is the incentive for the agent not wanting to even submit it?

ah but how is the customer on the other end to know if they did or didn't when all they hear is "computer says no"?

 

[Matt_01]

I do think the blackout dates are route specific indeed and obviously P1 probably has far more ability to have discretion made for requests over WP.

I have often read about blackout dates, routes etc but to date I have had a pretty good run. During school holidays I have been able to pick up at least 2 sometimes 3 J seats for family trips to HND/NRT (3-4 trips) HKG (couple of trips), SIN, LAX (F and/or J), DFW (F and/or J), PEK (couple of trips), CHC, WLG, AKL (several trips). Then there are the domestic trips and I cannot recall a time we have been knocked back for straight out reward flights or upgrades. Also my parents seem to have the knack of picking dates that overlap with school holidays but I have also managed to get them J seats to LAX, SFO and HNL (couple of trips). As a solo traveller I have been able to get 1 seat to the US, Asia and the UK during the northern summer holiday period.

I would agree P1 status has come into play as often pre and post the P1 seat bucket changes (2018?, I think) a number of requests were sent to yield management for review. I have also had my share of knock backs and it is one of the reasons when planning school holiday travel we normally have around 2-3 locations we are happy to go to either for the first time or a return visit and based on what the bot or yield management agrees to becomes our travel destination. I have lived in my P1 bubble for nearly 10 years and know it will soon come to an end, I think that the seat release process that I have considered somewhat easy may soon get a reality check. Moving forward if the QF options do not work for us then I am happy to pay the QF points tax to fly with OW, partner airlines or fly SQ and *A.

 

[Princess Fiona]

Requested various combinations of J/F 1 seat on QF1 and 2 including splitting up the sectors for April this year.

All were rejected by the bot, including many where there was A9 and D9.
Advised by multiple agents (I tried HUACA) that they were not able to request manual review for QF 1/2 during any of the dates I requested.

I managed to find Award availability myself to and from LHR via the USA instead.

 

[Rangalad]

Requested various combinations of J/F 1 seat on QF1 and 2 including splitting up the sectors for April this year.

All were rejected by the bot, including many where there was A9 and D9.
Advised by multiple agents (I tried HUACA) that they were not able to request manual review for QF 1/2 during any of the dates I requested.

I managed to find Award availability myself to and from LHR via the USA instead.

Nailed it Princess Fiona.

"Simpler and Fairer" will be replaced with:

If you want something done properly, do it yourself.

 

[levelnine]

Requested various combinations of J/F 1 seat on QF1 and 2 including splitting up the sectors for April this year.

All were rejected by the bot, including many where there was A9 and D9.
Advised by multiple agents (I tried HUACA) that they were not able to request manual review for QF 1/2 during any of the dates I requested.

I managed to find Award availability myself to and from LHR via the USA instead.

Makes you think there must be something that is, in practice, equivalent to blackout dates if a P1 can't release seats on flights registering A9/D9 (even if they aren't formally called blackout dates).

 

[MrJetset]

Requested various combinations of J/F 1 seat on QF1 and 2 including splitting up the sectors for April this year.

All were rejected by the bot, including many where there was A9 and D9.
Advised by multiple agents (I tried HUACA) that they were not able to request manual review for QF 1/2 during any of the dates I requested.

I managed to find Award availability myself to and from LHR via the USA instead.

"and a little help from my friends"

 

[Princess Fiona]

"and a little help from my friends"

More like a shove