bladeau1981
Member
- Joined
- Jul 22, 2010
- Posts
- 140
- Qantas
- Gold
- Virgin
- Platinum
So I did the discover gold status match coming from Qantas. I know things are a bit different now with how things are running with Covid but I just wanted to add my perspective and get feedback from others if I am just being biased or things are usually different.
Check-in - About the same but making me pay to sit near the front or exit row is a bit much unless virgin is going back to a budget jetstar / tiger type airline? Brisbane I saw big signs for premium entry and walked all the way to the end with 2 heavy bags (what the f? brisbane airport charging to use a trolley???) only to find it closed with no mention of where to actually go.
Lounge - access in Adelaide, friendly and simple, same in brisbane but signage could be better to find it. In Adelaide no need to wear a mask in the lounge, Brisbane had a few announcements. Adelaide order food from your table and have a menu and drinks list on your phone when you scan the QR code. Drink selection was extremely limited compared to Qantas, food was about what Qantas has been doing lately but without a decent hot food option for lunch or dinner.
Brisbane you had to sort of stand around behind some rope and hope someone would come and take an order but you could barely make out the menu that was 2.5m away. Toasted sandwiches were made in batches and hidden under a cloth so were soggy and luke warm at best. No idea what drinks were really available as I couldn't see a drink list anywhere. Beer and wine were kind of on display.
Priority boarding/luggage - Haha. About as good as qantas. Kind of works sometimes but inconsistent.
Status and points seem to be easier to earn on Virgin. I only need to earn 19 more status credits to become proper Gold so will do a quick ADL-MEL trip on Virgin but I am currently underwhelmed.
My take on comparison:
Check - in. Pretty much a tie.
Lounge - Qantas for service, drink selection and a tie on food. Cleanliness and layout/decor I would give to Qantas although the new Adelaide lounge is nice just a bit bland.
Plane - Qantas. I can get a drink and a snack at least without having to shell out cash, select a decent seat without having to shell out cash. Virgin seats seem a bit nicer though. I don't really care about IFE but at least Qantas has the option.
Anyway what are your thoughts? Anyone move from Qantas and staying with Virgin for any reason other than price?
Check-in - About the same but making me pay to sit near the front or exit row is a bit much unless virgin is going back to a budget jetstar / tiger type airline? Brisbane I saw big signs for premium entry and walked all the way to the end with 2 heavy bags (what the f? brisbane airport charging to use a trolley???) only to find it closed with no mention of where to actually go.
Lounge - access in Adelaide, friendly and simple, same in brisbane but signage could be better to find it. In Adelaide no need to wear a mask in the lounge, Brisbane had a few announcements. Adelaide order food from your table and have a menu and drinks list on your phone when you scan the QR code. Drink selection was extremely limited compared to Qantas, food was about what Qantas has been doing lately but without a decent hot food option for lunch or dinner.
Brisbane you had to sort of stand around behind some rope and hope someone would come and take an order but you could barely make out the menu that was 2.5m away. Toasted sandwiches were made in batches and hidden under a cloth so were soggy and luke warm at best. No idea what drinks were really available as I couldn't see a drink list anywhere. Beer and wine were kind of on display.
Priority boarding/luggage - Haha. About as good as qantas. Kind of works sometimes but inconsistent.
Status and points seem to be easier to earn on Virgin. I only need to earn 19 more status credits to become proper Gold so will do a quick ADL-MEL trip on Virgin but I am currently underwhelmed.
My take on comparison:
Check - in. Pretty much a tie.
Lounge - Qantas for service, drink selection and a tie on food. Cleanliness and layout/decor I would give to Qantas although the new Adelaide lounge is nice just a bit bland.
Plane - Qantas. I can get a drink and a snack at least without having to shell out cash, select a decent seat without having to shell out cash. Virgin seats seem a bit nicer though. I don't really care about IFE but at least Qantas has the option.
Anyway what are your thoughts? Anyone move from Qantas and staying with Virgin for any reason other than price?