Domestic/short-haul 'special' meals

[totd]

The VA website has details on ordering "Special Meals", but clearly states this is only for Int'l Long-haul. Page here: http://www.virginaustralia.com/au/en/plan/special-needs-assistance/special-meals/

I was recently on VA8008 (booked as VA code share, actual flight was NZ107) which is TT (short-haul). The flight CSM stated that Air NZ was happy, willing and able to accommodate most requirements. The CSM did advise that if I am flying with them again in future, even on a VA code share booking, that I should contact the ANZ call centre as they should be able to request the special meal irrespective of what the VA agents may say.

My question is VA operate flights to the US (long-haul) out of SYD that offer gluten free meals, NZ operate flights over the same routes that offer gluten free meals, why can't VA manage to load special meals on to the trans Tasman flights? Why can i get a gluten free, dairy free meal in Y on VA24 but get diddly squat flying J across the Tasman?

 

[JohnK]

Why can i get a gluten free, dairy free meal in Y on VA24 but get diddly squat flying J across the Tasman?

Could it be due to business class loads on these flights?

I would have thought that it would not be unreasonable to be able to request a special meal in advance.

 

[totd]

I would have thought that it would not be unreasonable to be able to request a special meal in advance.

Apparently it is an entirely unreasonable expectation. Any time I have bothered to asked about it I am just given a flat "No". No attempt to rationalize or justify the position... I was kinda hoping VFF could shed some light, but there seem to be topics that Virgin actively ignore. Still, it's no worse than the treatment I get at most restaurants.

 

[Lizzi]

I've asked the same thing before, but no joy. I was told that the J catering on domestic would be able to cover gluten free, but this really depends on the flight. On the 330, the FA brought out the ingredients lists and went through them with me so I was able to choose a meal, whereas J on the 777 only had two choices of food, and neither was suitable, so the FA gave me a couple of the GF muesli bars from the Y menu. I've only flown NZ across the Tasman, and it was the cheapest tickets, so didn't include any food.

 

[Velocity Frequent Flyer]

Apparently it is an entirely unreasonable expectation. Any time I have bothered to asked about it I am just given a flat "No". No attempt to rationalize or justify the position... I was kinda hoping VFF could shed some light, but there seem to be topics that Virgin actively ignore. Still, it's no worse than the treatment I get at most restaurants.

Hi TOTD,
I have asked for further information on your question.

(I have said previously, that sometimes getting all the facts for a reply, might take a little bit. Apologies for this)

 

[serfty]

Could it be due to business class loads on these flights?
...

VA don't operate "Business" T-T, they have "Premium Economy" which entitles one to
complimentary choice from the Standard economy menu, including that for "Flexi" / "Works" passengers.

It's a different issue from VA customer agents providing incorrect information about AirNZ operated codeshares.

 

[totd]

(I have said previously, that sometimes getting all the facts for a reply, might take a little bit. Apologies for this)

Thanks for chasing it up VFF. I think I had my cranky pants on the other day Sorry 'bout that.

VA don't operate "Business" T-T, they have "Premium Economy" which entitles one to
complimentary choice from the Standard economy menu, including that for "Flexi" / "Works" passengers.

That was but one example. I have flown domestically numerous times and never been able to request anything. The point I was getting at was that even Business (Where offered) doesn't provide these options. I have only been flying up and down the east coast, with this being my first Int'l Short-Haul, so the situation may be different on Coast-to-coast services and other Short-Haul destinations.