The Qantas Newbie Questions Thread

[PERLHR]

If you are Emerald with OneWorld, how can you be Bronze with Qantas?

Will lose it with BA unfortunately (this will be the last year) so as in Aussie now and indeed for a few years, I'm now wondering on the benefits of standing alone Qantas frequent flyer card benefits as it gets harder to maintain BA Gold (one world emerald). Thanks for your concern though.....ah bronze ...is that what QF call it....and I'm actually developed up to the lofty heights of QF silver!

 

[jpp42]

I am trying to register for a business class upgrade (booked in economy) for an upcoming QF12, LAX-SYD. The web site says that my "Fare type is not eligible." I booked through Amex (not my normal practice, but needed to use the travel credit from my card), and the confirmation says, "QF12 O Class." On the point hacks site it says that O class is a Discount Economy upgradeable fare ( What are fare classes and why are they important? - Point Hacks ). What I am missing here? I used to be platinum and back in those days, I often upgraded fares purchased through travel agents so it shouldn't be that specifically?

 

[AIRwin]

I am trying to register for a business class upgrade (booked in economy) for an upcoming QF12, LAX-SYD. The web site says that my "Fare type is not eligible." I booked through Amex (not my normal practice, but needed to use the travel credit from my card), and the confirmation says, "QF12 O Class." On the point hacks site it says that O class is a Discount Economy upgradeable fare ( What are fare classes and why are they important? - Point Hacks ). What I am missing here? I used to be platinum and back in those days, I often upgraded fares purchased through travel agents so it shouldn't be that specifically?

Looks like the Point Hacks site's focus is domestic Economy fares.

Classic Upgrade Rewards are not available on international economy airfares booked in E, N, O, Q class.

Classic Upgrade Rewards from selected Discount Economy classes which are not normally eligible (for example N, Q and O class) may be offered on a selected basis for limited periods at the discretion of Qantas. The points required for a Classic Upgrade Reward from these discount Economy classes may be higher than the points quoted in these tables, and will be advised at the time of the promotion during the Classic Upgrade Reward request process on qantas.com, and are subject to change between promotions.

 

[jpp42]

Looks like the Point Hacks site's focus is domestic Economy fares.

Classic Upgrade Rewards are not available on international economy airfares booked in E, N, O, Q class.

Got it. That's so frustrating when you can't really tell which class you're actually purchasing, either through the Qantas web site or others like Amex. Thanks for clarifying.

 

[Beer_budget]

Got it. That's so frustrating when you can't really tell which class you're actually purchasing, either through the Qantas web site or others like Amex. Thanks for clarifying.

On the contrary, Amex is one of the better platforms for clarity re: exact fare class and rules. E.g.

 

[bussyboy]

Feels like a newbie question: how long does ticketing normally take on an international classic reward? While the taxes have been charged to my Amex, the points are yet to be deducted and the trip doesn't show in my FF account.

Never personally had this issue, though a friend lost her Canada booking as a result of this a few months back.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

Feels like a newbie question: how long does ticketing normally take on an international classic reward? While the taxes have been charged to my Amex, the points are yet to be deducted and the trip doesn't show in my FF account.

Never personally had this issue, though a friend lost her Canada booking as a result of this a few months back.

Should be fairly quick, but can take longer. Sometimes the tickets have to go to a queue for ticketing.

If it is a flight on qantas, no need to rush as you’ll never lose the seats.

If it’s on a partner airline you should make sure it’s ticketed as soon as possible, and within 24 hours.

 

[SYD]

Feels like a newbie question: how long does ticketing normally take on an international classic reward? While the taxes have been charged to my Amex, the points are yet to be deducted and the trip doesn't show in my FF account.

Never personally had this issue, though a friend lost her Canada booking as a result of this a few months back.

Have you checked APIS for DoB? There’ll be a big yellow banner saying APIS needed for ticketing (you only need DoB). You should still be able to open the booking via MMB.

QF flights normally ticket very quickly otherwise along with the points taken almost immediately.

Is a non QF flight? There was some recent enhancement that’s stopping non-QF flights appearing in “My Trips” - even if booked as a CR!

 

[bussyboy]

Okay, it took 4 hours, but the ticket had come through email, now shows in app. FWIW was QF only booking

 

[RooFlyer]

Feels like a newbie question: how long does ticketing normally take on an international classic reward? While the taxes have been charged to my Amex, the points are yet to be deducted and the trip doesn't show in my FF account.

I see resolved, but for me recently it was about 20 mins. Was just about to call them to check.

 

[nightelves]

Would like to check if I book a full refundable business class flight and later I need to cancel it. Would the card fee be refunded back to me or I will lose the card fee?

 

[MEL_Traveller]

Would like to check if I book a full refundable business class flight and later I need to cancel it. Would the card fee be refunded back to me or I will lose the card fee?

Qantas refunds the card fee.

Virgin Australia does not, even if they cancel for reasons within their control.

 

[LionKing]

I am sorry for a stupid question.
Does anyone know under what circumstances will Qantas op-up its members to premium cabin?
Say if you buy Red e-Deal and Platinum on QF A321XLR with a few spare seats, will they thank you for your loyalty by upgrading?
Thanks.

 

[SJF211]

I think your asking more about what is referred to on here as a courtesy upgrade as a thank you for loyalty and QF occasionally does them in batches and anecdotally for P1’s at other times. I’d say outside of those times it’s pretty unlikely for a WP to receive an upgrade. QF will let the seats go out empty is no one wants to pay for them especially on domestic. An op-up or operational upgrade is where a cabin is oversold or a seat is broken, as the same suggests something operational, and then generally the highest tiered members in those cabins are upgraded to make space in the lower cabin.

 

[flyingfan]

I am sorry for a stupid question.
Does anyone know under what circumstances will Qantas op-up its members to premium cabin?
Say if you buy Red e-Deal and Platinum on QF A321XLR with a few spare seats, will they thank you for your loyalty by upgrading?

No qualifier needed for 'stupid' questions on this thread, this is the place not to judge

My trite honest answer is "when they can maximise revenue." In my 15 years as WP or P1 I can count on one hand the number of free upgrades I've had. Perusing the upgrade success thread will also show many instances of ostensibly loyal members (high status) missing out on upgrades when registered and willing to burn points.

IME they don't make a habit of giving them out to 'surprise and delight' - I'm convinced they employ an army of specialists to find the precise balance between points and cash ROI, with the extremely occasional free upgrade - treat 'em mean, keep 'em keen.

An op-up is strictly speaking done for operational requirements and not to reward loyalty, eg. Y cabin full, seat not working etc.