Above all, never, ever, ever check in anywhere, anyhow other than for the flight you are about to take. No matter what - UNLESS you are 150% certain that nothing will possibly ever change. You would not believe how complicated life can become if you check in for the return flight (thinking you are saving time) and then find you need to change it. Trust me.
QANTAS (UK) Telephone: 0845 7747 767
QANTAS On Line Check In
Welcome to QANTAS online Check-in.
Seasoned travellers, click on the QF logo below
Sam Smith Business Travel
If you are new to online check-in then you may want to read some of my notes, first!
Online check-in is available for Australian and New Zealand domestic Qantas and QantasLink passengers between 24 hours and 1 hour before departure and for international flights between 24 and 2 hours before departure - (nearly) all available seats may be arranged during the check-in process - save for those on the very cheap seats - though even then you can request your seat type (aisle or window). This includes all OneWorld partners but NOT Japan Air Lines (No, I don't know) You will need a printer that is online and working (!) to print the boarding pass, etc. Exceptions: Unaccompanied minors, Some passengers travelling with special needs may need to check-in at the airport. Jetstar domestic (Oz and NZ) passengers cannot check in online.
Unaccompanied Minors - If a child is travelling without the supervision of a parent or guardian who is fifteen years or older they are classified as an unaccompanied minor. To make a booking for an unaccompanied minor contact your local QANTAS office or this may be done through your travel agent. Bookings cannot be made online. Note: A booking fee of up to AUD50.00 (GBP23.00-ish). On most flights, children under 6 must be accompanied by a person 15 years or over who is an immediate family member or who has written permission from the child's parent or guardian. Save for Qantas International services a child of 5 years or more can travel unaccompanied provided the child's flying time (not including ground time) does not exceed 6 hours. International rules apply when international and domestic flights are combined. Some US domestic carriers, including American Airlines, do now allow transfer of Unaccompanied Minors to/from Qantas International flights. Please note that unaccompanied minors are effectively banned from JETSTAR flights.
QANTAS are partners in the "Infotriever" (quite clever) calender management system, which really is rather good. The software download is free and as well as QANTAS you can access information on flights from Cathay Pacific, Air France, ANA, China Eastern, Jet Airways and Royal Brunei, to name a few. (Actually, infotriever need to update their advertised partners as a few have gone bust!). The system works well under all operating systems, Palm, Blackberry and many other soft fruit or plant named communication devices.
Qantas have some very helpful information with regard to wheelchairs and mobility aids. This includes a very useful list of the dimensions that are acceptable in various aircraft for wheelchairs, should you need them on board. There is further, useful information on their website, here >>>>. Generally, passengers who have mobility limitations will not require medical clearance to fly. However, there are times when precautions should be taken and it is advisable at all times to consult with your medical practitioner in relation to flying with your particular disability. If you have a mobility limitation, you only require medical clearance if your disability is new (ie has occurred within six weeks of travel) or is unstable (ie has changed within six weeks of travel), your condition may deteriorate during the flight, or your condition may deteriorate due to a decrease in oxygen levels in the aircraft cabin environment or a decrease in cabin pressure.
REMEMBER - 1. If you a Brit going to Australia, YOU MUST get a visa or arrange for the pre-clearance, which you can do through your travel agent. Do not leave it until you get to the airport, if you are refused the pre-clearance, you will need a full visa and that will take time!!
(This will go straight to "internet check in" )
Please -If you find this helpful and would like to use us as your travel agent, please call Sam Smith/ Strachan Travel on 02920 234648
Qantas Premium Economy is now available on selected flights from Sydney to Los Angeles, London, Singapore, Bangkok, Johannesburg, Hong Kong and New York and from Melbourne to Los Angeles, London, Singapore and Hong Kong. Qantas Premium Economy is on sale for travel on flights from Sydney to Buenos Aires for departures commencing from 1 June 2009 and is also on sale for travel on flights from Sydney to San Francisco for departures commencing from 4 July 2009. Premium Economy is available on all Qantas A380 aircraft and selected B747-400 aircraft.
REMEMBER - 2. If you a Brit going to Australia, be careful with duty free. If you have to get off en route with duty free bought in London, you may well NOT be able to get back on with it! (Despite what they may say at the London duty free shops.) Check with QF!