Is VA low-priced J actually fully flex Y in disguise?

[Syddp]

Has anyone else been caught out by Virgin's cheap business fares? I booked a really good value VA J ticket SYD-ADL-SYD several months ago.

In the time since then, SYD-ADL became SYD-MEL-ADL and then last week ADL-SYD became ADL-MEL-SYD. What was slightly annoying was that by the end of last week, the original flights had been reinstated and J class fares were available for double what I'd originally paid.

Today, as I was about to leave for the airport for my 1030 SYD-MEL, VA emailed to say that I'd been rebooked on the 1730 SYD-ADL. What they failed to say in that message was that I've also been involuntarily downgraded to Y - with almost all seats already taken, so I'm in a middle.

It seems that under VA's cancellation policy, I have no option but to suck it up. After the flight I can claim the difference between what I paid for J and the original Y flex ticket price - which is just about going to cover a Y wine and a snack.

Nice ruse, VA.

 

[Vic]

Thanks really bad.
One for the Airline consumer advocate?

 

[MEL_Traveller]

Has anyone else been caught out by Virgin's cheap business fares? I booked a really good value VA J ticket SYD-ADL-SYD several months ago.

In the time since then, SYD-ADL became SYD-MEL-ADL and then last week ADL-SYD became ADL-MEL-SYD. What was slightly annoying was that by the end of last week, the original flights had been reinstated and J class fares were available for double what I'd originally paid.

Today, as I was about to leave for the airport for my 1030 SYD-MEL, VA emailed to say that I'd been rebooked on the 1730 SYD-ADL. What they failed to say in that message was that I've also been involuntarily downgraded to Y - with almost all seats already taken, so I'm in a middle.

It seems that under VA's cancellation policy, I have no option but to suck it up. After the flight I can claim the difference between what I paid for J and the original Y flex ticket price - which is just about going to cover a Y wine and a snack.

Nice ruse, VA.

VA’s customer charter does outline options, including another flight which suits your needs, as customer…

Guest charter - customer service | Virgin Australia

Our Guest Charter describes our service commitment to you when you fly on Virgin Australia operated flights. Read more on the Charter here.

www.virginaustralia.com

 

[serfty]

Today, as I was about to leave for the airport for my 1030 SYD-MEL, VA emailed to say that I'd been rebooked on the 1730 SYD-ADL. What they failed to say in that message was that I've also been involuntarily downgraded to Y - with almost all seats already taken, so I'm in a middle.

I would not have flown on the rebooking.

On receiving such an email, I would have 1) checked my booking online, 2) researched available itinerates in business and 3) called to be placed on my most viable alternative routing.