New baggage policy

[Mogul]

Program Updates Baggage Policy On 16 May 2012, Virgin Australia will introduce a simpler domestic and international short haul checked baggage policy for Guests: • Checked baggage allowances will be based on the number of pieces checked in rather than the total weight. • A maximum of three pieces of baggage may be pre-purchased online or via the Guest Contact Centre at a discounted rate, including any complimentary allowances. Baggage may also be purchased at the airport at a higher rate. • There will be a small flat fee for overweight baggage, rather than charging per kilogram for overweight baggage. Your complimentary checked baggage allowance as a Velocity Gold member when travelling Virgin Australia domestic and international short-haul will be: Fare Type Complimentary baggage allowance Saver 1 piece up to 32kg Flexi 1 piece up to 32kg Economy 2 pieces up to 32kg each Business 2 pieces up to 32kg each Find out more about the new checked baggage policy. Is this an "enhancement" or not ? Not sure as previously had up to 23kg free over numerous bags if needed, but now 32kg with only 1 bag.

 

[Moopere]

I wonder why the various airlines go down this route? Is there real or perceived logjam at loading/unloading caused by multiple small bags? I would have thought that 32KG bags, being quite heavy and difficult to move for one man not to mention pretty much bang on the limit for a one man lift OH&S wise would be far worse overall....

For me, the above is a downgrade. I don't like travelling with a single huge 32KG bag, my preference is always with bags weighing less than 20KG, often 10-15KG but to perhaps have 2 of them (for a long trip).

As air travellers have proven over time when other airlines implement similar policies, people don't take less baggage with them, they simply spill the remainder over into the cabin causing delays and general nastiness when boarding - despite the way this looks, is this what the airlines actually want and are encouraging? Perhaps it leaves more room for freight in the cargo hold???

 

[dfcatch]

Whereas I'm one of those passengers that quite often might be in the 23-32kg range. So I like being able to take 32kg.

As a status pax - I like being able to take multiple bags (@32kg).

I prefer that to being limited simply by weight.

 

[jneufeld]

There is a new table on the website showing what all tiers are entitled to
Checked Baggage | Virgin Australia

 

[markis10]

Moving to replicate the same system introduced by QF, have to say its disappointing, as a business traveller I often do events where I need to carry promotional banners etc, and the piece system makes this hard, has the catering manager who got rid of spirits been moved to baggage policy now, its poor form!

DJ really need a focus group to run such changes by first, if in fact they have one then they need to change who is on it. Even a poll here would give a good indication of preferences should a number of options be on the cards!

 

[awilcockson]

Wow that is a massive downgrade from the 69Kg Platinums used to get

I know it's only 5 Kg, but being limited to 2 bags is terrible.

 

[Ewing]

I know it's only 5 Kg, but being limited to 2 bags is terrible.

Yep. It's rubbish.

I very rarely check bags, but when I do it's good not to be limited by pieces.

 

[darrend]

Interesting "enhancement". The reason I left QF in the first place was their continued "enhancements" - let us hope VA does not go down the same path. The thin edge of the wedge and one that upon analysis gives the airline very little, if any, gain. At the same time manages to disillusion a whole host of premium punters.

It won’t impact me directly – over the last year or so – 50 odd flights I would have taken more than 1 bag on only one occasion and that was with the family on holidays to NZ. My partner is Platinum as well – we had maybe 6 bags and two of those weighed only a few kg each. Perhaps we should get credits when we don’t use all the allowance. I’d be more than happy to give up allowance on that basis – make it a tradable commodity

The plastic wrap dudes at the airport will get more business. I recall fronting up to united check-in once. Had 3 bags in J. Weight around 22kg, 11kg and 14kg so under weight limit but pieces was limited to 2. They wanted to hit me up for around $350 so I took the two lighter bags to the plastic wrap guy and put them together – cost me around $10. So the airline had two heavy pieces (one bulky) rather than 3 lighter pieces that were easier to pack. Not sure of the logic employed but I saved $340 and shook my head at the apparent stupidity of it.

 

[TheInsider]

wrap guy and put them together – cost me around $10. So the airline had two heavy pieces (one bulky) rather than 3 lighter pieces that were easier to pack. Not sure of the logic employed but I saved $340 and shook my head at the apparent stupidity of it.

Airlines like AirNZ will flat out refuse to accept this according to their policy.

 

[TheInsider]

DJ's overweight baggage fee is $40, so anything over 23kgs. Surprised they didn't match Qantas' $20 fee.

 

[darrend]

I sent this to my partner and she came back with - "The kilo doesn’t make a big difference...so we just have to pack stuff in bigger bags." - I guess that says it all.

 

[markis10]

DJ's overweight baggage fee is $40, so anything over 23kgs. Surprised they didn't match Qantas' $20 fee.

