Australia’s national airline Qantas has to explain itself after around 300 people bought first class tickets at an incredibly low price on its website on August 22nd.
CBS News reported that round-trip flights between the US and Australia were discounted by 85%, going for about $3,390 instead of up to $20,000. Unfortunately for those who snapped up the deal, Qantas said an error caused the discounted flights. The airline claimed the incorrect fares were due to an hours-long coding problem in its booking system.
Qantas is not addressing the First Class seat issues but does not want to let its customers down because of a website error. In a statement, the airline explained how it is correcting the problem.
“Unfortunately, this is a case where the fare was actually too good to be true,” Qantas told CBS News. “As a gesture of goodwill, we are rebooking customers into business class at no additional cost.”
Business vs. First Class
Qantas First Class passengers have access to the airline’s premium lounges before their flight. A sommelier will prepare the perfect drink to accompany your meal and you can relax with a free spa treatment. Of course there is free WiFi and priority boarding. On the plane you will find cotton pajamas and slippers, a cosmetic set and a seat with a massage function.
The airline’s business class is obviously less upscale than first class, but offers more than economy class. One of the main differences from the most luxurious option is that business travelers only have access to the corresponding lounges in this class. In addition, the airline points out that the business suites and sky beds in this class have seats that “reclinch into a luxurious, completely flat bed.”
What other options are available for passengers who encounter the ticket error?
If passengers do not wish to fly in Business Class, they have the option of getting a refund for the ticket purchase price.