Unintelligible behaviour of QF booking system

[Platy]

Please would someone enlighten me! I'm trying a dummy booking CNS-BOS 1st-14th November on the QF booking engine. There are sale fares available for both outward and return journeys. BUT if the I pick the outward sale fare of choice I cannot ALSO select the return sale fare of choice. There is a hyper-text box saying I have to pick an alternate outbound to secure that fare.

Thus not possible to combine BOTH an outbound and inbound sale fare?!

I would imagine my experience could cause frustration to others like myself...it seems ludicrous to me for the system to be set up to execute such customer unfriendly behaviours...what's the deal - Qantas doesn't want you to be able to benefit from the sale fare in both directions and forces you to combine two different fare codes?

[NM]

Is there a minimum stay requirement for the sale fare?

[Platy]

Is there a minimum stay requirement for the sale fare?

Great suggestion, NM, and yes, it appears to be 4 days, so not an explanation in this case.

[oz_mark]

Great suggestion, NM, and yes, it appears to be 4 days, so not an explanation in this case.

I had a quick look and as far as I could see there was only one combination not available, and it was one domestic leg that seems to have caused the difference.

[Platy]

I had a quick look and as far as I could see there was only one combination not available, and it was one domestic leg that seems to have caused the difference.

Yes, thanks, oz_mark, you are right.

In an ideal world it is more convenient and comfortable to get the international domestic leg (QF60) CNS-SYD than having to transit terminals in Sydney by getting the earlier domestic flight (and of course more precious time in the Flounge ).

I just spoke to QF and they can book the preferred flight combos for the sale price through their phone booking service. The helpful lady did not know why that combo was being vetoed in the online booking system. So I guess if I go with the booking I can get what I want for the sake of a booking fee (which someone else is paying for this time anyway!).