I understand re: passenger loads vs profit yields - thanks for clearing that up, makes sense now.
I had booked an international flight last year: "red-e ticket" there, "super-saver" ticket back. Total just over $2000AU
Had to cancel that trip, rewarded with flight credit to be used within 12 months, minus $60 change fee.
My mistake, I through "
flight credit to be used within 12 months" translated to 'new booking to be made within 12 months'.
![Embarrassment](images/smilies/redface.gif)
As you all know, the rule actually is "new booking
and travel to be made within 12 months
Within the 12 months I made a new booking, domestic flights that came as close as possible to the original flight credit ($2,000 - $60 change fee).
At the time of making the booking I had no need to travel, so purchased "Flexi-Saver" tickets with the intention to cancel these tickets in order to get a full refund.
As it turns out, now the 12 months have passed (a few days ago) I am ineligible to cancel my new booking for a full refund.
I was told my only cancellation option was to revert back to the original booking I made, red-e ticket+super-saver ticket conditions. As a result the red-e ticket has expired (loss of $800) and the super-saver ticket can be refunded, minus cancellation fee.
So from an original cost of $2000, I am down to $850 at best.
Now....this is not a whinging complaint against Qantas - I accept responsibility for my actions.
This is just a cautionary tale for the benefit of others.
The part that gets me is that literally 2 days after my flight credit expired, opportunity presented itself for me to make an overseas trip in the near future. So if only I had an extra week until the flight credit expired, I could have ended up using it in full to make this trip go ahead - as current Qantas flight prices match up with what I had in flight credit.
ahhhhh well.
V-Australia's sale price on the other hand, is still a good $600 cheaper for return flights on the AUS-USA route. What are their pax loads and yields like?
At their current prices, the airline seems like an attractive option.