New baggage policy

[dfcatch]

Very simply, until today I flew DJ because I knew that I did not have to worry about pieces, only weight, in future, it's carry on I suspect.

Ok - fair enough.

The dream run has to end someday

 

[Justchecking]

I am just astounded that so many people check multiple bags. i'm flat out checking one and I can't think of anything more uncomfortable than having to tote more than one bag.

 

[Lowjhg]

I am an international student and i fly DJ Business 95% of the time.
The sole reason i chose DJ over QF and paid the premium to upgrade to Business class is the 69 KG Allowance without the piece limit.
Given that i enter Australia with a 45KG allowance from an international flight (due to *G), with multiple luggage, including fragile items packed separately, this move has really inconvenienced me.
So now with this new 'enhancement' how am i supposed to transport my 2 fully filled suitcases plus maybe a box of fragile items which altogether weigh less than 69KG?
Im not flying in economy flexi nor economy saver. I paid the premium to fly business and all i get is luggage allowance of 2 pieces which is absurd.

 

[dfcatch]

I am an international student and i fly DJ Business 95% of the time.
The sole reason i chose DJ over QF and paid the premium to upgrade to Business class is the 69 KG Allowance without the piece limit.
Given that i enter Australia with a 45KG allowance from an international flight (due to *G), with multiple luggage, including fragile items packed separately, this move has really inconvenienced me.
So now with this new 'enhancement' how am i supposed to transport my 2 fully filled suitcases plus maybe a box of fragile items which altogether weigh less than 69KG?
Im not flying in economy flexi nor economy saver. I paid the premium to fly business and all i get is luggage allowance of 2 pieces which is absurd.

I'm sorry - but I fail to see how this is "unreasonable".

You have four options:

1/ Pack you two checked bags up to 32kg per bag.

2/ Take your fragiles as carry on

3/ Pay the token amount extra per bag and take as many as u like

4/ Fly QF and have the same three options.


I respect that you took advantage of the old generous allowance and that this change means you can no longer do so.

Any change will result in winners and losers.

But to call it "absurd" is not in perspective IMO.

 

[Lowjhg]

I'm sorry - but I fail to see how this is "unreasonable".

You have four options:

1/ Pack you two checked bags up to 32kg per bag.

2/ Take your fragiles as carry on

3/ Pay the token amount extra per bag and take as many as u like

4/ Fly QF and have the same three options.


I respect that you took advantage of the old generous allowance and that this change means you can no longer do so.

Any change will result in winners and losers.

But to call it "absurd" is not in perspective IMO.

On top of that i have already 2 cabin sized carry-ons which technically the addition of one more is akin to flouting the rules.

I can't possibly carry 3 pieces of hand luggages on an international flight.

 

[dfcatch]

On top of that i have already 2 cabin sized carry-ons which technically the addition of one more is akin to flouting the rules.

I can't possibly carry 3 pieces of hand luggages on an international flight.

Damn!

And I thought I used to carry a lot internationally (2 x carry on and 3 x checked bags close to 32kg each).

 

[darrend]

I see one of the benefits of having status as the extra baggage allowance. *Gold (LH) policy (differs between carriers) is one extra piece when the piece concept is used and an additional 20kg when the weight concept is used.

I imagine most status members would travel with the fares which have a 2 piece limit so the status does not afford them any additional luggage capacity. To my mind this is an issue that should be addressed by VA.

I see this as a little underhanded by VA - but then I can be cynical – hook a bunch of status folk and once they are reeled in change the terms and conditions that lured them in the first place.

 

[simongr]

I am just astounded that so many people check multiple bags. i'm flat out checking one and I can't think of anything more uncomfortable than having to tote more than one bag.

Travelled to the uk with babygr much easier to have multiple bags getting loaded and unloaded into the hire car during multiple stops - staying for a few days here and there we could use one bag for a few days then park that bag in the hire car.

Just an example.

 

[awilcockson]

I am just astounded that so many people check multiple bags. i'm flat out checking one and I can't think of anything more uncomfortable than having to tote more than one bag.

Try travelling with a wife and 2 kids

 

[darrend]

Airlines like AirNZ will flat out refuse to accept this according to their policy.

Seems to me AirNZ is more interested in being a LCC than a full service airline. They have an interesting interpretation on a host of things, not the least of which is baggage.

