Upgrading Using Points to ensure a bed for the Disabled

[bertair]

I usually travel alone, but for this trip my wife will be joining me.
She doesn't usually fly very far due to a spinal disability with her back. We have about 200K Qantas FF points between us and we feel that on a long haul (i.e.SYD/LHR) we should use points & pay to get her a Business class upgrade to enable her to have a bed. We would be flexible as to dates.
How can we be sure that our aircraft will have a bed if we fly Qantas, or codeshare with Emirates in Business ?
I am happy to have an ECY seat while she has her bed to preserve all of our FF points to enable her to fly.
Would I be permitted to visit her in Business during the flight for a short while, to attend to her or even have a drink with her ?
She would not be able to join me in ECY due to her limited mobility.
I know that I can join her in the Q Club lounges as her guest, but it is a long haul to be separated all the way.
Do cabin staff have hard and fast rules that they must stick to, or can they use their own discretion in certain circumstances ?
I would need to assist her too at times, as cabin staff could not be expected to be her "nurse maid" most of the time.
It is not that she needs constant care, but at least every three hours or so , she would need help to turn over and move.
Of course there will be some who will say, "why don't I pay up and join her legitimately"?
However, as it is, we will be using all my points for the return trip to give her a bed for the home legs.
We are elderly, but as yet I haven't approached Qantas,nor made any reservations.
I would like to think that someone with authority could be compassionate under the circumstances.

 

[Mwenenzi]

Unsure if you want to upgrade an economy fare OR buy a business class seat with cash & points
Upgrades are a lottery: not guaranteed. If you have low Qantas freq flyer status you have little chance of an upgrade.

You are much better to buy a business class with cash & points [or cash] : seat is guaranteed

The alternative is get award flight in business with the points

Are all your QF points in one name/account or enough points in 1 account ?

Also look at other airlines. You may get a better cash deal for business (e.g. buy on Emirates)

 

[RWJ777]

Given the unusual circumstances of your situation, I would not rely on an automated process. I would be inclined to ring, explain your situation and see what QF will do.Contrary to some of the criticism here, from particular people, QF is a terrific airline when it comes to accommodating people in distress or who need extra help -- if legit. I suspect that they would help secure you a J class seat if you explained your circumstances.

 

[Shelf]

QF have some info on their website, this may be applicable to you

Specific Needs | Qantas

 

[bertair]

Unsure if you want to upgrade an economy fare OR buy a business class seat with cash & points
Upgrades are a lottery: not guaranteed. If you have low Qantas freq flyer status you have little chance of an upgrade.

Used to be around Silver, now back to Bronze SC...
NO, we would be paying up front for 1 x Business (Cash and points) and 1 Economy Ticket (Cash)

Are all your QF points in one name/account or enough points in 1 account ?

No Split about 80/20...Using all Points for Wifey.

Also look at other airlines. You may get a better cash deal for business (e.g. buy on Emirates)

Code Share & One World ? Thanks.. Worth a try.

 

[bertair]

Thanks..I have never really had any issues with Qantas; if you treat ALL staff with respect and not be a pig towards them as I have witnessed on occasions by some fellow Aussies.

 

[Mwenenzi]

NO, we would be paying up front for 1 x Business (Cash and points) and 1 Economy Ticket (Cash)

No Split about 80/20...Using all Points for Wifey.

Code Share & One World ? Thanks.. Worth a try.

I would be looking for paid fare on any quality airline. QF are usually the top of the price range
http://www.australianfrequentflyer....-flyer-program/qf-vs-ek-europe-4-a-47284.html

Is LHR the final destination ? Other airlines fly into other UK airports

But as above, nothing to loose by a phone call to QF

 

[jenib]

I usually travel alone, but for this trip my wife will be joining me.
She doesn't usually fly very far due to a spinal disability with her back. We have about 200K Qantas FF points between us and we feel that on a long haul (i.e.SYD/LHR) we should use points & pay to get her a Business class upgrade to enable her to have a bed. We would be flexible as to dates.
How can we be sure that our aircraft will have a bed if we fly Qantas, or codeshare with Emirates in Business ?
I am happy to have an ECY seat while she has her bed to preserve all of our FF points to enable her to fly.
Would I be permitted to visit her in Business during the flight for a short while, to attend to her or even have a drink with her ?
She would not be able to join me in ECY due to her limited mobility.
I know that I can join her in the Q Club lounges as her guest, but it is a long haul to be separated all the way.
Do cabin staff have hard and fast rules that they must stick to, or can they use their own discretion in certain circumstances ?
I would need to assist her too at times, as cabin staff could not be expected to be her "nurse maid" most of the time.
It is not that she needs constant care, but at least every three hours or so , she would need help to turn over and move.
Of course there will be some who will say, "why don't I pay up and join her legitimately"?
However, as it is, we will be using all my points for the return trip to give her a bed for the home legs.
We are elderly, but as yet I haven't approached Qantas,nor made any reservations.
I would like to think that someone with authority could be compassionate under the circumstances.

My twenty cents
- I agree it is worth ringing
- I don't know for sure but you could probably have a drink with her in the j class on board lounge if travelling on an a380 and not making too much noise (could she sit in the lounge?)
- in my view, there should not be any problem with people visiting from other cabins if they are sensitive to the needs of the other passengers in the cabin. If they are talking loudly, disrupting the sleep of passengers, encroaching on their space etc, it is a problem - so some sensitivity and careful choice of j class seat could overcome this (aisle seat, quiet discussion)
- have you thought of breaking your journey into smaller pieces?
- the j class beds are not very comfortable even for those of us without a disability!
- you can use the entertainment system controls to talk to a passenger in another seat so you would be able to talk without being there physically

 

[Red Roo]

Hi Bertair,
It would be best to call to discuss your needs. The site linked to below also has some useful information for your planning.

QF have some info on their website, this may be applicable to you

Specific Needs | Qantas