Question re Trying to Flight change times MEL- (Syd) and onto HNL

[DontGetMeStarted]

Hi
I have had flights booked since August with Qantas MEL-HNL via Sydney when I booked the earliest flight (apart from JQ to Sydney) was 4.00pm and then QF3 out of Sydney. With todays sale there are flights open from 2.00pm and I had hoped I could change to that to have longer in the Flounge. Called the centre and they want and extra $330 for 2 pax for the change to the one flight. I explained that when I booked I was not offered those earlier choices but the CSR said there was nothing he could do and in fact was querying the difference in the cost he could see on line and the cost I was seeing..anyway its a no go but disappointing and I don't think I have any other avenues to look at. BTW on a Saver flight and not Red E Deal if that makes any difference. The only suggestion was to get to the airport earlier and see if they would put us on an earier flight to Sydney, but not sure if anyone has been successful doing that

 

[Katie]

It doesn't help you, but that's why I book through a travel agent when I want more time in the FLounge. They can access pretty much all of the domestic QF flights, whereas the website only gives a limited selection.

 

[DontGetMeStarted]

It doesn't help you, but that's why I book through a travel agent when I want more time in the FLounge. They can access pretty much all of the domestic QF flights, whereas the website only gives a limited selection.

Thanks Katie, you learn something new every day, next time will do that ..on the upside have just confirmed my accommodation at a good rate as was fast filling up

 

[Hvr]

If you're prepared to wait in MEL should you be unsuccessful then there is a small possibility of being allowed to fly ahead.

The 4.00pm flight will be the start of the evening rush home and the check in people may see the opportunity to have a couple more seats free for that flight.

I see you're a WP so if you can do HLO then just go up to the J lounge at MEL AP and ask at the front desk. No luggage makes it even easier to fly forward.

 

[blackcat20]

We had a similar issue with MEL-SYD-AKL. They wanted $300 to change us. HUCA and no issues....

 

[JohnK]

Unfortunately the Qantas website sometimes offers limited connections. I have called at time of booking to get the connection I want and so far have not been charged a booking fee. What is the phone booking fee these days? $80? I'd be prepared to spend extra to get the connections I want.

Try turning up to airport earlier and you could possibly end up on an earlier flight. Nothing to lose apart from a few hours.

 

[ozbeachbabe]

Hi
I have had flights booked since August with Qantas MEL-HNL via Sydney when I booked the earliest flight (apart from JQ to Sydney) was 4.00pm and then QF3 out of Sydney. With todays sale there are flights open from 2.00pm and I had hoped I could change to that to have longer in the Flounge. Called the centre and they want and extra $330 for 2 pax for the change to the one flight. I explained that when I booked I was not offered those earlier choices but the CSR said there was nothing he could do and in fact was querying the difference in the cost he could see on line and the cost I was seeing..anyway its a no go but disappointing and I don't think I have any other avenues to look at. BTW on a Saver flight and not Red E Deal if that makes any difference. The only suggestion was to get to the airport earlier and see if they would put us on an earier flight to Sydney, but not sure if anyone has been successful doing that

Did you get through to the premium desk or was it just general reservations?

You could always send a pm to the social media team via the QF FB page & just explain your concerns about making your international connection.

If that doesn't work try turning up in MEL at 1300 if you're hoping to catch the 1400 flight & see if they'll move you due to your international connecting flight on QF3.

 

[DontGetMeStarted]

Unfortunately the Qantas website sometimes offers limited connections. I have called at time of booking to get the connection I want and so far have not been charged a booking fee. What is the phone booking fee these days? $80? I'd be prepared to spend extra to get the connections I want.

Try turning up to airport earlier and you could possibly end up on an earlier flight. Nothing to lose apart from a few hours.

Thanks all...yes will get there earlier anyway and see but thought that $330 was a bit too much to pay, fingers crossed we can get on an earlier flight

 

[DontGetMeStarted]

Did you get through to the premium desk or was it just general reservations?

You could always send a pm to the social media team via the QF FB page & just explain your concerns about making your international connection.

If that doesn't work try turning up in MEL at 1300 if you're hoping to catch the 1400 flight & see if they'll move you due to your international connecting flight on QF3.

