Tried to add QFF to EK F booking and T&C changed.

[Brittany]

Not sure where to put this one, but went to add QFF number to EK F booking and terms and conditions changed. Pop up said that booking would be subjected to fees and charges for changes and may not qualify for full refund (it wasn’t a reward flight and booked directly through Emirates). So just entered my Skywards number and all regular free changes etc. returned… Haven’t had that on other bookings before COVID, so not sure if it is a newish thing or I’ve just forgotten the “before time”…

 

[sudoer]

Sounds like an issue on EK's end, just switch your FF number on the day of departure.

Edit: was this a cash booking or booked with Skywards miles?

 

[Brittany]

Sounds like an issue on EK's end, just switch your FF number on the day of departure.

Edit: was this a cash booking or booked with Skywards miles?

I was thinking about changing the FF later. Resp: Straight cash purchase, no miles.

 

[RichardMEL]

side comment but remember if booked as an EK number (assuming yes) only points would be earned and no SC's and you may want to keep that in mind. Of course you may not care about that

I do wonder if perhaps Skywards members get extra waivers and so on for bookings (or elite tiers, if you are one) that do not apply to partners? I did a quick search but Dr Google had no helpful diagnosis...

 

[Brittany]

side comment but remember if booked as an EK number (assuming yes) only points would be earned and no SC's and you may want to keep that in mind. Of course you may not care about that

I do wonder if perhaps Skywards members get extra waivers and so on for bookings (or elite tiers, if you are one) that do not apply to partners? I did a quick search but Dr Google had no helpful diagnosis...

It was booked as an EK, but I only have base status with both EK and QF due to years of VA Platinum, so wasn’t sure where to credit the points (but I can leave with EK without any probs). I think you could be correct in that Skywards members booking directly may have greater flexibility at the moment. Usually with F there is always very good flex, but perhaps everyone is a little bit geared towards brand loyalty at the moment and this is a way of demonstrating it?!

 

[RichardMEL]

It was booked as an EK, but I only have base status with both EK and QF due to years of VA Platinum, so wasn’t sure where to credit the points (but I can leave with EK without any probs). I think you could be correct in that Skywards members booking directly may have greater flexibility at the moment. Usually with F there is always very good flex, but perhaps everyone is a little bit geared towards brand loyalty at the moment and this is a way of demonstrating it?!

Yes each brand is trying to find ways to keep you "with them" so to speak.

I am gathering from context of your posts you fly paid F a bit (nice ) and so perhaps things like status may not matter. I guess though since you have held VA Status you'd have an idea of benefits.

I am not sure if this is a one off or you're potentially shifting to another airline or set of them. If a one off then I suppose it doesn't really matter where you credit, but if potentially shifting or having more focus on EK or other airlines than VA and its partners (do they still have EY? I lost track!) then it probably might be an idea to form a strategy as to how and where you might want o focus your loyalty such as it is. Seems to me sticking with skywards may be the better deal for you as you'll get much status benefit, and the more flex conditions. If you wanted QF status credits you'd need it to be booked as a QF flight number (eg: QF8xx_) if possible (which potentially is not specially if not a connect to/from AU).

Again it depends on your longer term goals (if any) in this regard. If it were me in your situation with only a tiny bit of information and a lump of assumption making as above I'd stick with skywards# in the booking. Enjoy the flights !


PS: Welcome to AFF. I see you only have a few posts.

 

[Brittany]

Yes each brand is trying to find ways to keep you "with them" so to speak.

I am gathering from context of your posts you fly paid F a bit (nice ) and so perhaps things like status may not matter. I guess though since you have held VA Status you'd have an idea of benefits.

I am not sure if this is a one off or you're potentially shifting to another airline or set of them. If a one off then I suppose it doesn't really matter where you credit, but if potentially shifting or having more focus on EK or other airlines than VA and its partners (do they still have EY? I lost track!) then it probably might be an idea to form a strategy as to how and where you might want o focus your loyalty such as it is. Seems to me sticking with skywards may be the better deal for you as you'll get much status benefit, and the more flex conditions. If you wanted QF status credits you'd need it to be booked as a QF flight number (eg: QF8xx_) if possible (which potentially is not specially if not a connect to/from AU).

Again it depends on your longer term goals (if any) in this regard. If it were me in your situation with only a tiny bit of information and a lump of assumption making as above I'd stick with skywards# in the booking. Enjoy the flights !


PS: Welcome to AFF. I see you only have a few posts.

