Virgin Australia flights to Doha now on sale

[mt4789]

I have another question, I've tried to A/B test a few times now both on the phone and computer, and there is actually no difference in prices between using the "VAI25" code or not using it.

Is it actually not working or does it not apply to all routes or something? I am looking to book SYD - AMS for example.

I tried some random dates in October and it’s working for me, added about a 10% discount to both economy and business. Are you searching during blackout dates?

 

[SCM]

I tried some random dates in October and it’s working for me, added about a 10% discount to both economy and business. Are you searching during blackout dates?

Yes, my flights (the ones I searched) are in June, after the 12th. For example, 13th to 25th of June SYD - AMS.

Would you mind showing me a screenshot of where you see the discount? I don't even know what/where to look for, but the final step before buying the prices are the same to me.

Funnily enough I tried again and now I see it, but I somehow still don't notice much of any price difference, maybe by $40 or so total? Bit disappointing.

 

[RooFlyer]

This may be of interest to some here:

Virgin Australia expands international lounge network

 

[henrus]

This may be of interest to some here:

Virgin Australia expands international lounge network

This is going to annoy some but I’d call this a bit of false marketing.

Those on VA operated flights aren’t getting lounge access and it’s just those on a VA marketed QR operated for VA flight that get access (noting none of the arrangements are different to existing ones).

 

[mt4789]

This is going to annoy some but I’d call this a bit of false marketing.

Those on VA operated flights aren’t getting lounge access and it’s just those on a VA marketed QR operated for VA flight that get access (noting none of the arrangements are different to existing ones).

Do you mean no change in FF lounge access arrangements for those travelling to Queenstown, Bali or Fiji?

 

[HS-TQE]

Do you mean no change in FF lounge access arrangements for those travelling to Queenstown, Bali or Fiji?

Seems to be the case, in line with their so called 'Value Carrier' strategy for domestic and short haul international.

 

[RooFlyer]

This is going to annoy some but I’d call this a bit of false marketing.

Those on VA operated flights aren’t getting lounge access and it’s just those on a VA marketed QR operated for VA flight that get access (noting none of the arrangements are different to existing ones).

If you like. But the article is titled expansion of international lounge network (not a review of all) and the headings up-front are:



I'd say its pretty clear what they are on about.

 

[henrus]

If you like. But the article is titled expansion of international lounge network (not a review of all) and the headings up-front are:

View attachment 439847

I'd say it’s pretty clear what they are on about.

Yes I agree but behind the scenes nothing has been expanded or agreed upon hence my point.

 

[anat0l]

This may be of interest to some here:

Virgin Australia expands international lounge network

It'd be amiss of VA to partner with QR to set up these services through Doha and onto Europe without ensuring lounge access for its premium and high status passengers, so at least that's their homework done there.

This page (click here) also seems to imply more generally that Velocity Gold and Platinum have access to whatever lounge QR uses at other ports, so long as they are travelling on a QR operated flight (weirdly, it doesn't say anything about whether it must be QR or VA marketed, except the already well-discussed Doha, London and Paris).

They do seem to make a big deal about ensuring one collects a lounge invitation at check-in (I assume this means, e.g. if you flew SYD-DOH-LHR, you need to collect two lounge invitations - one for SYD and one for DOH - when you check in at SYD). What happens if you front up to the lounge reception without one, but you're still eligible?

 

[Bagpuss]

After all the hassles of seat selection, I discovered I was able to do it online last night using the Qatar website. Was even able to get an extra leg room seat.
Ticketed by QR and on a QR codeshare flight number.

 

[mt4789]

I can also choose seats on the Qatar website for my VA ticketed booking now (couldn’t previously). Looking at the empty seat map I don’t think many people bothered calling up before

 

[Bolter]

After all the hassles of seat selection, I discovered I was able to do it online last night using the Qatar website. Was even able to get an extra leg room seat.
Ticketed by QR and on a QR codeshare flight number.

Do the extra leg room seats also include the exit row seats and could you share the seat row you got?

 

[Bagpuss]

Do the extra leg room seats also include the exit row seats and could you share the seat row you got?

Yes I got exit row seats (On QR 777's I think all extra leg room seats are exit row). Almost all seats were available about 3 seats were taken in all of economy, excluding the usual seats which Qatar block out.

 

[Bolter]

Yes I got exit row seats (On QR 777's I think all extra leg room seats are exit row). Almost all seats were available about 3 seats were taken in all of economy, excluding the usual seats which Qatar block out.

When are you flying?

 

[Bagpuss]

When are you flying?

September

 

[Bolter]

I'm looking to book as soon as possible on VA1 for SYD-DOH and want to try for the business class upgrade:

UpgradeMe Points on Virgin Australia flights between Australia and Doha (VA 1-29)

From 1 July 2025, all Velocity members travelling on Economy Flex fares, and Gold and Platinum members travelling on Economy Choice fares will be eligible to request to use Velocity Points to upgrade to Business Class on Virgin Australia flights between Australia and Doha (VA 1-29), subject to availability.

The VA site says eligibility is from July 1st. My question is can you book your Economy seat prior to July 1st and then phone to request an upgrade after July 1st or do you have to wait until July 1st before you can make both the Economy booking and the request?

 

[Bagpuss]

I'm looking to book as soon as possible on VA1 for SYD-DOH and want to try for the business class upgrade:

UpgradeMe Points on Virgin Australia flights between Australia and Doha (VA 1-29)

From 1 July 2025, all Velocity members travelling on Economy Flex fares, and Gold and Platinum members travelling on Economy Choice fares will be eligible to request to use Velocity Points to upgrade to Business Class on Virgin Australia flights between Australia and Doha (VA 1-29), subject to availability.

The VA site says eligibility is from July 1st. My question is can you book your Economy seat prior to July 1st and then phone to request an upgrade after July 1st or do you have to wait until July 1st before you can make both the Economy booking and the request?

I'd expect you can book your Economy seat prior to July 1st and then phone to request an upgrade after July 1st.

Though, I'd recommend emailing Velocity and get their confirmation in writing.

 

[aaronm]

After all the hassles of seat selection, I discovered I was able to do it online last night using the Qatar website. Was even able to get an extra leg room seat.
Ticketed by QR and on a QR codeshare flight number.

I was able to select seats for the VA flights over the phone, and QR legs online. Interestingly the QR website doesn't show me as having seats selected for the VA-coded flights but the seat I have selected is shown as occupied. Will be interesting to see what happens.