A330-737 Perth Plane Switch-Am I Entitled To Compensation?

I recently flew from Perth to Sydney and had booked a points upgrade to business. Upon boarding it became apparent that the A330 I was expecting had morphed into a 737. Had I known that this was the plane I was going to fly on, I wouldn't have used my 25000 points to upgrade as the difference to Economy is minimal (wouldn't have booked this flight either). I think the 737experience is lousy on a 4.5 hr flight and there was no curtain between classes meaning there were queues for the Business class bathroom which meant I basically lost the points for an in flight meal and a little more legroom (Platinum ff member).

It makes sense for QF to use their planes where they’ll get best value.

No compensations even for red-eye, flown once PER-SYD downgraded from fully flat A330 to recliner 737, even more ridiculous, the plane has light load and virtually every economy pax made a flat bed themselves.

Sorry to say it, but the airlines are very clear in their terms and conditions that the plane can change. They are very careful to sell a business class ticket rather than a particular kind of business seat.

Such subsitions are not unheard of with QF’s domestic A332s. Sometimes it’s economics, or other times it’s maintenance issues that all airlines have to deal with.

Having flown between PER and the east coast with the Red Roo somewhat regularly in the past, thankfully, these substitutions are the exception and not the rule.

That said, you can try your luck. Sometimes QF will refund some or all of the points in these situations if you state your case strongly enough.

As a final aside, I would not be listening to taxi or uber drivers for an informed opinion on QF’s maintenance tactics.

QF does work their planes very hard so little spare capacity when one breaks down, and likewise if they are not full there are downsized. A330 and 717s in particular but also the A380s are prone to breakdowns without capacity to replace them. There seem to be enough 737s around to cover for them though.

I would try your luck calling them and asking for compensation.. Any US carrier would provide compensation or if you had known about prior to flying they would have re-booked you or cancelled for free. Surely Qantas can help out here in some regard. It is a completely different product than what you were expecting.

In 2015, just after VA launched 'The Business'. my PER-MEL red-eye flight was downgraded from A330 to 737. They were very generous with compensation at the time, and was offered 30,000 points + $250 Travel Bank. I only paid 35,500 points for my flight in the first place (Business award).

No idea if they would do the same anymore. Never had the same experience with Qantas unfortunately.

I agree slim chances but in life if you don't ask you don't get so I would give it a crack!

Aircraft swaps are unfortunate and annoying, but they happen. They may not have an an A330 ready to go but swapped in a 737 that could be quickly fuelled and crewed. It happened to me once (in economy I'll say) but they very quickly changed the aircraft to a 737 and we got to MEL only 5 mins late, from my perspective it was all well managed and there was no real delay - we got what we paid for. I can see how busi pax might have been annoyed but I guess theres two sides to when these things happen. I would call them and ask, put some polite pressure on them and see what they say, you never know.

That’s why I only upgrade or use points on International flights. Still can downgrade quality but less likely.

No chance at all

There are 3 times as many 737's as 330's in the Qantas fleet. I guess it is just a numbers game. I think anybody in your situation would be annoyed though!

I experienced this issue (see my comment 'bait and switch').