I am so over Virgin Airlines.

[medhead]

Just wondered do QF WPs get free wine on QF services outside the routes/times on those routes where it is published as free , or do they have to pay too?

It probably depends. I'm sure there would be CSM that would recognise a platinum passenger and offer extras. I've had extras offered on some flights. So not a published benefit, but it can happen.

By comparison had absolutely nothing extra from VA. Not a bad thing, like like the consistency. But it seems pretty clear status means nothing to VA.

 

[JohnK]

sounds like you were getting a discount, as wine is $8.
Not aware of VA ever offering plats/golds any free drinks due to status.
These days for free booze,its only on the happy hr, for all guests, mon-fri, 5-7pm, and coast to coast services.

I vaguely remember being offered free alcohol as a Platinum/Gold around the time they introduced onboard meal/drink for flexi customers?

Or maybe I am thinking of something totally different.

 

[OzEire]

I vaguely remember being offered free alcohol as a Platinum/Gold around the time they introduced onboard meal/drink for flexi customers?

Or maybe I am thinking of something totally different.

Yes, this is my recollection too. However, I could well be wrong as I can't precisely remember if it happened because I was flexi, status or just another punter who was lucky to have caught a flight in a happy hour or similar. I think medhead is right about the lack of onboard acknowledgement of status flyers... whereas the lounge is usually much better at responding to the issues that they can control.

I have also re-reconsidered my move away from VA just because of this DYKWIA issue (yes, it was a dummy spit) ... instead, I now consider that this was not the only reason I was "so over VA" but rather it was just the last in a long list of reasons. And, as suggested, I am going to contact VA and give them a chance to win me back. Thanks to the AFF collective wisdom for your counsel

 

[medhead]

I think there was a period of about a month right at the beginning when va crew cared about status. I might have had one random "extra" during that time. Since then I think there is zero concern for status from crew. It is a big reason I don't want to 100% commit to VA. The rare extras from qantas at least happen.

 

[JohnK]

Just wondered do QF WPs get free wine on QF services outside the routes/times on those routes where it is published as free , or do they have to pay too?

In my experience this happens quite often.

Most times it is subtle but occasionally it is not so subtle when the CSM comes down and asks 4 Platinums in row 4 if they would like a drink.

 

[medhead]

6th last virgin flight for at least 8 months. They've done well on the seat allocation. 23 occupied middle seats, and 3 empty aisle seats next to an empty middle. No doubt it's best to give the platinums in row 3 some company.

View attachment 48578

View attachment 48579

 

[Ausbt]

So sit in the aisle? I'm a bit confused. Given I mostly sit in 3A, I'm glad to see I've got a shadow at least.

 

[Mattg]

I agree that this doesn't really look good (if you haven't already selected a seat, that is). How long before the flight did you check? Personally, I would probably choose 28D here over 3B, nothing worse than those middle seats...

 

[medhead]

I did select an aisle, when I booked this months ago. You'll guess which aisle when I say 3E seemed non frequent flyer-ish. Didn't check their BP. But put their laptop bag under their own seat, something I assume most frequent flyers would realise is not the best option.

I would also take 28D over 3/4E. In fact last week I took an empty row 19 over 3D with seat buddy. But having secured 3D for this flight I wasn't going to move to 28.

Seat map checked while on board about 15 minutes before scheduled departure.

 

[SimonF]

One of their partners seem to offer a great benefit related to this for their elites

topbonus - Free adjacent seat - airberlin.com

When you fly with us, you do not only have time to relax but also plenty of space to stretch out.Indeed, as a topbonus Gold or Platinum member, you are treated to the utmost comfort with the seat next to you kept free as long as availability permits. Does that sound comfortable? That's because it is.

This benefit is only available to topbonus Gold or Platinum members who reserve a seat in advance through the topbonus Gold or Platinum Service at airberlin.com (see also "free seat reservation"). The seat next to your reserved seat is kept free as long as availability permits.

 

[JohnK]

Personally, I would probably choose 28D here over 3B, nothing worse than those middle seats...

I would choose any aisle seat over a middle seat. My comfort comes way before any thoughts of how quickly I can get off the aircraft.

I love that "availability permits" term. In other words seat will remain vacant until someone wants to sit there?