It's time for the tags to come off

[simongr]

Well next week I will fail to renew my DJ/VA platinum so yesterday I removed the VA/DJ Platinum tags from my luggage.

It certainly hasn't been the year that I was expecting. When I got the status match I fully intended to try for dual status but things just conspired against me and Virgin... Initially I wasn't sure I would hit 2400 SCs on QF so I dabbled with DJ/VA. Then as the travel ramped up it became clear that I would get close to 2400 SCs the focus moved to retaining that and the associated 50K points, then the double SCs for my two big international trips kicked in and I realised I was poised for P1 so again the focus narrowed even further (from just OW to just QF) and now as my forward bookings more than ensure P1 I considered switching back but unfortunately all of my flights would be as Gold so no real incentive.

In terms of the product I experienced flying both in whY and J only the one return each I was pleased by the onboard experience but not blown away as I was led to believe I would be. The lounge was similar - yes the MEL lounge is nice but wasn't empty and wasn't much of a step up from the QP. I wasn't as familiar with the website as I am with the QF site so I found it clunky for me - but I am sure I would have gotten used to it. I hate the MEL terminal - which I think makes the lounge seem better as it is dramatically different to the Terminal itself.

Overall though for me it wasnt a compelling proposition to switch so I have stuck with QF and OW.

What I havent done is abuse any time access

So thanks VA/DJ for the chance to try you out - who knows the winds might shift again and I might be back. For now at least there is one less person clogging up priority boarding - which I wholeheartedly agree you spank the pants off QF with your implementation.

 

[Hvr]

I've got another month and off they come. I really did think I was going to give it a fair shot and fly them a bit. I was hoping to get a new job where I would fly a bit, but alas not to be.

As mentioned elsewhere I am enjoying the HH Diamond and will renew that through stays.

 

[elbarto]

Just leave then on so you can DYKWIA people.

 

[serfty]

Just leave then on so you can DYKWIA people.

Shouldn't that be DYKWIW(as) ...

Posted on a wing and a prayer ...

 

[pauly7]

I've got another month and off they come.

Same here, gave them quite a lot of business but think the OP summed up things pretty well, an ok offering but just not enough and of a
standard to warrant continuing at this point.

I know DJ would never ever release
this kind of information but would be really interesting to know how big the reduction from Plats to Gold over the next month or so will be....

And a big positive for those hard 'real earned' DJ plats who have been gipped and left out by DJ - you will become a much more exclusive club now with better access to DJ services!!!

 

[JohnK]

I have another month of VA Platinum and I was actually going to try and keep Gold next year as there isn't much difference between VA Platinum and VA Gold.

But now the decision with anytime access is making me think twice.

 

[pauly7]

OP - and everyone else who is on the downward slide - are you putting them on eBay!? Seeing if you get any bites??

 

[simongr]

I wouldnt be ebaying them given they have my membership number on them.

I did forget to mention that I much prefer both the VA/DJ tags and attaching devices to the QF tag and rubber band. They remind me of the AA EXP tags which are my favourite bag tags of all time.

 

[Paddy55]

QF Baggage Handlers seemed to have removed the tags for me

 

[PlutekPlutek]

I was one of the ones comped from QF Gold a year ago, and have actually managed to get to DJ Platinum since then.
I also just received the HH Diamond after having HH Gold for a year.
I have used the HH Gold card a few times, and with the seemingly little differences between DJ Gold and DJ Plat - is the same case with HH Gold vs HH Diamond ? What additional perks does one get being a HH Diamond that weren't available at the HH Gold level ?

 

[tuapekastar]

I don't have the tags on the bag, but will retain VA Plat after this weekend (I won't say requalify, because its one of those 'offers' - in point of fact it will requalify me Gold).

I too had plans to requalify Plat on both carriers (mapped out and all) but a QF 2-for-1 business class sale put paid to that. I had then decided to soft land to DJ Gold, then look at maybe jumping up to Plat again next year.

Thought long and hard about doing it (taking up the retain offer) and in the end did so because I enjoy going to PER a couple of times a year and those 4 x comp flex to business upgrades on the 330s are great. It also gives me another year at Plat in which to assess any further changes that may convince me to make the switch (or dissuade me).