They are part of * Alliance but for me, despite having * Gold have not been my choice of carrier to NZ for a host of reasons. With the tie up of VA and NZ that position has changed and part of that change of heart was/is the baggage allowance (along with points earning).

Everyone’s circumstances are different but for me AirNZ, without consideration of any external factors, does not make the grade.

 

[Deleted member 29185]

Damn!

And I thought I used to carry a lot internationally (2 x carry on and 3 x checked bags close to 32kg each).

If you read that post, Lowjhg is an international student. ie luggage for an extended stay, not just a holiday or business trip. You have made your point, but sarcasm directed toward someone who doesn't have your exact same flying patterns is pointless and rude (IMHO).

Lowjhg , hasn't VA stated these changes do not affect long haul international? Or are you short haul?

 

[markis10]

Lowjhg , hasn't VA stated these changes do not affect long haul international? Or are you short haul?

I read the post as longhaul transfer to shorthaul, which would be a pretty popular scenario for many students who naturally seek the cheapest fares.

 

[kamchatsky]

I am actually amazed with the amount of reaction from AFF in regard to change of the luggage allowance.

Personally I struggle to use 20kg checked luggage for domestic flights, let alone 69kg. For the last few years I have learned to pack light due to introduction of LCCs, auxillary fees and of course "Up In The Air". I think a lot of other people do that also.

In fact, most of the time we have 1 carry on luggage between my wife and I when travelling domestically. I am happier not carrying all these excess weight around the country.

Sure there are some people who can justify requirement of 69kg across many bags but I am pretty sure that it would be the minority of most population. Also the extra luggage cost is not expensive at all, and you do not need to weigh in for it. It is surely much better than an agent saying to you "Sorry you are over X kg and I am going to charge you huge amount of money for it" and then you all write reports about how DJ is not flexible to your needs Blah Blah Blah.

Whilst AFF is important for feedback for DJ (and probably QF), we are not the centre of universe of Australian aviation service industry.

Remember most of us got comped Platinum and Gold and Silver at the first place. Try to get that off QF (unless you hold large accounts)! We practically got these benefits upfront for nothing.

Sure it is part of them winning loyalty from us and we are all trying to re-qualify by putting either our cash or our employer's cash on the table. But is QF "Full Service Carrier" that much better? I mean sure they have included luggage and food in their ticket but they are already priced in and their food on board is very average anyway, and they are also calculated as per piece for luggage. As DJ Silver/Gold/Plat we get free luggage anyway. We are already saving money compare with QF.

So, it is not as bad as it looks. Sure we get less benefits but I think for most people (not all) it would not make a difference, or they won't even notice it. If you really need more luggage space, get a huge coat with 100 pockets in it.

I wonder if all these changes on luggage allowance is got to do with how companies of luggage handlers charges DJ for it (eg charging handling per piece of luggage etc)?

 

[simongr]

I am actually amazed with the amount of reaction from AFF in regard to change of the luggage allowance.

Remember most of us got comped Platinum and Gold and Silver at the first place. Try to get that off QF (unless you hold large accounts)! We practically got these benefits upfront for nothing.

Sure it is part of them winning loyalty from us and we are all trying to re-qualify by putting either our cash or our employer's cash on the table. But is QF "Full Service Carrier" that much better? I mean sure they have included luggage and food in their ticket but they are already priced in and their food on board is very average anyway, and they are also calculated as per piece for luggage. As DJ Silver/Gold/Plat we get free luggage anyway. We are already saving money compare with QF.

I think some of the reaction is due to the overwhelming posts about how much better DJ was than QF - a lot it was quite condescending. Increasingly the difference between the two is narrowing - QF is getting better and DJ are "enhancing" downwards some of their offering. Use of the phrase "you now have the opportunity to pay for a bag" was quite telling for me.

 

[dfcatch]

If you read that post, Lowjhg is an international student. ie luggage for an extended stay, not just a holiday or business trip. You have made your point, but sarcasm directed toward someone who doesn't have your exact same flying patterns is pointless and rude (IMHO).

Lowjhg , hasn't VA stated these changes do not affect long haul international? Or are you short haul?

FYI Swanning - not being sarcastic - acknowledging his baggage requirements - there's a difference.

