VA and QF Plat. Now we choose one

[liamsal]

Call Centre: Had awesome experience with VA - never paid a single penny for changes/cancellations etc , always accomodating. QF always tries to stick you with a few hundred dollar charge (I might be biased as most of this negative experience is from when I was gold) - havent had to do any changes on calls since I became platinum.

As a VA WP I've always had to pay change fees unless on a freedom fare. Never been comped the change fees.

 

[calmelb]

Call Centre: Had awesome experience with VA - never paid a single penny for changes/cancellations etc , always accomodating. QF always tries to stick you with a few hundred dollar charge (I might be biased as most of this negative experience is from when I was gold) - havent had to do any changes on calls since I became platinum.

I have had QF move my red e deal flight a few hours before departure even though fare rules said it was not allowed, still had to pay but only the change fee. A lot better than what I expected as a gold (at the time)

VA for me. As a Plat, when I've complained, they have listened and compensated. I don't feel QF would do the same (though I never got beyond SG). In terms of lifetime status, had I of still been with Q now I would have had 8 years as SG rather than 8 as Plat with VA and estimate 2/3 of the way to LTG but I'm still doubtful I would have made it given reduced flying now. Will be a struggle to maintain VA Plat in 12 months time.

I’ve had QF take my complaints seriously when I’ve done that. I think I’ve had 3 phone calls from them when I have submitted a complaint to apologise for what happened

 

[RichardMEL]

VA for me. As a Plat, when I've complained, they have listened and compensated. I don't feel QF would do the same (though I never got beyond SG). In terms of lifetime status, had I of still been with Q now I would have had 8 years as SG rather than 8 as Plat with VA and estimate 2/3 of the way to LTG but I'm still doubtful I would have made it given reduced flying now. Will be a struggle to maintain VA Plat in 12 months time.

My very first reaction/thought is that it's a poor reflection on ANY airline that one has to complain about anything... and I know QF has as much, if not more, to complain about

 

[Ausbt]

My very first reaction/thought is that it's a poor reflection on ANY airline that one has to complain about anything... and I know QF has as much, if not more, to complain about

Have a read through AFF - you'd be amazed at the petty first-world stuff of which people complain! With VA, in one particular instance I almost refused to complain I regarded the matter as so petty, but my wife insisted. They compensated me with something that was probably worth 100x the value of the issue. For that, they got and will continue to receive a lot of loyalty from me.

 

[Warks]

I've had to throw in my lot with one airline due to decreased flying too and it's been VA. Initially because they flew direct on one of my main routes whereas QF only flew JQ. Certainly I'm not a VA fanboy but after a rough start back in 2002 or so (I had a rant post about how I'd never fly DJ again) I've become used to it.

For me one of the best things VA does is allow you to pay with points for the entire cost of a reward flight. Using QF points for flights and then still handing over $600 when you could possibly get a fare that cheap makes me think VA has a much better system. I like the sliding scale too so you can decide to pay a bit more or less.

VA could use a few more lounges though - none in Hobart or Townsville after all these years is a big hole. Not that QF's lounge in TSV is that great but it's something. Hobart has that weird lounge that no one is allowed into (that I could see) so I don't know why they don't do a deal with them.

 

[rattler]

I have had QF move my red e deal flight a few hours before departure even though fare rules said it was not allowed, still had to pay but only the change fee. A lot better than what I expected as a gold (at the time)

I’ve had QF take my complaints seriously when I’ve done that. I think I’ve had 3 phone calls from them when I have submitted a complaint to apologise for what happened

I guess it all comes down to the experience. I still struggle with Qantas - been on three calls with them since morning to sort out an Intl flight issue I had on the website. Issues are common - its how the service team helps leaves the mark. I am waiting on the call from last 5 mins - with VA i get a call picked up in 30 seconds (which gets me into a habit of calling them even for small things, and hence leaving a positive impression). To call Qantas, I have to leave what I am doing and make time before I need to get some stuff done.

On another note - one of my colleagues with no status had a terrible experience with VA. The pushed her out to a later flight due to overbooking leading to her missing an important meeting in CBR, and her return flight was delayed by 3 hours. All within a day. Guess who she will be flying with next

 

[SelfFundedWP]

Seems a lot easier to reach status tiers with VA. When I used to fly domestically with them it seemed the whole front of the plane was at least gold. I like that it's harder to attain status with QF.

 

[RisingPhoenix]

I thought I had it rough as SG with VA when BNE closed the Airport on 15/3 I had a conference to be at in Sydney that started the next morning at about 8.30am, and was pretty pissy that I ended up on a 7am flight out the next day which meant i missed a couple of talks. (Genuine first world problems as some great mates filled me in on what I missed) But what was noticed, was WP was far and above looked after in the lounge on what was really a coughpy night, most WP were given priority to still make it to Sydney that night. I was angry at the time, but when I heard people on the phone outside of the terminal waiting for Cabs/Ubers (and hat tip to VA for paying cabcharges home and back to the airport the next morning as a BNE local and only SG) so angry at the fact that they were Platinum with Qantas and why are they stuck there until 15:30 the next day I stepped back and was happy with being with VA.

