What's happened
Qantas Airways is offering refunds or business-class rebookings after a coding error led to hundreds of first-class tickets being sold at up to 85% off. Approximately 300 passengers booked these discounted flights before the airline corrected the mistake. Customers can choose between a full refund or a business-class seat at a reduced price.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to The Independent, Qantas attributed the pricing error to a coding mistake, stating, "Unfortunately, this is a case where the fare was actually too good to be true." The airline's spokesperson confirmed that customers would be rebooked in business class at no additional cost or offered a full refund. The South China Morning Post highlighted that the usual first-class fare for a Sydney to New York flight is around AUD 15,000, making the discounted tickets a significant loss for the airline. The BBC noted that Qantas's terms allow it to cancel bookings for obviously incorrect fares, emphasizing the legal protections in place for consumers. This incident follows a series of controversies for Qantas, including a recent settlement over canceled flights, as reported by the NY Post.
How we got here
On August 22, 2024, Qantas mistakenly displayed first-class flights between Australia and the US at drastically reduced prices due to a coding error. This error allowed around 300 customers to book tickets at a fraction of the usual fare, which typically ranges from AUD 13,000 to AUD 20,000.
Common question
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What Happened with Qantas' Discounted First-Class Tickets?
On August 22, 2024, Qantas Airways mistakenly sold first-class tickets at drastically reduced prices due to a coding error. This incident has raised numerous questions about the airline's operations and the implications for affected passengers. Below, we address some of the most pressing inquiries regarding this ticketing error.
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What Causes Airline Pricing Errors and What Are Your Rights?
Airline pricing errors can lead to significant discounts, but they also raise questions about consumer rights and airline policies. Recent incidents, like Qantas selling first-class tickets at a fraction of their value, highlight the complexities of airline pricing mistakes. What should passengers know about their rights in these situations? Here are some common questions and answers.
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What Happened with the Qantas Pricing Error?
On August 22, 2024, Qantas Airways faced a significant pricing error that allowed hundreds of passengers to book first-class tickets at drastically reduced prices. This incident raises questions about how such errors occur, what passengers can do if affected, and the broader implications for the airline industry. Here’s what you need to know.
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