Using Qantas Flight Credit - Best Way?

Hi all,

I am hoping that someone out there is smarter than I when it comes to handling Qantas Flight Credit. I cancelled a flight with Qantas and was given $244.99 in flight credit (which expires this coming June 13th). I'm finding it quite difficult to use this without paying a large sum in order to do so.

This is partly due to the fact that when cancelling flights, a cancellation fee ($99) is charged upon redeeming/using your flight credit, leaving me with essentially $150 credit. I have also found that any flights found using the search function tied in with flight credit returns has its price heavily inflated (no where near prices charged via other parts of the Qantas website, especially when trying to find a one way flight instead of return (with a view to find a cheap return flight via other means), for example a flight that would normally cost $150 is bumped up to $300, meaning I am left basically paying for the entire flight regardless.

Does anybody out there have experience with this? If so, do you know of any way to get around it and get some use out of your flight credit?

If there is no way around this, is anyone aware if there is some option to redeem your flight credit by way of donation to a charity (Perhaps a charity that helps people stranded at airports without flights :P)? I just don't want this 'credit' to be a total waste.

Any help would be much appreciated, even if this is confirming nothing can be done and I should hold a small Bon Voyage party for my credit :)

Poll Options

  • 0
    Something can be done
  • 2
    You're f**ked

Comments

  • I have also found that any flights found using the search function tied in with flight credit returns has its price heavily inflated

    That sounds really strange - Are you sure you're not just looking at peak time flights or something? Have you tried a comparison search side by side? For eg, using your computer with your flight credit and doing the same search on your phone for the exact same flight? I've never used a flight credit before, but I would be very surprised if the prices were different.

    • I was surprised initially too, but when I spoke to a Qantas representative through the chat application on their website they seemed unsurprised / unconcerned. I'll have another look, try to find a good example and provide some screenshots. The scenario I mentioned above was actually the cheapest available flight, not peak time as far as i'm aware.

      • +1

        I had a closer look at the T&C's from here: https://www.qantas.com/travel/airlines/credit-vouchers/globa…

        It says that it can only be redeemed Where the new fare amount (which excludes carrier charges, fees and taxes) is equal to or higher than the original fare and the conditions of the new fare are met

        and

        It cant be redeemed where Bookings with a lower value than the credit voucher value.

        That's probably why they deduct the $99 cancellation fee off at the time of usage rather than just deducting it before issuing the net amount as credit. It forces you to book a more expensive flight - given the conditions on the credit, you'll be paying a minimum of $99 for any bookings using that credit!

        • Thank you so much for pointing that out. Whomever wrote that term in deserves a pay rise!

        • I guess the only way to get around this is to book a flight that is fully refundable, and then cancel that flight :P? Which i'm not overly keen on.

        • +1

          @Catsfan070911:
          Might be able to put it towards a one-way business class seat, although the total return cost will probably be slightly more than a normal economy return ticket.

          At least you can get business one-way!

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