Seeking advice on what to do re RTW classic reward and impact of Japan not being open to tourists

Flights & Airfares
1

Hi Folks,

First time poster and seeking advice for yet another “unprecedented” situation. Thanks to a huge number of helpful hints on PointHacks around how to create a classic RTW itinerary, I saved up my points and managed to secure my dream itinerary in Business class for my family of 3. This was booked in October 2021 for travel departing SYD-HND 10/09/22 with a 3 day stopover then HND-LHR on 13/09/22. The problem is that it is looking increasingly unlikely that Japan will be open to tourists by September.

I have tried to get a straight answer out of Qantas as to what will happen if we can’t enter Japan by September. Can anyone advise as to whether my best course of action is to:

  1. Hold fast and see what happens. Will Qantas move us to Business cabin seats on next flight so we transit only in Haneda or re-route us but keep us in Business class. Both flights are JAL.

  2. Try to re-route now, but impossible now to get 3 Business class reward seats on any partner airlines under RTW OneWorld. I have tried all routing options.

I resent having to give us Bus class on these legs cause I made the effort to book this itinerary so far in advance. But I guess what I’m asking is: are Qantas obliged to offer like for like in this situation if Japan is not open?

Many thanks in advance for your time!

Nola

2

Qantas will not do anything for you other than ask if you want to cancel your trip and get a refund.

It is up to you if you want to keep your flights and take the risk or switch to alternative flights.

3

Thanks Kris. I appreciate you taking the time to respond.