FREE Qantas domestic/NZ return flights for OzResidents affected between 29 and 31 October

ausooi on 06/11/2011 - 14:47

Moved to Forum: Original Link

Not sure if this should be in the forum, but from the Qantas facebook and radio news reports, Qantas are now trying to amend their reputation and give back to cosumers.

While I know Qantas' reputation have been hit majorly, good on them for trying to do something to make up for it.. But the million $ question is will it be enough to turn consumer confidence around???

From Qantas facebook..
To those customers who couldn't travel due to the grounding of the fleet. Please fly with us, on us. If you were one of those Australian resident customers* who were unable to travel with us between 29 October and 31 October we'd like to make it up to you by offering you the choice of a return domestic flight, or a return flight between Australia and New Zealand on us.

Since the industrial action is over, no more aircraft can be grounded and no more services can be cancelled as a result of industrial action.

The last few weeks have been tough for everyone involved. The grounding of our fleet was particularly stressful for our customers and staff and although we arranged accommodation and are busy reimbursing passengers, we want to do more.

We will be in contact soon with more information.
*The latest information is always available at qantas.com

General Discussion

Comments

  • dan76n on 06/11/2011 - 15:02

    So will all the Pollies that had work flights booked now get free personal flights?

  • Tal_Shiar on 06/11/2011 - 15:04
    +2

    It's worth noting, if you paid for a ticket elsewhere and paid more, you will get the difference reimbursed

  • SpaceNinja on 06/11/2011 - 15:18

    Will they offer further free flights to those who will suffer in these free Qantas flights? :)

  • INFIDEL on 06/11/2011 - 15:43
    +1

    As there would be many thousands affected, it will be intersesting what restictions will be placed on these tickets (dates, etc)

  • SpaceNinja on 06/11/2011 - 15:53
    +1

    Well I suffered because of Qantas delayed flight recently. Does anyone know what is the minimum amount of suffering required to qualify for these free flights ?

    • INFIDEL on 06/11/2011 - 22:25
      +1

      Seems only if you had your flight grounded between Oct 29-31, they will be contacting you. Does not say anything about delayed flights or any other day. (If I was a callous person, I would say suffering without media attention does not count these days.)
      Sorry about your suffering.
      But no harm in asking while they are in a generous (& media sensitive) mood!

  • INFIDEL on 06/11/2011 - 22:26

    This morning on Insiders (ABC1) there was a hint that Qantas Frequent Fliers may also be given something! Sweeteners from PR!

  • INFIDEL on 06/11/2011 - 22:37

    100,000 Tickets on offer worth $20M. (average of $200 per single flight)
    So that is 50,000 passengers to be compensated in Australia.
    The estimates at the time were 16,000 passengers a day, over less than 3 days.
    http://www.abc.net.au/news/2011-11-06/qantas-says-sorry-with…

  • Geewhizz on 07/11/2011 - 09:48

    It will be interesting indeed to see what time limits etc are put on the 'free' tickets. Those whose holidays etc were ruined aren't necessarily going to be able to book holidays at work that easily if there are tight time limits on the use of the free flights.

    The class action that will arise from the grounding is unlikely to be swayed much by this offer.

    • [Deactivated] on 07/11/2011 - 19:11

      Class action? Can you elaborate.

      Slater and Gordon - You know the ones that Gillard used to work for and is rather aggressive on consumer action, said they didn't see any grounds for this.

      To quote….

      Slater & Gordon class action lawyer Steven Lewis said there were no grounds for a class action by passengers.

      ''Given the airline has indicated it is willing to offer refunds and provide compensation, there are no reasonable grounds for a class action on behalf of travellers affected by the airline's grounding,'' Lewis said.

      http://www.stuff.co.nz/travel/travel-troubles/5879437/Qantas…

      • Geewhizz on 07/11/2011 - 20:09

        Was simply surmising really. If they're giving refunds and compensating any other costs associated with missed bookings for anything else, then I guess there would be a hard time presenting a class action Are they going to recreate missed weddings and funerals too?

      • INFIDEL on 07/11/2011 - 21:20

        Qantas has offered these flights in addition to increased compensation (after criticism by the ACCC)…
        "If your travel was disrupted by the grounding of the Qantas fleet due to industrial action, or you amended your travel plans before midnight on 2 November 2011 as a result of the uncertainty caused by the grounding, we will reimburse you for reasonable out of pocket expenses incurred as a direct result of the grounding including accommodation, transfers, meals and incidentals up to a total value of AUD350 per person per day (comprising AUD250 per night for accommodation and AUD100 for meals and phone calls) and any other compensation required by law."
        more details for those affected at: http://www.qantas.com.au/travel/airlines/disruptions/global/…

        and their media release in response to the ACCC criticism…
        http://afr.com/rw/2009-2014/AFR/2011/11/02/Photos/cb241692-0…

        This may not compensate for lost wages, cancelled long dreamt of holidays (eg cruises or guided tours that left without you), important events missed, etc. Get advice. Keep receipts, document, & lodge your claim. It will be Qantas's response that determines if class actions & other legal actions will occur.

        Choice is arguing for higher compensation, "In Europe, airlines were required to pay up to A$800 to passengers if flights are cancelled with less than seven days' notice". http://www.stuff.co.nz/travel/travel-troubles/5879437/Qantas…

        The ACCC has been looking at the issue of Qantas issuing tickets despite having no service. Qantas acknowledges this issue and seems to have appologised. "it carries a penalty of up to $1.1 million per offence." http://www.smh.com.au/business/timing-of-the-essence-when-it…

        Affected businesses may also claim compensation.
        And some Unions are talking about taking legal action.

        From my own experience of taking legal action against a business for failing to provide a travel service (breach of contract), I was able to claim compensation far beyond the costs I incurred. The business argued, as I found an alternative service at a similar price I should not be compensated. In my case there was no similar precident. I kept good records, and argued a strong case. The business settled out of court for every cent I claimed, including for 'suffering'. (Possibly to avoid criticism in the media. Businesses want to get back to business, not arguing about compensation. I am gagged from discussing details of the case - confidentiality agreement!) They also agree to changes in their business & staff training - which was the largest cost in the settlement.
        Missing an important event would seem to entail 'suffering', so could be a basis for compensation. From my quick reading, the ACCC seems to have indicated this type of compensation is required from Qantas.

        I don't think the lawyers have given up on this just yet!
        But Qantas seems to be acting responsibly regarding compensation, after their controversial action. It will be very expensive!

        Good luck to all those affected. It can be disturbing to have your travel plans cancelled with no notice.

  • INFIDEL on 07/11/2011 - 10:38

    I always ask my hard working friends if they have any tickets they can't use. They are often too busy to use tickets like these. But, I am sure you will need ID to use these free tickets. Took a free return flight to Hong Kong like that. Just a thought.

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