[RTWFF]

I know the rules state that the family relationship has to be demonstrated to Qantas' satisfaction but has Qantas ever challenged anyone? I'm certainly aware (no, no, not me!) of two people where one did a "family member" transfer of points to the other, who then got the first person a "family member" ticket from another airline's frequent flyer programme because QF don't have too many seats on that route. Neither person is related to the other - although if challenged they were happy to claim a homosexual relationship (no-one in officialdom ever challenges that statement - too politically incorrect)

[oz_mark]

Originally Posted by RTWFF

I know the rules state that the family relationship has to be demonstrated to Qantas' satisfaction but has Qantas ever challenged anyone? I'm certainly aware (no, no, not me!) of two people where one did a "family member" transfer of points to the other, who then got the first person a "family member" ticket from another airline's frequent flyer programme because QF don't have too many seats on that route. Neither person is related to the other - although if challenged they were happy to claim a homosexual relationship (no-one in officialdom ever challenges that statement - too politically incorrect)

I haven't heard of anyone being challenged on this point.

[NM]

I have only heard of people in the USA being asked for proof, not in Australia. So not sure if the QF office in the USA is more suspicious or just more thorough. They have been asked to fax marriage certificates etc to show proof. This is for booking award flights, not points transfers.

I have made several award bookings for eligible family members and never been asked for proof. These have been for my Mrs NM's sister (my sister-in-law and hence eligible) who obviously has a different surname to me. No questions asked, though I would be prepared to provide proof if requested.

[freaky]

I heard these stories when I worked in travel a year ago, can't validate the authenticity of the first one (you know what rumours are like), but the second one I got really good mail on.

Short answer: Yes.

The person was involved in an Australian soccer club (not the new A-League, long ago) and was questioned over why bookings made for his "first cousins" were members of the soccer team. His membership was suspended and all points in his account revoked after an investigation.

The other, a platinum member who booked his wife, three kids and "sister-in-law" in business class to the US. (Obviously during the days when you could actually find availability ) The member was quite rude to the consultant during the booking because of the time it took and accidently let slip that the "sister-in-law" was the nanny. The consultant then sent off that little nugget of information to the service centre for investigation who severely rapped Platinum member over the knuckles.

And as for the political correct challenge to same-sex relationship? We are talking the travel industry here, sweetie. :P If the situation is corrupt enough or someone is bored enough, they'll investigate.

[Mal]

I'm sure Qantas does some kind of checking for suspicious award transactions.

Hint. If you have 24 different rellies, all wanting tickets in a 90 day period to wild an exotic places then maybe that would red-flag.

Maybe they randomly check bookings like some online vendors do with credit card transactions. One check out of every 200 bookings wouldn't be that hard to do and may take many bookings/points transfers until you reach your turn for checking. No different to that wonderful community service called Jury Duty!

[markis10]

I would not worry about it too much, just dont abuse the system. I have had to stretch the truth once for compassionate reasons in order to get a distant relative on a plane for a funeral, it came in handy.