MEL-SYD J - Qantas or Virgin?

[Duffa]

Having never flown domestic J, I'm seeking advice on which carrier to shout my daughter a redemption booking next week.
Both have availability and VA is a bit cheaper on points and penalties.
Any suggestions?

 

[Mattg]

IMHO Qantas has a better product, from the business lounge in Melbourne (which your daughter will have access to flying J) to the seat and service onboard.

I think it's also worth considering that although the number of points required may be slightly less on Virgin, it's not a like for like comparison as you often earn fewer points when flying on Virgin, unless you are buying the expensive fares all the time.

 

[Demon_fan]

Agree with Matt.

 

[Duffa]

Qantas it is then, thanks. Thought I might try both though, one each way. Then compare directly - I'll ask her for a TR as a condition of paying!!

 

[lovestotravel]

Yep try both by all means but my recommendation is Qantas Qantas Qantas!

Make sure you try and book an Airbus A330 flight on QF there are a few here and there between MEL-SYD for a much nicer experience overall

Failing that the 767 is still a nicer aircraft than the standard 737's

As for Virgin - Expect not much and you'd be happy, they are all show and no go sadly

 

[eastwest101]

Qantas it is then, thanks. Thought I might try both though, one each way. Then compare directly - I'll ask her for a TR as a condition of paying!!

As much as I hate to rain on peoples parade here or be a party pooper Duffa, but maybe just note the cash fare that you would have paid for both the VA and QF business class flights, and then ask your daughter if she thought either one was value for money. I assume they'll be east coast MEL-SYD or MEL-BNE flights? Hopefully you can share your daughters and your thoughts about the two after she has flown them.

 

[Duffa]

...maybe just note the cash fare that you would have paid for both the VA and QF business class flights, and then ask your daughter if she thought either one was value for money?

Totally agree eastwest101. No way on earth I'd pay $700 for a 1 hour flight! But when they are only costing me $68 each way (thanks to AFF, cove, JS, Cruiser Elite etc) then why the hell not?
Duffa
p.s. It's MEL-SYD