Plat to Gold Baggage allowance question

[SimonF]

Hi there,

I am currently platinum and just made a booking for a period after my platinum expires and i know i`ll be downgraded to gold. Which baggage limit applies? On my confirmation is shows my luggage allowance that i have as a plat, will this fly for when i check in or will i get only gold allowance?

Anyone have any knowledge about this?

 

[Boris spatsky]

I doubt it. I think you will only be offered gold. Its based on the date you fly.

 

[SimonF]

I doubt it. I think you will only be offered gold. Its based on the date you fly.

Hmmm I was only able to purchase one more piece. I would have thought it would be at the time of ticketing but I'll call and ask.

 

[SimonF]

I finally called and asked and it is based on your status at the time of booking not when you fly thus you get the biggest allowance as their system does not update your booking with your new status unless you make a change to your booking. Good to know!

 

[mella2007]

No that's not correct and think you've been misinformed by perhaps a rep who isn't up with the rules themselves. It is based on what your status is when you fly and certainly when you go to check in (whether it is online or via a check in desk) your current status will show, not what you were when you booked.

 

[SimonF]

I don`t think it@s about whether or not your status shows. It`s about whether or not your allowance shows which is static unless the booking changes.

 

[mella2007]

I don`t think it@s about whether or not your status shows. It`s about whether or not your allowance shows which is static unless the booking changes.

You need to be prepared at check in for them to decline extra baggage and may well have to pay for it (you haven't said what sector you flying in, but if it's international, unless you get a very nice check in agent..you will have to pay for the extra)
Status does mean everything...hence why you're dropping from Plat to Gold....there is a huge difference (trust me, I had to learn the hard way from LAX to MEL and paid a huge amount with extra luggage)

 

[SimonF]

You need to be prepared at check in for them to decline extra baggage and may well have to pay for it (you haven't said what sector you flying in, but if it's international, unless you get a very nice check in agent..you will have to pay for the extra)
Status does mean everything...hence why you're dropping from Plat to Gold....there is a huge difference (trust me, I had to learn the hard way from LAX to MEL and paid a huge amount with extra luggage)

Okay good point. I've emailed them to get it in writing and confirm this is the case and if they reply in writing that it's all okay then i'm set as i'll print that out and take it with me to the airport.

 

[SimonF]

Got the official response in writing

Dear Mr ..., Thank you for your email. If you have made your reservation and added your membership number prior to the downgrade in your membership status you will receive the Platinum allowance for this booking. However, should you remove and re enter your membership number to the booking your status will be updated to Gold rather than Platinum. Please be aware that all future bookings will reflect your Gold status. Should you require any further assistance, please feel free to contact us again. Kind Regards, Online Enquiries Agent Virgin Australia Group of Airlines PO Box 1034 Spring Hill Qld Australia 4004 Telephone: 13 67 89 (within Australia) or 0800 670 000 (from New Zealand) +61 7 3295 2296 (from overseas) You'll catch us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

 

[Fruitcake]

Still seems risky. What if some sort of system change, for example, forces the reservations system to query member status for all future bookings across the airline?

Admittedly that's a completely hypothetical situation.