Free Amex flight now with Virgin Blue [ONLY] effective Oct 1

[lovestotravel]

As many others have reported, I have received the letter.

I like it ALOT

Free flight to Perth, Darwin and Carins!

Hello Port Douglas!!!!

Wait for a DJ sale, ring Amex book your DJ flight and then combine it with a sale fare to take your partner!

:mrgreen:

 

[StevePER]

Wait for a DJ sale, ring Amex book your DJ flight and then combine it with a sale fare to take your partner!

Better off booking the Amex flight when not on sale, because it reduces the fare difference in case you subsequently need to make changes, and increases the Velocity points earn (if they end up earning).

 

[Keith009]

Just got my letter today notifying of the change. I don't mind the change as it means a greater choice of destinations, especially the more expensive sectors like MEL-PER and MEL-DRW (now that's somewhere I've always wanted to go to). And the free Priority Pass will let me use The Lounge anyway.

As if softening me for the "downgrade", they sent a separate letter yesterday reminding me how wonderful a Platinum card was, "Platinum refresher." Which also included offers at the Banyan Tree Resort and Park Hyatt.

 

[straitman]

I have been AMEX platinum charge and credit card holder for 2 years but too busy and lazy to seek free flights. Would they give 2 flights if I can explain or decline and point somewhere in T&C ?

Very unlikely. It is one flight per membership year though they will often give a grace period.

 

[anat0l]

Got the letter today.

Pretty much you can fly to any non-stop destination in the DJ network from your point of origin.

So that's actually a pretty good change overall. I will miss my baggage bonus and sitting at the front - one reason to travel light on my free flight.

 

[kamchatsky]

Just wondering, whether this change is partially involved by DJ's JB? Afterall, he may want to get all the Platinum card flyers to try DJ, and may end up changing their habits? It is a relatively inexpensive way to advertise, as well making customers happier that they can fly a far greater list of cities than QF did.

 

[markis10]

Great for people going to OzFest next year (@ Darwin)!

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/comm...ia-memorial-day-weekend-may-27-29-2011-a.html

Great for people who like redeye's. DJ are pretty much 100% late night departures ex DRW.

 

[straitman]

Great for people who like redeye's. DJ are pretty much 100% late night departures ex DRW.

Like serfty, we have already booked our Oz Fest flights for next year on QF ASA but this could prove useful for an Oz Fest planning trip, though I'm not keen on the Red Eye bit:!:

 

[serfty]

I burnt my return "Flight" on Qantas today to attend the AFF meet in Brisbane 23/24 October.

A couple of points that may be of interest:

• The person I spoke too was in Auckland and
• My booking could be viewed on www.virtuallythere.com.

It still books into O class - There's no "sale" on but I noticed this is not the cheapest fare any more, E class is by around $30 each way (MEL-BNE).

I suggest this may point to the reason Amex has given QF the flick for these flights.

 

[oz_mark]

• My booking could be viewed on www.virtuallythere.com.

Used to show the price of the fare there as well.

 

[dajop]

Great for people who like redeye's. DJ are pretty much 100% late night departures ex DRW.

According to current DRW timetables, DJ are only have 100% late night departure for DRW-BNE route. DRW-MEL leave at 18:25 and only involves a late night arrival, not an overnight on the plane, a true red-eye. Of course no good if you are travelling on to somewhere else.

 

[ejb]

Hi all,

Does anyone know if this flight can be used by family or friends?

I have no need for it but would like to let a mate use it.

Thanks.

ejb

 

[StevePER]

Does anyone know if this flight can be used by family or friends?

Yes it can.

 

[ejb]

Yes it can.

Thanks Steve. It looks like my cousin will get to try DJ.

ejb

 

[Mal]

Got the letter today, and definitely like the new routes available. I'll miss flying on QF, but DJ aren't bad - and as a Plat still get anytime access to the QF lounges.

I'm trying to work out if it's been devalued, but can't see how it has. DJ have improved the routes available, and the re-introduction of routes like PER from BNE is great. I didn't see anywhere exemptions with earning Velocity points, so again can't see the downside.

 

[docjames]

Had a couple of other thoughts (my card has arrived too).

1. Is baggage included or is this equivalent to a GO! fare?

2. Will availability be any better than QF?

If the answers are both yes, I might change my view on the value of this new offer and redact my post from earlier in this thread.

 

[Mal]

1. Is baggage included or is this equivalent to a GO! fare?

You get 23(?)kg allowance just like a normal non-go fare. Will not know the other answer until others post their experiences.

(This is written on the back of the letter IIRC)

 

[anat0l]

1. Is baggage included or is this equivalent to a GO! fare?

Think GO! or Blue Saver fare with the $10 bag fee already included.

On the other hand, it will be interesting to see what the value of these tickets are in the off chance that the fares will give you DJ status credits and points (since the value of the ticket affects the earn rate).

2. Will availability be any better than QF?

I wasn't aware that availability was a problem in the old scheme (but then again I don't have experience here). I guess it shouldn't be a problem....

 

[StevePER]

I only got the letter yesterday - it's interesting that it says the list of routes is incomplete, and the complete list will be available from October 1. As far as I could tell, it included all of DJ's domestic flights. Or were there some missing?

 

[markis10]

According to current DRW timetables, DJ are only have 100% late night departure for DRW-BNE route. DRW-MEL leave at 18:25 and only involves a late night arrival, not an overnight on the plane, a true red-eye. Of course no good if you are travelling on to somewhere else.

That answers the question why the 737 sits there all day , I dont frequent DRW after 1PM and had assumed that the flights all followed the BNE pattern of a late night departure, the 5PM MEL/PTH departures are actually quite good, wish they had one for BNE as it would mean I get more working time rather than having to grab the early afternoon options currently available. Thanks for correcting my info!