Excellent J Deal to Hkg-Questions

[texanaust]

Just thought I'd post what I think is an exceptional deal using the JTX27 promo code. RT Lst-Hkg for $1741 in "The Business." I assume this fare (or similar) is available from other cities too. This can be booked as far out as the schedule allows. In my case this is for a return in 2019.

Since I'm pretty new to VA and this forum, I had a few questions. What is 'The' difference between "The Business" and "Business" class? Is this just a fancy name? Also, when I booked these tickets I could not choose seats-the website said seats to be selected at check-in. Now I've done a few VA domestics and never seen that before. The first flight does not leave until November if that matters.

Thanks in advance and I'm looking forward to my first trip in "The Business" whatever that means.

 

[cssaus]

Also, when I booked these tickets I could not choose seats-the website said seats to be selected at check-in. Now I've done a few VA domestics and never seen that before.

I booked the same flight the other day and also found I was unable to do seat selection as part of the booking process. Rang VA and they did it for me over the phone. Be aware that VA will try & tell you the seating is 2x2 but if you check their seats maps on the web site for the A330-200 it shows 1x2x1.

 

[clipped_wings]

Welcome to our forum

Your first flight LST-MEL will be aboard a 737, which is a standard 2x2 business class recliner. The MEL-HKG leg will be aboard an A330, which boasts "The Business". This is an exceptional experience and you are in for a treat, although the 1.30am departure time may see you dozing for the first half of your journey.

To see what Virgin has in store for you, I'd spend a few lazy hours watching the many online videos of "The Business" - I guarantee you, it will add to the anticipation of your holiday!

 

[Mattg]

Wow - that is an excellent price. Thanks for sharing.

Edit - on further research, a similar price seems to be available from any Australian city other than SYD or MEL when using the promo code mentioned by the OP. I'm seeing a fare of $1,759 for ADL-HKG in J and PER-MEL-HKG is $2,103 return. Flying from Perth, you'd get the A330 for all 4 flights and earn a handy 400 status credits.

 

[texanaust]

Thanks for the responses. Does anyone know if VA will interline with Hong Kong airlines on a separate ticket? I'll actually be flying on to PVG the same day.

 

[jpk]

Thank you VERY much, this came in handy.

 

[texanaust]

Seems like someone posted this on Ozbargain. Could be a very short lived promo code/fare...

 

[serfty]

There are seat selection issues for business on VA's HKG flights.

GDS returns 2x2 when it is in fact 1x2x1.

VA's solution? Stop seat selection.

 

[vmile]

Edit - on further research, a similar price seems to be available from any Australian city other than SYD or MEL when using the promo code mentioned by the OP.

I just booked for flights November/December.
Adelaide worked, as did Hobart, Launceston, Gold Coast. I could not get Brisbane, or Canberra to work for my dates??

Great Status Run value Thanks OP!

 

[pmdg7444]

CNS- BNE/OOL - MEL - HKG rtn is best value SC-wise. Price-wise though, flights on HX metal ps pricing out around $10 cheaper

 

[louie]

Has anyone had any joy finding anything over Christmas (big ask I know)?

 

[clifford]

It certainly is a great fare and I'd book it straight away, as I have a couple of trips to HKG coming up this year. It's available for my dates in May/June and August, but, unfortunately, I already have purchased/redeemed excellent business class tickets on other airlines and it really wouldn't make a lot of sense to change at this stage.

 

[louie]

I'm not very good at following fare rules. Am I right that the cancellation fee is A$300 (or is that each way)?

 

[Mattg]

I'm not very good at following fare rules. Am I right that the cancellation fee is A$300 (or is that each way)?

From my reading of the fare rules, to get a refund you would need to pay a fee of $300 PLUS the difference between the fare paid and the fare at the time of requesting a refund. That would potentially run into the thousands, so expect to travel as booked or don't book at all.

 

[louie]

Thanks for replying - and so quickly. I'm amazed this thread is so quiet for such a good deal. Sadly not for me; thinking more about it I need the flexibility I currently have with reward flights already booked.

And to answer my other question above, availability from ADL is great over Christmas.

 

[Ausbt]

Thank you texan! I'm booked. I'll need positioning flights SYD-OOL but my sched is OOL-MEL-HKG-SYD-OOL entirely in J and then another positioning back to SYD. This is just before Christmas returning 1 week into January. $1,750 in total! Works out really well for me, my parents are on the GC so lunch with them on the day of positioning, and my HK-based cousin has his birthday day before departing HK, amazing!

BTW fare class is IZBSAVB8/PR so I'll be interested to work out the SC haul from this. I think J saver is less, unsure.

 

[jase05]

Was planning to go elsewhere in October for holidays but these prices are almost too good to ignore. I haven’t flown much VA international so can someone tell me if they still use the EY lounge at MEL for flights to HKG and I’m guessing the HX Attura lounge in HKG?

 

[airly]

Was planning to go elsewhere in October for holidays but these prices are almost too good to ignore. I haven’t flown much VA international so can someone tell me if they still use the EY lounge at MEL for flights to HKG and I’m guessing the HX Attura lounge in HKG?

Flew this sector with VA in December.
Pretty sure still using EY lounge in MEL, and the new HX lounge in HK (can't remember the name, but very nice lounge)

 

[clipped_wings]

Flying SYD-MEL-HKG return in J next week. I'll post a trip report and as many details as I can about the whole experience from start to finish. Taking lots of photos this time - food, cabin, even the salt & pepper shakers!

 

[ozstamps]

Has this fare gone - I am seeing $3000 plus for RT from ADL etc?