New Virgin Australia fare categories

[henrus]

The Lite Fare certainly seems to have had a serious downgrade since it’s introduction.

There have been zero changes to lite fares (or any VA fare types) since there introduction on 19 August last year.

A very restrictive ticket now with No Travel Credit option & $80 fee for any flights changes, plus the normal fare difference applicable.

This was always the case, however the covid flexibility policy was temporarily increasing the flexibility of lite fares.

This Fee also now charged on Choice fares within 14 days of flight - not the case previously!

Again no change here, this is a screenshot of the wayback machine (historical capture) of the VA fare types page on 17 September last year. This remains unchanged from today version.

I see that even on segments that offer the Lite fare, it’s consistently unavailable on multiple days or across any flights on certain days.

When the new fare types were introduced VA did mention that lite fares would only be offered on some flights. From what I've found they typically only offer lite fares on routes where Jetstar exists. On other routes where they're competing against Rex (golden triangle) or Qantas they typically offer less lite fares.

It's also worth noting that the number of lite fares released has always been very small and if you're looking at any flights this year then there is a good chance they've already sold out. Flights for the remainder of the year are already very full!

 

[Stealthflyer]

When the new fare types were introduced VA did mention that lite fares would only be offered on some flights. From what I've found they typically only offer lite fares on routes where Jetstar exists. On other routes where they're competing against Rex (golden triangle) or Qantas they typically offer less lite fares.

It's also worth noting that the number of lite fares released has always been very small and if you're looking at any flights this year then there is a good chance they've already sold out. Flights for the remainder of the year are already very full!

That’s interesting. Lite fares seem common on flights to and from HBA (my home port). Perhaps we’re just more price sensitive.

 

[henrus]

That’s interesting. Lite fares seem common on flights to and from HBA (my home port). Perhaps we’re just more price sensitive.

Yes and on all VA routes from HBA (except PER) you've got JQ and VA up against each other.

 

[Bagpuss]

Yes and on all VA routes from HBA (except PER) you've got JQ and VA up against each other.

Notice that PER <> HBA has now been changed to VARA A320's (all economy)

 

[Saab34]

Notice that PER <> HBA has now been changed to VARA A320's (all economy)

Are they short on 737 capacity or something? Seems pretty desperate move on a premium trans con route.

Those A320s are still 180Y Tiger config right?

 

[HS-TQE]

Are they short on 737 capacity or something? Seems pretty desperate move on a premium trans con route.

Those A320s are still 180Y Tiger config right?

Not sure if PER-HBA is considered a premium route. The J capacity might be needed elsewhere and the A320 was available between FIFO shifts hence the A320 on the PER-HBA route

 

[Harrison_133]

Those A320s are still 180Y Tiger config right?

Only VKQ & VNR have 180Y and they’ve been doing the PER-HBA run quite a lot. Certainly would be a squeeze. The rest of the ex Tiger A320s, as well as YUD, have 168Y.

 

[jakeseven7]

That’s interesting. Lite fares seem common on flights to and from HBA (my home port). Perhaps we’re just more price sensitive.

It’s because VA has to fight JQ heavily on Tassie routes. QF scoops up all the premium / business / government travel and VA is forced to PM with JQ to fill up the boat.