I should have put the in there

And in my comparison I was traveling for 12 months at a pop - so similar circumstances.

-----------
Back on topic - I agree with Simon's last post.

If I was DJ - I would have accompanied the announced changes with a single complimentary bag for all fares - match QF across the board.

Based on the negative comments in this thread - it seems that if all pax on the itinerary were entitled to a basic allowance (a la QF), then most legitimate complaints on here would be alleviated. (and it would take DJ away from being a LCC).

 

[Mogul]

Just pondering the change, and it strikes me as a bit pointlessly mean for status pax.

I'll probably do more than 50 (mostly flexi) flights with Virgin this year, and will not check luggage on any of them. Now, I'll have to pay for baggage for my (saver) leisure flights with the kids where previously the 69Kg was more than sufficient to cover 4 checked bags.

And herin lies the problem for me as well, the twice a year trip from Syd to Perth with two young kids which means stoller, baby capsule, booster seat, bags etc.

The gap between VA and Q seems to be norrowing over time which in my opinion is not a good thing as you end up with 2 meadiocre airlines rather than 2 good ones.

 

[dfcatch]

And herin lies the problem for me as well, the twice a year trip from Syd to Perth with two young kids which means stoller, baby capsule, booster seat, bags etc.

The gap between VA and Q seems to be norrowing over time which in my opinion is not a good thing as you end up with 2 meadiocre airlines rather than 2 good ones.

Humor me - do me a favour - take your last family vacation and price it up for this year - VA vs QF.

Include the necessary baggage fees for the non-status pax as you would need to on VA (I'm assuming you don't need to purchase extra baggage on QF??).

Honestly - do it - I'm interested in the answer????

I'm also interested in finding out whether this is a tangible loss - or just a moral one......

---------------------
I know I'm vocal in this thread - but I want to get to the facts of the matter.

This can either be a "whine for the sake of it" thread....

Or it can be a genuine feedback opportunity to VA based on factual objective assessment.

It's pretty clear from VA's comments so far that they simply treat it as a whine.

 

[greenfish]

The "but you can still take 2 x 32Kg bags, so where's the loss" spiel is annoying. Aside from the OH&S issues of handling very heavy suitcases, it is also difficult to fit 2 really large suitcases into many small and medium cars, where 3 or 4 smaller soft bags are an easy fit, and much safer to handle. There are a lot of taxis that struggle with two full size suitcases thanks to the LPG tank in the boot.

Grrr, Virgin Australia, grrr.

 

[dfcatch]

The "but you can still take 2 x 32Kg bags, so where's the loss" spiel is annoying. Aside of OH&S issues of very heavy suitcases, it is also difficult to fit 2 really large suitcases into many small and medium cars, where 3 or 4 smaller soft bags are an easy fit, and much safer to handle. There are a lot of taxis that struggle with two full size suitcases thanks to the LPG tank in the boot.

Grrr, Virgin Australia, grrr.

I'm sorry if you find it annoying - but what did you do under the old QF system where it was X pieces x 32kg (where X was 1 for plebs and more for status)????

It's a serious question???

Seriously - unless you just started flying - or you never flew domestically (ie. just to non-US international destinations with a 23kg total limit), then you had to deal with this exact system.

You make it sound like it was only just invented.

 

[greenfish]

Humor me - do me a favour - take your last family vacation and price it up for this year - VA vs QF.

Include the necessary baggage fees for the non-status pax as you would need to on VA (I'm assuming you don't need to purchase extra baggage on QF??).

Honestly - do it - I'm interested in the answer????

I'm also interested in finding out whether this is a tangible loss - or just a moral one......

---------------------
I know I'm vocal in this thread - but I want to get to the facts of the matter.

This can either be a "whine for the sake of it" thread....

Or it can be a genuine feedback opportunity to VA based on factual objective assessment.

It's pretty clear from VA's comments so far that they simply treat it as a whine.

That's easy. Our 2012 trip to NZ will be on QF. It isn't just the baggage. There is the included food, and the free decent IFE - which Virgin doesn't have any answer to - and makes flying with the kids far more pleasant. The extra baggage allowance helped offset Virgin's inadequacies in IFE and food. For a QF Platinum customer, the QF International lounges are far better too.

The only "win" now with Virgin over Qantas is family pooling.