 

[33kft]

Okay so what did we decide? I'm hoping we can get this one wrapped up soon, because we need to get on to the next question, which is pineapple on pizza - yay or nay?

 

[rattler]

Okay so what did we decide? I'm hoping we can get this one wrapped up soon, because we need to get on to the next question, which is pineapple on pizza - yay or nay?

We decided that we can't decide - so from today onwards i am going to start driving for interstate trips and use cheapest fare for int'l travel. Signing out.

PS: Hell no for pineapple on pizza. Detailed analysis coming.

 

[RaRa]

Yesterday was somewhat chaotic with sydney airport suspending runway access due to thick fog. I was treated well by VA staff both at the counter outside and within the lounge at Melbourne and my booking was moved ahead to an earlier flight even though it only end up in a recovery of 15 mins in lost time as all flights were delayed. I suppose QF would have handled it OK too under similar circumstances.

Now to the OP, agree with most of the points in this thread. I have flown QF more than VA over past several years but I am gradually reversing this trend and fly VA more often now. I will see how it goes. When i think of it, its only fitting that QF have lifetime SC where as VA have family pool option as a 'differentiator' to keep things interesting.

 

[justinbrett]

For me one of the best things VA does is allow you to pay with points for the entire cost of a reward flight. Using QF points for flights and then still handing over $600 when you could possibly get a fare that cheap makes me think VA has a much better system. I like the sliding scale too so you can decide to pay a bit more or less

You can do all of this on Qantas too - ie. elect to include taxes and pay entirely with points, and also the ability to have a sliding scale between cash and points.

 

[jakeseven7]

Yes, in MEL the premium security can only be accessed from the VA lounge. No lounge access, then no premium security.

BNE has Premium security with direct entry to the VA lounge as well.

What VA desperately need to do very quickly is sort out their cabin baggage weight issue. Put in an OHS directive to have 2 staff close the overheads on BSI aircraft and get going. Just copy Qantas. The premium entries are honey traps to be weighed and although their crack down seems to be backing off I got done on Friday in BNE at the premium entry, again!

As a WP with both airlines (VA since initial SM and QF much longer - plus LTG), I gravitate towards QF. The additional benefits of WP/OWE do seem add up.

My work travel is primarily VA for domestic / EY international (although QR is creeping in more). Personal travel is invariably QF/OW.

As someone (and +1) doing more and more personal long haul travel, those perks are most welcome!

Until VA can sort out a proper and consitent alliance arrangement, I don’t value my VA WP status as much as QF.

This is what I suspect is a deal breaker for anyone who flies internationally with any regularity. And not surprised QR is creeping in as it’s happening to me too as EY splutters and lurches all over the place cutting flights.

Seems a lot easier to reach status tiers with VA. When I used to fly domestically with them it seemed the whole front of the plane was at least gold. I like that it's harder to attain status with QF.

VA status is a piece of cake agreed. And I think too easy. You can tell by the PB queues, seat selection rows etc. Someone posted if they joined a proper alliance model they would have to cut back on the easy peasey gold (allegedly) so interesting to see what happens...

 

[Moopere]

My honest opinion is that most people have a strong preference towards Qantas or Virgin, not unlike the Apple v Samsung debate - and any such comparison of the two airlines will be heavily biased towards their preferred airline, even under the premise of a fair, comprehensive review. It is quite rare to find a completely objective review - even from industry sources.

The fact is the things you are comparing are mostly subjective things (how do you quantify comfort, service, food quality etc).

Yeah, I agree. However, it points out that both airlines are essentially line-ball with each other which then allows ones natural subjective inclinations to sway the vote. If one or the other had even a single objective real-world advantage then the tiny things that can sway subjective voting would be pushed aside.

For example: Years ago, when VA was transitioning, I was flying J with QF mostly on ancient 767's transcon (a great plane actually, but badly in need of an internal refit). VA appeared, with their new J offering and a PER-MEL or PER-SYD price that was absolutely unbeatable. Granted the old Emirates A330's had done some serious work already in their lives, but it was still cheap, comfortable J, on a long transcon, with unbeatable service and good three course meals. Once they combined that with priority boarding and bags that actually worked I stopped flying QF - the difference was compelling.

When things changed flying wise and I started getting sent transcon in Y the thing that stopped me going back to QF was their blooming new fangled checkin kiosks - hated them then, still hate them now. I flew VA in Y just so I wouldn't have to deal with them. Now of course, its just poor service and kiosks everywhere for everyone .... no longer any compelling reason to choose other than BFOD

 

[kpc]

At one point I was both VA and Qf Plat....then decided to drop to Va Gold (now Silver )and maintain Qf plat...I don't fly alot domestically so Qf plat wins for me. If I don't fly OW carriers, I'm usually in J or higher so status not important. I would go Va Plat as well if my travel was mainly domestic for the reasons provided above.

