Virgin/Qatar seat selection

[Vic]

This should not be the case...QR allows access to partner / 3rd party lounges for Velocity Gold & Plat (unlike e.g. SQ where you only get access to SQ operated lounges). Where possible you should get a lounge invite at check in, if lounge eligibility is not shown on the boarding pass.

Certainly, an error on my behalf in not asking for/thinking to get a lounge pass at check in.
However, the whole process did take a bit of discussion at the lounge desk, and they called Qatar check in to see if Virgin platinum was eligible. The answer was no, and so the Qatar contractors at the port did not know about Virgin either.
They also got the Qatar check in staff to remove my VA number and add my QFF number when I played the Qantas platinum card. I think it was a port specific issue if anything (Germanic peoples are fairly rules driven ). This was a third party paid access lounge, which is clearly dependent on knowing who is going to pay for access.

That was last year (VA paid economy on Qatar).

Interesting to note that last week (QF award Economy on Qatar) the boarding pass included a note about the lounge to use. A middle eastern port without Qatar lounge, so in a third party lounge.

 

[bcworld]

Certainly, an error on my behalf in not asking for/thinking to get a lounge pass at check in.

Not really your error, it should be offered and you're basically at the mercy of the check in agent or lounge person.

I don't think VA Gold and Plat ever has an issue accessing the Marhaba lounge at MEL when flying QR...and that's certainly a pay per use lounge. But obviously the staff (either check in or lounge) have more of an understanding of who Virgin Australia is and therefore probably their partnerships as well.

 

[knagelli]

I am a Platinum member the problem is i phoned Virgin before I paid and was told because of my status seat selection was free (BNE-MUN)

I was able to get seat selection for free for my Economy tickets as I was Platinum with Qatar but if you are just VA platinum that does not entitle any seat selection. Hope this helps.

 

[Thibault]

Does anyone know which fare class in each fare category allows free seat selection prior to check-in ?

 

[knagelli]

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Does anyone know which fare class in each fare category allows free seat selection prior to check-in ?

Seat selection is not free even if ticket is issued by VA for QR metal unless you hold relevant status with QR. It has been vague and the agents are equally confused based on my experience.

 

[Wondoola]

All that VA need to do is include business seat selection for a fee in their fare rules for code share before you purchase like other airlines and that would take all the surprises of paying an extra $860 for seat selection
This was after phoning VA and being told by a supervisor that were no fees for business on Qatar, and then later an apology by email for misinformation