 

[simongr]

I have used the HH Gold card a few times, and with the seemingly little differences between DJ Gold and DJ Plat - is the same case with HH Gold vs HH Diamond ? What additional perks does one get being a HH Diamond that weren't available at the HH Gold level ?

Quite a major difference - guaranteed lounge access, room upgrades - including suites, diamond award access and generally I think better support.

 

[Fantic125]

Mine will also be removed, as although being comped Plat I haven't had the opportunity to fly with them at all in the last 12 months.

Pretty well all my domestic flights are only connectors to the international terminals (mainly SYD & MEL) when I fly OW, and if I fly *A then I usually fly straight out of ADL-SIN. At this stage (for my circumstances) the DJ/VA network doesn't have the same availability and destinations for it to be a viable alternative.

I have been in the ADL lounge once, and that was only when I bumped into a colleague who was flying to PER that morning. I was heading to CGK on QF, and he guested me in for breakfast.

So thanks for the opportunity Virgin Australia, but I'll continue to use OW or *A unless my circumstances change.

 

[markis10]

I am leaving mine on, there are more and more places where QF dont have a service (no doubt more after Aug 24) and DJ do, so having both is handy!

 

[serfty]

Quite a major difference - guaranteed lounge access, room upgrades - including suites, diamond award access and generally I think better support.

Of the benefits listed there, only the first is guaranteed and the last should be a (slightly intangible) given.

Diamond 'special' awards as a differentiator are thing of the past (if your booking screen says Diamond Special Award, log on to a non diamond account and see the same award at the same cost with a different "diamondless" description).

There is a thing called "Guaranteed Reservation Availability" (AKA "Diamond Special Request/Force") which could be used for awards but that has now been specifically excluded. (HHonors T&Cs changed effective July 19 2012: No Diamond Force on Reward Stays - FlyerTalk Forums)

The only things I can think of that guaranteed for a Diamond over Gold are Lounge access, Diamond 'force' revenue booking (at normally hideously expensive "rack rates"), an additional 25% bonus on base HHonors points and "1000 pts and breakfast" rather than "1000 pts or breakfast" if no upgrade to lounge.

I am leaving mine on, there are more and more places where QF dont have a service (no doubt more after Aug 24) and DJ do, so having both is handy!

I don't regularly use any such tags - makes my carry-on rather unique in the lounges these days ...

 

[drewbles]

And a big positive for those hard 'real earned' DJ plats who have been gipped and left out by DJ - you will become a much more exclusive club now with better access to DJ services!!!

Yes! Like the 'added' 'enhancement' (sorry to steal a QF TM'd word) of Arrivals access to The Lounge!


</tongue_in_cheek>

 

[UP4014]

I only tried DJ on a single return trip in the previous 12 months, while some may say that's not enough to judge and although I was welcomed aboard with a smile; I found I actualy prefer the no nonsense approach of QF in getting the job done. (and I find QF ofter a better price at least on the routes I want)

Matt

 

[Canny man]

I'm about to lapse as well. I did give them a go (in Y and J), and enjoyed the product but at the end of the day:
-no 330 on the BNE Perth route at the times I like to fly
- had to ensure roll over of P1 and achieve LTG (tick for both)
- Y catering more to my taste in QF
- good strike rate with Opups and almost certain plat shadow on QF
- moderately more convenient flight times with QF on the routes I fly
- corporate policy favours QF
- maxing ff points in one account for F upgrades and J award seats

 

[TonyHancock]

Mine are staying firmly on, I'll finish with just over 1500SC's. I've been more than happy with DJ domestically. The four comp upgrades are mighty fine on the MEL-PER run.

 

[Princess Fiona]

I'll be keeping the tags on as I did requalify.
I agree that in comparison to QF J VA have a long way to go, but as a regional flyer that QF long ago deserted my own comparison on domestic is with JQ.
There is no contest
Having the dual platinum works for me, I no longer have to set foot inside a Deathstar aircraft, I have Lounge access, priority boarding, baggage, seating and my 4 comp upgrades.
Internationally I will continue to use mainly QF J and other OW carriers.
I feel very lucky that I have hit my sweet spot as without the status match I probably wouldn't have given VA a chance relying instead on QF for Lounge access and JQ to continue to treat my family and I like the cattle we are