theevilmuppet
Member
- Joined
- Jan 11, 2015
- Posts
- 320
Hi all,
Being in Melbourne, I admit that I may be positioned somewhat unusually in terms of this consideration. My concern is more focused on personal travel than business but I suspect there are points to be made from either (or other) class of traveller.
On VA:
From Melbourne, one needs to fly from MEL to either SYD or BNE on a 737 at 0700 or similar in a 2-2 configuration for 1 or 2 hours. Afterwards, one then arrives at LAX at between 0500 and 0700 in a 2-3-2 business class.
On NZ:
From Melbourne, one needs to fly from MEL to AKL on a 777 at 1145 in a 1-2-1 configuration for 3 hours, barely have time to enjoy a beer and Facebook check in the Koru longue before getting on another 777 to land at LAX at about 1000 when many other facilities and amenities are generally available.
Thus far, both options are 2 stop, both require walking through a decently-sized airport and both are subject to at least two delays. The NZ option has some practical potential benefits however this is one benefit that is not to be disregarded.
In terms of price, VA costs very close to $4,000 for each leg in J. In contrast NZ can provide J fares for under $3,000 per leg on wide-body jets with preferable departure and arrival times and (at least at present) a vastly superior product.
The statements made by Mr Borghetti with regard to the upgrades that are clearly inbound on the VA widebody jets for J point to a price rise, making VA even less competitive with the NZ Business Premier product.
With all that said, if not using cash for J or a combination of cash for Y or W plus points for the upgrade, why would anyone choose VA over NZ when traveling from MEL to LAX?
The only thing I can think of is either Sector Count or the status boost on Velocity Points earn. The NZ option provides superior SC earn (and we all know Status Credits are far more valuable than Velocity Points).
Being in Melbourne, I admit that I may be positioned somewhat unusually in terms of this consideration. My concern is more focused on personal travel than business but I suspect there are points to be made from either (or other) class of traveller.
On VA:
From Melbourne, one needs to fly from MEL to either SYD or BNE on a 737 at 0700 or similar in a 2-2 configuration for 1 or 2 hours. Afterwards, one then arrives at LAX at between 0500 and 0700 in a 2-3-2 business class.
On NZ:
From Melbourne, one needs to fly from MEL to AKL on a 777 at 1145 in a 1-2-1 configuration for 3 hours, barely have time to enjoy a beer and Facebook check in the Koru longue before getting on another 777 to land at LAX at about 1000 when many other facilities and amenities are generally available.
Thus far, both options are 2 stop, both require walking through a decently-sized airport and both are subject to at least two delays. The NZ option has some practical potential benefits however this is one benefit that is not to be disregarded.
In terms of price, VA costs very close to $4,000 for each leg in J. In contrast NZ can provide J fares for under $3,000 per leg on wide-body jets with preferable departure and arrival times and (at least at present) a vastly superior product.
The statements made by Mr Borghetti with regard to the upgrades that are clearly inbound on the VA widebody jets for J point to a price rise, making VA even less competitive with the NZ Business Premier product.
With all that said, if not using cash for J or a combination of cash for Y or W plus points for the upgrade, why would anyone choose VA over NZ when traveling from MEL to LAX?
The only thing I can think of is either Sector Count or the status boost on Velocity Points earn. The NZ option provides superior SC earn (and we all know Status Credits are far more valuable than Velocity Points).