Thank you very much for your points/SC insight I am a longtime fan of AFF, but never really thought I had anything to add as I had questions but wanted to be a bit more balanced contribution-wise. So, I figured that if I ask a question (over in Marriott thread) then I should give some information that I came across (and not already covered), as someone (hopefully) might find it interesting or helpful
Yes! VA is still with EY, I actually booked a reward seat last week ATH-AUH in business with EY on the VA website, so that’s good news in the redemption department.
I adore EY apartments and think they are the best, but I don’t think the EY A380s are coming back which leans me away from EY. I did want to try SIA suites outbound from SYD, but hoping that reward seats come back with Velocity as (like many) I have a lot of points to burn.

I think I might be in loyalty indecision mode. I am in Tassie and there are really zero benefits to being platinum with VA, but only Jetstar fly here, and they are not known for reaching service delivery expectations.
You are right I really do need to think about what I am doing long term, especially with international flights and their partner groups. I think I might end up flying with EK at least annually in F so you are probably spot on with choosing Skywards and perhaps channel the points towards upgrades?
Thank you RichardMEL for your suggestion to work out a strategy. It has definitely got me thinking.

 

[RichardMEL]

OT: IMO having flown EK F a bunch of times and SQ (new and old) suites (but not EY Apartments).... SQ coughs all over EK in all but two departments which may or may not matter to you and obviously the whole thing is very subjective, but thought I'd add my two bob in. Specially SQ new suites (and I think SQ is only bringing new config 380's back in service) are amazing. The space is incredible as is privacy. A separate bed (unlike EK) makes a lot of difference. and the F&B to me are superior. Not saying EK is bad but it's not as good as SQ for mine. and SQ serve Krug.

EK wins with the shower (which well... say no more) on the 380 and the bar if that's a thing to enjoy.

I would definitely suggest to try SQ suites if you can, though that EK shower is over the top amazing at 40,000ft.... pure indulgence

Whatever you do enjoy your travels!

ps: I'm going to guess you may be in LST perhaps? I know QF fly 717 and some 737's from MEL/SYD to HBA but yes there's a lot of Orange down there.

 

[Brittany]

OT: IMO having flown EK F a bunch of times and SQ (new and old) suites (but not EY Apartments).... SQ coughs all over EK in all but two departments which may or may not matter to you and obviously the whole thing is very subjective, but thought I'd add my two bob in. Specially SQ new suites (and I think SQ is only bringing new config 380's back in service) are amazing. The space is incredible as is privacy. A separate bed (unlike EK) makes a lot of difference. and the F&B to me are superior. Not saying EK is bad but it's not as good as SQ for mine. and SQ serve Krug.

EK wins with the shower (which well... say no more) on the 380 and the bar if that's a thing to enjoy.

I would definitely suggest to try SQ suites if you can, though that EK shower is over the top amazing at 40,000ft.... pure indulgence

Whatever you do enjoy your travels!

ps: I'm going to guess you may be in LST perhaps? I know QF fly 717 and some 737's from MEL/SYD to HBA but yes there's a lot of Orange down there.

Hahah , yep good call, LST is my nearest VA dept (1.5hrs), but I am on the NW coast and DPO is about 20 mins away with Qantaslink (and even they have a lounge!)

I was thinking that that was going to be the case with EK (later this year will be first flight with them since 2008) and I’m already missing the EY apartments.
Got.To.Love.That shower it is a huge pull for EY - nothing like sitting in front of your mirror, in your room, blow drying your hair at 40,000 feet . But if they are looking at retiring, then an alternative needs to be found
EYs seem to be similar in size and functionality as Singapore’s with the separate seat and bed. I do like the idea of the dividers coming down fully on SQ (they only half come down between apartments on EY, still fab, but not the same).
EY service was exquisite and the huge amount of private space is just addictive. Walking across your room to open the door is a joy and having others over to join you for dinner is so nice. If it comes back into service anywhere, I’d recommend ticking it off as it might be becoming a rare config.

SQs VA relationship and product is one very good reason to stick with them
I will keep an eye out for rewards to open up and see if I am lucky enough to grab one.
Is it the new config that has the suites?

 

[RooFlyer]

@Brittany we'll put you down for invites to AFF functions in Tas (everyone is invited, but we generally send out targeted invites to locals we know of). You can learn more 'good stuff' at those that aren't necessarily posted! @Steady is up your way.

 

[Brittany]

@Brittany we'll put you down for invites to AFF functions in Tas (everyone is invited, but we generally send out targeted invites to locals we know of). You can learn more 'good stuff' at those that aren't necessarily posted! @Steady is up your way.

Thank you! Very kind