Stranded in the Solomon Islands, domestic flights cancelled

[AIRwin]

If by some miracle we get back tomorrow I can repurchase the points seats. Otherwise it will be first reasonable cheap cash fare.

I can now see Reward seat availability tomorrow after which none until Sunday otherwise cash fare is over $600

 

[Denali]

Ok just got off the phone with QF USA and they kindly agreed to cancel with full refund due to being stranded by Solomon Airlines. He said points should post quickly, is that right? If by some miracle we get back tomorrow I can repurchase the points seats. Otherwise it will be first reasonable cheap cash fare. I really want to just get home. Holiday spirit completely ruined.

I hope not. Enjoy the extra few days by the pool and the heat. Getting home safely is the only important thing and travel delays happen.

 

[Tiki]

We are on a tiny remote island in a guesthouse that has power only a few hours in the evening. Patchy wifi although better at the airstrip because I got then to log me on. Running out of mozzie spray. Husband has a cough and no pharmac_ here. Local shops have things like noodles, tuna, corned beef and hard biscuits, no bread. Shower needs power and only cold water. Two days to see the birds was more than enough. Now going on 5 nights. The people are nice but that’s about the only positive. Also running low on SBD cash, have some AUD. But was relying on credit cards in Honiara. Really wanted a nice pizza at King Solomon tonight.

 

[Tiki]

QF points still didn’t come back. How long does it take after a cancel booking by phone? I don’t have enough for a rebooking until they come back.

 

[Mattg]

Wow, what a stressful experience. @Tiki try not to feel too bad, it's not your fault and you're doing everything you can - but I realise that getting stuck on a remote island is not fun.

I would reiterate the advice that travel insurance should, hopefully, cover additional expenses incurred due to this. However, it's really important that you get written confirmation from Solomon Airlines of the exact details and reason/s for the flight cancellation/s and also keep all receipts. The more documents and evidence you collect, hopefully the less issues you'll have with claiming travel insurance down the track.

If you can't directly call your travel insurer for further advice now, I'd ask a friend or relative with reliable phone access to do it for you.

 

[Mattg]

Also, what is going on with the Solomon Airlines prop fleet?! I didn't realise they were so unreliable.

 

[Flyfrequently]

QF points still didn’t come back. How long does it take after a cancel booking by phone? I don’t have enough for a rebooking until they come back.

IME weekends have taken longer than a weekday which can be immediate.
Perhaps call again @Tiki and ask., noting the urgency.
I know I had some reinstated but agent had to get someone higher up the food chain to do it.

 

[Quickstatus]

I didn't realise they were so unreliable.

I think IE only has 2x Otters and 1x Dash 8
The Otters are over 50 years old and the single Dash 8 over 30 years old.

The single Dash 8 is used for the HIR-RNL flights (which are 3 flights/week)

........
@Tiki
Sounds dire
How can we help from Australia?
Also just confirming you are the only 2 stranded in Rennell...

 

[offshore171]

The Otters are over 50 years old a

Wow I used to skydive out of those things. Didn't realise they were still in use for passenger transport!

 

[Tiki]

Points just came back. Now we just need to get off this island.

 

[drron]

I flew in the Otters back in 1969. Even then there were some problems. I flew one from Auki to HIR . I was given the seat next to the pilot. I pointed out that the fuel gauge was showing empty. Don’t worry it’s been that way for 6 months.

 

[Tiki]

I think IE only has 2x Otters and 1x Dash 8
The Otters are over 50 years old and the single Dash 8 over 30 years old.

The single Dash 8 is used for the HIR-RNL flights (which are 3 flights/week)

........
@Tiki
Sounds dire
How can we help from Australia?
Also just confirming you are the only 2 stranded in Rennell...

We are the only 2 stranded Aussies. There’s another lady who was also connecting to BNE but all the way on IE so they will rebook her. There were maybe 20 locals trying to get on the flight. A lady at the guesthouse is waiting for her workmate to come from Honiara to relieve her.

The only way I can see is to put pressure on IE to prioritise rescuing the stranded Rennell passengers before doing other domestic passengers. They should have made Gizo wait, they already get a flight a day. The weather is best early morning. If it’s too rainy or windy they cancel. Or get a ferry company like Pelican to send a rescue ferry. I don’t know who has the power to help. Need a local VIP? How does anything get done here?

 

[Tiki]

I flew in the Otters back in 1969. Even then there were some problems. I flew one from Auki to HIR . I was given the seat next to the pilot. I pointed out that the fuel gauge was showing empty. Don’t worry it’s been that way for 6 months.

I had that front row seat HIR to MUA last week. They have pretty flash controls. Touchscreen with maps, weather overlay so they can avoid rain. I watched them navigate around a bit of rain on the way in. The other plane we had to Rennell didn’t have the touchscreen..