Rules for booking really close up award flights internationally

[dalereardon]

Hi,

I have enough points with Qantas and I want to potentially travel to Europe next year first class in at least one direction.

Having not booked 12 months out I am going to try and find awards very close up - CX especially is good and I am hoping Emirates will release space close up also as travelled on them first class earlier this year (again a very close up award) and it was fantastic.

I can't find the Qantas rules for how close up they will let you book an award flight. I really had to push hard to get the award booked last time when it was 48 hours out and they weren't keen on booking it. They finally told me the rule was 24 hours out but wouldn't specify if it was the next day, 24 hours out from first flight and how time zone differences might effect the booking.

Does anyone know what the rule is?

Also does the new OW member, Qatar Airlines do first class from Australia at all?

Thanks,

Dale.

 

[ashleyn]

Hi,

I have enough points with Qantas and I want to potentially travel to Europe next year first class in at least one direction.

Having not booked 12 months out I am going to try and find awards very close up - CX especially is good and I am hoping Emirates will release space close up also as travelled on them first class earlier this year (again a very close up award) and it was fantastic.

I can't find the Qantas rules for how close up they will let you book an award flight. I really had to push hard to get the award booked last time when it was 48 hours out and they weren't keen on booking it. They finally told me the rule was 24 hours out but wouldn't specify if it was the next day, 24 hours out from first flight and how time zone differences might effect the booking.

Does anyone know what the rule is?

Also does the new OW member, Qatar Airlines do first class from Australia at all?

Thanks,

Dale.

From the website ...

 

[dalereardon]

Hi,

I am sorry to ask but I am vision impaired and can't read graphics. What is the url and I can go read the rule?

Thanks,
Dale.

 

[tsjbaker]

Not sure about the link Dale but I have transcribed the graphic here:

How far in advance can I book?
Bookings can be made up to 353 days in advance and up to 24 hours before scheduled departure, unless you are booking on qantas.com where you can book up to 2 hours before departure for domestic flights or up to 4 hours before departure for international flights. Some locations require earlier advance booking.

 

[dalereardon]

Thanks. That is great as CX and Emirates are available online.

Thanks for the help.

Dale.

 

[serfty]

Frequent Flyer - Using Points - Qantas & Partner Classic Awards - About Classic Awards

 

[MrJetset]

Note that on weekends the FF Service Centre is not open. If you change an award, and the system does not ticket it automatically then you may be left going nowhere.

I recently changed to an EK flight just before 24 hours to departure, and the weekend agents were woeful. I specifically asked if it would ticket and they assured me no problems, but then it didn't. Another agent said it should not have been done.

In the end, the system did ticket it overnight, and I was good to go, but just be warned that it doesn't always happen.

 

[dalereardon]

Thanks for that.

Is Emirates releasing award space to Europe close up still? I don't see any Emirates award space at the moment.

Cathay amazingly has had several (one flight had 6 even) from Aust to Europe yesterday, today and tomorrow when I looked. They really seem good for last minute spots. Not looking to travel right at the moment but was just looking to see how Cathay was even at this time of year.

Dale.