Airlines

Qantas push for more customers to reunite with COVID credits

Qantas Introduces new Group Boarding Inspired by US Practices

The Qantas Group is pushing customers who have COVID-era travel credits to use them to book a vacation before the deadline of December 31, 2023. Travel is permitted until December 20, 2024.

The initiative coincides with the introduction of a new customer tool called “Find My Credit,” which can discover reservations that are up to three years old and may have undergone many revisions as a result of the pandemic’s numerous waves of border alterations.

Qantas and Jetstar extend deadline for COVID flight credits(Opens in a new browser tab)

The majority of the $2 billion in COVID credits given by the Qantas Group came from the March 2020 border closures that resulted in a wave of widespread flight cancellations for which no airline system was prepared.

U.S. fines 6 airlines $7.5 million and force them to refund customers(Opens in a new browser tab)

This figure continues to drop each week as more customers claim their credits. For Qantas customers in Australia the figure now stands at just over $400 million, comprised of around $250 million in bookings made directly with Qantas and $150 million in bookings made through travel agents and other third parties. As a further incentive, Qantas customers who book a flight using a COVID credit between today and 31 July 2023 will receive double Frequent Flyer points.

HOW TO USE THE ‘FIND MY CREDIT’ TOOL

Find My Credit is a web-based tool accessed via qantas.com. It allows customers to search for COVID credits using their original booking reference that is up to three years old, even if it has been reissued or converted to a Qantas Pass.

By putting in their original booking details and surname or email address, the system will search for their credit and automatically email the detail they need to redeem their credit to the address on file.

HOW TO CLAIM DOUBLE POINTS

Qantas customers who book flights using their credits before 31 July will be eligible for double Qantas points.

To access the double points promotion, customers will need to register at www.qantas.com/au/en/frequent-flyer/member-offers/double-points-travel-credits.html and book an eligible flight with a QF flight number. Double points will be awarded from eight weeks after travel.

HOW TO REQUEST A REFUND

If customers have made a booking directly through Qantas, they can call us on 13 13 13 to request a refund. it will also email customers who have made a booking directly with Qantas over the coming weeks to remind them how to access a refund if they prefer.

If a booking was made through a travel agent, customers should contact the agent directly to request a refund. Customers with COVID credits who do not have the option of a refund but whose circumstances have changed and who are no longer able to use their credit are also encouraged to contact Qantas to discuss a refund.

Airlines

Air India Rolls Out A350s for Delhi-New York JFK and Newark Routes

In a major development for North American travelers, Air India has announced the deployment of its state-of-the-art Airbus A350-900 aircraft on two key routes: Delhi to New York and Delhi to Newark.

The service on the Delhi-New York route will commence on November 1, 2024, while the Delhi-Newark route will see its inaugural flight on January 2, 2025.

The introduction of the air india a350 will bring significant enhancements to Air India’s offerings, particularly with the launch of its Premium Economy class. air india retrofit This new class will feature 24 wide seats arranged in a 2-4-2 configuration, providing passengers with extra legroom and a more comfortable flying experience.

Soon, Air India aircraft will feature onboard WiFi & all-new cabins: Click here

“We are encouraged by the positive guest feedback we have received from the domestic deployment of our air india a350 interior to offer our hero product on the Delhi-New York JFK and Delhi-Newark routes. This is a significant leap forward for our U.S. operations that also underscores our commitment to continuous improvement,” said Campbell Wilson, Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director of Air India.

The A350’s Business class will set new standards with 28 private suites, each equipped with full-flat beds, direct aisle access, and personal wardrobes. Economy class will be configured to accommodate 264 passengers in a 3-4-3 layout. Across all cabins, passengers will enjoy the latest Panasonic eX3 in-flight entertainment system, offering over 2,200 hours of content.

Air India’s First A350-900: Interior, Routes, &Inflight Features: Click here

This strategic deployment marks a notable enhancement in Air India’s U.S. operations, with 60% of its flights to the U.S. now featuring new or upgraded cabin interiors. The air india new international routes currently operates 51 weekly flights to five U.S. destinations: New York JFK, Newark, Washington DC, Chicago, and San Francisco.

The revamped cabins, advanced in-flight entertainment systems, and improved service standards represent air india wifi commitment to providing a superior travel experience. “We believe this enhanced offering will solidify Air India’s position as a leading carrier and attract travellers seeking a world-class flying experience between India and the United States,” the airline stated.

Seats on these flights are now available for booking on Air India’s website, mobile app, and through travel agents, ensuring that passengers can easily plan their journeys on these newly upgraded routes.