They have beaten QF, your talking pre-purchased QF is $20 versus $12. At the airport QF is $30 so they are not beating QF when it comes to airport!

 

[simongr]

It isnt always convenient to have a smaller number of big bags - I prefer the weight limit even if the overall is lower.

Thankfully I don't check luggage on domestic flights.

 

[djfuzz]

Boo VA. Very disappointing.

 

[cityloop]

Moving to replicate the same system introduced by QF, have to say its disappointing, as a business traveller I often do events where I need to carry promotional banners etc, and the piece system makes this hard, has the catering manager who got rid of spirits been moved to baggage policy now, its poor form!

DJ really need a focus group to run such changes by first, if in fact they have one then they need to change who is on it. Even a poll here would give a good indication of preferences should a number of options be on the cards!

Agreed, especially for status pax. I can understand for general travellers that the piece system applies but it shouldn't apply to frequent travellers who more often than not require multiple bags.

 

[cityloop]

I wonder why the various airlines go down this route? Is there real or perceived logjam at loading/unloading caused by multiple small bags? I would have thought that 32KG bags, being quite heavy and difficult to move for one man not to mention pretty much bang on the limit for a one man lift OH&S wise would be far worse overall....

For me, the above is a downgrade. I don't like travelling with a single huge 32KG bag, my preference is always with bags weighing less than 20KG, often 10-15KG but to perhaps have 2 of them (for a long trip).

As air travellers have proven over time when other airlines implement similar policies, people don't take less baggage with them, they simply spill the remainder over into the cabin causing delays and general nastiness when boarding - despite the way this looks, is this what the airlines actually want and are encouraging? Perhaps it leaves more room for freight in the cargo hold???

Very good point, plus I think there will be a whole lot more bag breakages that are filled to the max, leading to increased insurances claims when their broken baggage makes its way on to the carousel.

 

[cityloop]

Interesting "enhancement". The reason I left QF in the first place was their continued "enhancements" - let us hope VA does not go down the same path. The thin edge of the wedge and one that upon analysis gives the airline very little, if any, gain. At the same time manages to disillusion a whole host of premium punters.

It won’t impact me directly – over the last year or so – 50 odd flights I would have taken more than 1 bag on only one occasion and that was with the family on holidays to NZ. My partner is Platinum as well – we had maybe 6 bags and two of those weighed only a few kg each. Perhaps we should get credits when we don’t use all the allowance. I’d be more than happy to give up allowance on that basis – make it a tradable commodity

The plastic wrap dudes at the airport will get more business. I recall fronting up to united check-in once. Had 3 bags in J. Weight around 22kg, 11kg and 14kg so under weight limit but pieces was limited to 2. The wanted to hit me up for around $350 so I took the two lighter bags to the plastic wrap guy and put them together – cost me around $10. So the airline had two heavy pieces (one bulky) rather than 3 lighter pieces that were easier to pack. Not sure of the logic employed but I saved $340 and shook my head at the apparent stupidity of it.

This is a great point too and points out the stupidity of this situation. It also points out the danger Virgin is placing on to it's baggage handling staff who will have to deal with these sorts of bulky bag problems.

When I know I have around 32kg I always carry a spare duffle bag with me to put my clothes in to. I do this mainly for the baggage handlers as I know it would be a struggle to lift one large 32kg bag plus they're more likely to throw and drop one large heavy bag around. But now I guess I'll have to max out my one hard case bag and risk it 'cracking' and claim it on Virgin's insurance which we've had to do a couple of times now due to the bag being very heavy and being tossed around by baggage handlers.

 

[obrienja]

I haven't seen it written anywhere but I wonder what happens if I transfer from say (VA1) to a flight to Melbourne where I go from being allowed 3 pieces to only being allowed 2 without charge?

 

[dfcatch]

It isnt always convenient to have a smaller number of big bags - I prefer the weight limit even if the overall is lower.

Thankfully I don't check luggage on domestic flights.

See I'm happy with the weight system - as long as the limit is reasonable.

But I can't agree with you here.

Try traveling with sporting gear - you can very easily be over the 23kg without trying.

And as a status pax you're still allowed 2 bags.

Regardless of weight - were you really traveling regularly with more than 2 bags per pax??

 

[Blackswan]

This is not a change I like.If I'm travelling on a short trip, I will only take carry-on. But when I do decide to check in bags, I normally have more than one.For example, next week I'm off to Melbourne with a non-status friend. We purchased saver fares, and we decided not to purchase bags for her as I'll check her bag (in addition to mine). Next time, I guess we'll either have to pay the $30, or pack together in a larger suitcase (although, the use of a single suitcase could bring about the end of our friendship ).