QFF Platinum requesting release of extra Classic Reward seats?

[sudoer]

P1 for mid April

QF25 SYD-HND J9 C9 D5 I3 Y9 B9 H9 K9 M9 L9 V9 S9 N9
X3 -> declined (this was our preference as we're flying with a 2yo)
U3 -> approved

Go figure...

 

[Oscarq]

When we (mom is lifetime platinum, CLPO) were speaking with VIP team (4 months ago) about releasing seats and having the analysts look at flights we were told that Singapore is in a different zone now to the rest of Asia and it is much harder to get seats released there.

We have had no issues with HKG, CGK, HND, NRT, ICN for points releases in the last year and a half but Singapore has become impossible this year. Last time I was successful was December 24 2023 on QF38.

Seems to involve a lot of luck. Applied on 31st Aug for 2 U class, successfully released MELSINMEL for 2nd July return late July'26.

 

[elanshin]

P1 for mid April

QF25 SYD-HND J9 C9 D5 I3 Y9 B9 H9 K9 M9 L9 V9 S9 N9
X3 -> declined (this was our preference as we're flying with a 2yo)
U3 -> approved

Go figure...

I swear I've always found it easier to release U than X (except in domestic which generally doesnt fail). You'd think that if a WP wants X, and there's seats you might as well just give it to them instead of the U.

Time to start playing the seat release game for March April now as well but only as WP =/ lets see what if I can get something Tokyo.

 

[fletty]

P1 for mid April

QF25 SYD-HND J9 C9 D5 I3 Y9 B9 H9 K9 M9 L9 V9 S9 N9
X3 -> declined (this was our preference as we're flying with a 2yo)
U3 -> approved

Go figure...

Out of curiosity, how do you manage a 2yo in J - I assume they wouldn't spend much time in their seat?

 

[sudoer]

P1 for mid April

QF25 SYD-HND J9 C9 D5 I3 Y9 B9 H9 K9 M9 L9 V9 S9 N9
X3 -> declined (this was our preference as we're flying with a 2yo)
U3 -> approved

Go figure...

I should have mentioned this was a 'change' to a placeholder booking created before the award table changes a couple of months ago. Old rates applied with no issues - the agent mentioned this calculation is completely automated.

Out of curiosity, how do you manage a 2yo in J - I assume they wouldn't spend much time in their seat?

We're going to get them a CARES harness and practice lots of use at home before the flight !

 

[vhojm]

Those are some serious credentials!

Yes aha, unattainable for the rest of us normal travellers.

 

[WilsonM]

Requesting 1xJ on QF72 SIN-PER as WP

25 Sep I3 - Denied
26 Sep I4 - Denied
27 Sep I5 - Denied
28 Sep I6 - Denied
29 Sep I5 - Denied

Well, tried again.

Requested any date between 16th - 24th of September for 1x J - again, all declined. I class available on all dates to varying degrees, some were I3 but some were I7. Impressive.

Couldn't even get Y released for 18th - 20th September. They really don't like SIN-PER. I think the only logical solution is to status run for P1 just for this, right?

 

[muppet]

Honestly at the new classic rates, for a WP, I find upgrades to be close to better value.

I’ve never had an international upgrade declined as a WP when travelling alone. Of course the J seat being locked in is better than waiting for the day before.

 

[sudoer]

They really don't like SIN-PER...

Gels with what @vhojm was saying...

we were told that Singapore is in a different zone now to the rest of Asia and it is much harder to get seats released there.

 

[WilsonM]

Honestly at the new classic rates, for a WP, I find upgrades to be close to better value.

I’ve never had an international upgrade declined as a WP when travelling alone. Of course the J seat being locked in is better than waiting for the day before.

I am trying to tag this with a OWCR booked prior to devaluation - although agree that the extra 20% on normal CRs is a pain.

Gels with what @vhojm was saying...

I've never seen this before, and I've also had no problem getting seats released even in peak JAN for SYD/MEL. So might be a new enhancement, who knows

 

[ChrisMars]

Maybe a block from Qantas, ahead of a PR with a large drop of CR? One can dream, but it happened.

 

[vhojm]

I am trying to tag this with a OWCR booked prior to devaluation - although agree that the extra 20% on normal CRs is a pain.


I've never seen this before, and I've also had no problem getting seats released even in peak JAN for SYD/MEL. So might be a new enhancement, who knows

As I said, had no problems with Singapore until this year when we were told about the zoning.
This is when it comes to the analysts looking once the droid declines but I’m sure the droid is set up with all these things in mind.

 

[CorporateFlyerMEL]

Had an unusual experience, requested domestic seat release for daughter in Dec - obtained some flights and asked to put the booking on hold so I could confirm with my daughter whether acceptable.

The flights were not acceptable so I assume the booking would auto-cancel. I then notice a few days later that the points for the booking had been deducted - I rang and these were quickly reversed - but no explanation as to how it happened. No ticket was issued (no taxes paid) - yet points deducted...

 

[kpro]

1x Business seat requested and released for QF730 ADL - SYD on 20 Dec.

 

[muppet]

Had an unusual experience, requested domestic seat release for daughter in Dec - obtained some flights and asked to put the booking on hold so I could confirm with my daughter whether acceptable.

The flights were not acceptable so I assume the booking would auto-cancel. I then notice a few days later that the points for the booking had been deducted - I rang and these were quickly reversed - but no explanation as to how it happened. No ticket was issued (no taxes paid) - yet points deducted...

Wow you are a very tolerant family member! When I request seats for family members, they get what they get and don’t get upset!

And I sure as hell wouldn’t be requesting seats for family members who ended up not using them - blacklisted!

Unless of course you’re retired and time has no value … then good work helping the fam out!

 

[Princess Fiona]

I got U on PER-BNE and U on BNE-SYD for later this week.
Called up last night, longish wait on the phone (20 minutes) but got through to an absolutely amazing VIP team member. Very seamless experience. Done and dusted in 5 minutes.

I sent formal feedback on them to senior management.