Thanks I will also try that - when I called I dont think I was put through to the premium desk, the CSR was great and did talk to a supervisor but no luck. I might try again on the weekend and if not try FB

 

[ozbeachbabe]

Thanks I will also try that - when I called I dont think I was put through to the premium desk, the CSR was great and did talk to a supervisor but no luck. I might try again on the weekend and if not try FB

How long do you have in transit at SYD currently?

 

[DontGetMeStarted]

How long do you have in transit at SYD currently?

Hi Oz
looks like 2 hours 20 minutes but have to get from Domestic to International on a Sunday. Hopefully not too busy and will go on the train or bus so I guess we might have about 1.5 hours plus

 

[Mattg]

I usually use the multi-city booking tool if I want a longer connection time.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

last time a friend booked a connection via Sydney to HKG (May this year) we used the multi-city tool, but in addition to the few options presented for the sector, there was a pop-up box which listed every single available flight option - along with pricing.

On the return they were HKG-MEL non-stop, and the options box listed everything via BNE, SYD, even SIN. Some were really expensive... the base fare was $1100 return, but when you selected the A380 via SYD there was a +$550 beside it. And the same applied for other options - ranging from $0 to the $800 for partner flights via SIN.

Dunno if that still exists?

 

[Mattg]

last time a friend booked a connection via Sydney to HKG (May this year) we used the multi-city tool, but in addition to the few options presented for the sector, there was a pop-up box which listed every single available flight option - along with pricing.

On the return they were HKG-MEL non-stop, and the options box listed everything via BNE, SYD, even SIN. Some were really expensive... the base fare was $1100 return, but when you selected the A380 via SYD there was a +$550 beside it. And the same applied for other options - ranging from $0 to the $800 for partner flights via SIN.

Dunno if that still exists?

It certainly does still exist. In the MEL-SYD-HNL example, using the multi-city booking tool will bring up MEL-SYD and SYD-HNL options separately, but as long as the stopover in Sydney is less than 24 hours, it will be priced the same as if booked together.

 

[Hvr]

The only problem with multi-city booking is that you cannot pay for the trip with a gift voucher, meaning you're on the hook for the booking charges.

 

[JohnK]

On the return they were HKG-MEL non-stop, and the options box listed everything via BNE, SYD, even SIN. Some were really expensive... the base fare was $1100 return, but when you selected the A380 via SYD there was a +$550 beside it. And the same applied for other options - ranging from $0 to the $800 for partner flights via SIN.

Dunno if that still exists?

That issue still exists. Cannot always get the desired connection for the same price as the direct. Or say HKG-MEL-BNE is available but HKG-SYD-BNE shoots up in price as it is operated by 747/A380.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

That issue still exists. Cannot always get the desired connection for the same price as the direct. Or say HKG-MEL-BNE is available but HKG-SYD-BNE shoots up in price as it is operated by 747/A380.

That was my point - other connections were available - but potentially a lot more costly. The A380 to MEL via SYD was $550 extra even though the A380 was wide open. Via BNE was only like $20 more.

 

[JohnK]

That was my point - other connections were available - but potentially a lot more costly. The A380 to MEL via SYD was $550 extra even though the A380 was wide open. Via BNE was only like $20 more.

Once upon a time the connections, regardless of aircraft used, were the cheapest options offered and direct was more expensive. I miss those days.

 

[DontGetMeStarted]

Did you get through to the premium desk or was it just general reservations?

You could always send a pm to the social media team via the QF FB page & just explain your concerns about making your international connection.

If that doesn't work try turning up in MEL at 1300 if you're hoping to catch the 1400 flight & see if they'll move you due to your international connecting flight on QF3.

Just an update on this, did post a note to Social Media and Q call centre contacted me, as a WP they offered to drop the charge to $200 (presume this was a re issue fee for the ticket) I declined and will see if I can get on an earlier flight in Melbourne, does anyone know should I ask at check in or in the business lounge for the possibility of an earlier flight.

 

[lovestotravel]

Just an update on this, did post a note to Social Media and Q call centre contacted me, as a WP they offered to drop the charge to $200 (presume this was a re issue fee for the ticket) I declined and will see if I can get on an earlier flight in Melbourne, does anyone know should I ask at check in or in the business lounge for the possibility of an earlier flight.

Ask at Check-In as I assume you will have luggage