An E-Ticket doesn't mean you're flying!

Hi All

I followed the example of another V-flyer, and made reservations to fly to Beijing on Air China Business Class, using miles, Obviously through the Flying Club, who had to wait for the confirmation came back from Air China. It came back positive, so they issued the eTicket,and the journeys appeared on the website under 'my future flights'. I then tried to choose seats with Air China. They denied I existed, and suggested I speak to Virgin, which I did. The FC Rep says that after they issued the eTicket, Air China came back and said they didn't have any mileage seats after all...

So I'm in an interesting position. FC are looking into this and will get back to me on Wednesday. So - am I going? - Or not?

And what would have happened if I wasn't fussed about seats, and just turned up at the Airport with my eTicket in hand?

I used to think the eTicket was everything - and that if you had one, you were going. But apparently it's not that simple!

Peter

That's rather alarming. I would of thought a ticket was their absolute confirmation you have a seat.

not sure if it is related, but I had an E-Ticket for my future flight in July/August.
When I had that hassle with trying to use my reward voucher, I was told that I hadn't yet paid for my return flight! I was told that it would have been picked up at the airport & would not have been allowed to fly.

I could even pre-book my seats, etc. on their website though!

So as Maximus says, when is absolute confirmation you have a seat?

So as Maximus says, when is absolute confirmation you have a seat?

When you're on board sitting down in it, and the plane has pushed back from the stand!

[mitchja]

Did the e-ticket have the phrase 'OK' printed in the status section?

That means it's a confirmed ticket, airline tickets can and often are issued but not confirmed.

You may also see WL which means wait-listed or RQ which means on request.

Did the e-ticket have the phrase 'OK' printed in the status section?

That means it's a confirmed ticket, airline tickets can and often are issued but not confirmed.

You may also see WL which means wait-listed or RQ which means on request.

That is really useful.
Just checked mine for next year. OK status.
Dick D

And yes, the eTicket on Air China has 'OK' on it - which is why I thought I was flying!

Peter

Is there an issue?

http://v-flyer.com/forum/index.php?f=4& ... c&start=20

Alas, the saga does not end there... I have an E ticket in my hand confirming my Malaysian Airlines flight and booked my connecting flights accordingly. All was fine, until I phoned up Malaysian Airlines to book my seat and was told today that I have no reservation!!! Virgin Airlines somehow forgot to book my reservation, they just issued me a ticket - you couldn't make it up. So, we are now starting again and they have to request a "miles" seat from Malaysian Airlines and we all have to wait 24 hours to see what happens. - The roundabout starts again......................

Thank you Marshy for connecting the two posts - yes, it seems there is something strange going on. I will report back tomorrow when I hear from Virgin. The major issue here is I have already booked non-refundable connecting flights with BA, so I have to be on the Malaysian Airlines flight. Will keep you all posted.....

Oh dear, I'm sorry to hear that! I had indeed read alarming comments on FT 're partner reward bookings (particularly on air China) so really glad that you did call up to book the seats.

Apparently this was common when people booked similar flights using United miles, so perhaps do a search on FT and see if there are any tips on how similar situations were resolved. I would take a look but I'm away currently so only on my phone (greetings from Mauritius! ). Hope you can resolve this with both vs and air China swiftly without too much hassle!

Yes - Virgin DID say that this 'occasionally' happens with mileage bookings with partner airlines

Peter

Hooray to Virgin - what a decent airline!

I got my 'new' eTicket yseterday. It's actually a J revenue ticket (ie it's got a price on it). It appears that Virgin, after realising that it had made a cock up, put its hand in its pocket, and BOUGHT tickets on the flights I thought I was going on

I can't complain about that !

Peter

I'm pleased everything has now been resolved. Beijing should be fascinating place to visit. Have a great trip. I look forward to your TR and hearing of your flight experience with Air China.

Great news Peter, That experience would have caused me intolerable stress! I am glas VS have sorted it out for you. Enjoy China, I am sure it will be fascinating.

Hi Peter - I'm just waiting for them to sort out the same cock up on my ticket. Just out of interest, did they deduct your miles from your account or are they paying for your ticket without deducting your miles? Thanks
Sandy

Peter, that's a great result. Well done to VS on sorting this satisfactorily for you.

If I'm not mistaken, a revenue fare (perhaps depending on the fare class) could in theory allow you to use their ground transfer service, so it might be worth checking it out.

By the way, I am from Beijing, and have travelled a bit inside China so if you do need any tips and ideas, do feel free to drop me a PM.

Great news Peter and well done VS

mraw

Thanks for the offer of help in out Beijing trip! - I'll privately message you to take up your offer. This really is one of the great things about the V-Flyer community!

SANDY-T

No, when I asked for the first ticket, they deducted the miles, and also took the taxes payment. When the first ticket didn't work, I told them, and they send the second ticket - which is a revenue ticket - that is, they paid with money. I didn't get the miles back - and nor do I think I deserve them!
However with a revenue ticket, it's 'likely' that I'll earn miles and TPs

I REALLY hope you get sorted out soon. Particularly since you got caught earlier in the ANZ 'Tank Trap' of Mileage use in Business...

Peter

Alas, the saga does not end there... I have an E ticket in my hand confirming my Malaysian Airlines flight and booked my connecting flights accordingly. All was fine, until I phoned up Malaysian Airlines to book my seat and was told today that I have no reservation!!! Virgin Airlines somehow forgot to book my reservation, they just issued me a ticket - you couldn't make it up. So, we are now starting again and they have to request a "miles" seat from Malaysian Airlines and we all have to wait 24 hours to see what happens. - The roundabout starts again......................

I had this exact same issue with Virgin and Malaysian back in 2012 when I booked a First class miles flight.

Long story short, their first response was to find a new ticket that I had to pay for! After arguing with the call centre and getting nowhere, went to the HQ and the CEO's office.

Eventually resolution was Virgin paid me £8k into my bank account so I could fly First on British Airways.

Great result in the end but probably took five hours on the phone to sort.

Well, that is a good result.
I have just checked my phone records and to book my original miles flight on Malaysian via VA call centre took 285 minutes over 18 separate phone calls. Now they tell me my E-ticket is invalid and I have no such reservation, to date, it has taken me a further 93 minutes over 4 phone calls and still counting. Nobody phones me with an update, I just have to keep phoning... not good customer service so far...

Go straight to the Executive office. The call centre were absolutely useless.

SANDYT

Keep persevering - you're going to win!

Peter