 

[Bell21]

I flew QF domestically quite a lot last year and I've changed to VA this year, mainly b/c family pooling is very helpful in achieving status (and to be fair, AMEX Plat allows VA lounge access), and I also find the relationship between VA and KF beneficial re using points - as another poster said, it's good we have 2 decent airlines in Aust.

 

[Ade]

Apologies for a rather long comment/note

Hey Everyone, great discussions on this topic and there are some amazing points for both QF and VA.

Now, I've got a question and I probably know the answer, but would still love to throw the question out and see what I get back

I'm a QF Gold, and I don't think I'll be making QF Plat. this year, however, it's a little too early to say with almost 6 more months remaining to my anniversary date with QF.

A bit of background on my usual travel patterns :

I do about SYD-MEL once every three months, so roughly 4 or 5 trips a year and I've done all these trips w/ QF. However, I do at least 4 international trips to India every year and I try and book my flights during QF DSC so that I could retain QF Gold. For instance, this year, I've booked 4 trips to India from January 2019 to August 2019 and I'm already at 300 SC and have got 3 more trips to India to go, all booked under DSC. So I'm sure I'll retain QF Gold this year

Why I'm considering VA now :

Anyways, I'm now inclined to VA for some reason. I've read a lot about VA here and at other forums and I get a feeling that VA is up'ing it's game and I'd like to experience it first hand. As some posters pointed out, I can see that VA domestic fares are reasonable and it is easier to attain Gold in VA.

One of reasons why I'm considering VA now is given that Jet Airways (9W) is closed and all flights to India or routed via HKG (CX) with at least 5 to 9 hours transit time, I could spend time visiting HKG or rest up in the lounge, but not very keen to do either. I'm considering SIN for my future trips to India and I guess due to the partnership between VA and SQ, having status with VA could make the journey better when flying w/ SQ and also flights to India have very little connection time via SIN. With the shortest flight it will only take 14 hours to reach MAA, however, with CX it takes at least 21 hours for onward and 26 hours on return

Besides, I read on the internet that one could attain VA Gold during DSC for less that AU$1500 by doing a status run. This is also a contributing factor to my trying out VA. I did a quick search using Matrix tool and was able to secure some routes with 380 SC's (760 during DSC) for AU$1200

So my questions are -

1. Should I try out VA just for the experience and when the time is right (or read when VA does DSC) do a status run and get 760 SC and sprint into Gold territory ?
2. My anniversary date with QF is 31 Dec - should I be considering this date if I decide to try out VA. For instance, would it be better if I finished this year as QF Gold, which will make sure that I'm QF Gold for whole of 2020 and take the VA status run during Jan 2020 and get VA Gold ?
3. I'd like to know more about VA's rolling year (?) instead of a fixed membership year - I read some posts on AFF about this, but I didn't understand. May be someone can explain in a way that I can understand?

What do you all think? Thoughts?

 

[RaRa]

Since you are QF gold and 300sc into your current review year, it's not a bad idea to retain and secure gold for further 12 months. However, what is the point of keeping gold and access to lounges with QF and not fly Qantas.

IMO, you will need to look into the answer on why you want to switch loyalty. If your goal is to reach plat, and based on your flying pattern you believe VA will get you there and QF won't, then perhaps do it now and start flying VA with this point on. Considering you fly to india regularly, I believe, the VA/SQ was always a superior offering to QF/9W that you have experienced. So, I doubt you will be disappointed with the service.

The DSC is also a nice quick way to reach higher status if you are flexible with your flying dates, it just never worked with me as I book flights when I need to and without having to wait for DSC offer. All the best

 

[Ade]

Since you are QF gold and 300sc into your current review year, it's not a bad idea to retain and secure gold for further 12 months. However, what is the point of keeping gold and access to lounges with QF and not fly Qantas.

IMO, you will need to look into the answer on why you want to switch loyalty. If your goal is to reach plat, and based on your flying pattern you believe VA will get you there and QF won't, then perhaps do it now and start flying VA with this point on. Considering you fly to india regularly, I believe, the VA/SQ was always a superior offering to QF/9W that you have experienced. So, I doubt you will be disappointed with the service.

The DSC is also a nice quick way to reach higher status if you are flexible with your flying dates, it just never worked with me as I book flights when I need to and without having to wait for DSC offer. All the best

Thank you @RaRa for your response. You're right in saying that if I'm considering a switch, I should do it now and see how it goes.

Re international travel to India, I've only booked my flights till August, that means I could have at least one more trip to India before Dec 2019 and having some sort of status w/ VA would help

Re DSC - I just wish VA released one sometime soon

 

[nat965]

I fly a lot domestically so VA would be my choice if I stuck to one airline, but I don't.
Lounge access I don't care about because the airports I frequent (MKY, PPP and HTI) don't have lounges, or if they do it's nothing too flash compared to the capital cities.

QF for international because of the OW alliance, VA for domestic. but I just usually book with the airline that has the best prices and let mother nature take its course. If i get WP at the end of the year, cool. If not, I'm not too fussed