Premium Checkin, Status Customer with non-Status Customers on different booking

[jmphoto]

I'm flying with my folks from MEL-AKL this week. They have booked separately to me, so on a different PNR. I'm VA SG, so am eligible for Premium Checkin.

In my experience with QF and VA it would be fine for them to check in with me, but I thought I should check as I've not attempted with NZ before.

 

[blackcat20]

Shouldnt be a problem. Two of us boarded together despite being J-only boarding and travelling in different cabins.

 

[jmphoto]

Shouldnt be a problem. Two of us boarded together despite being J-only boarding and travelling in different cabins.

Thanks, will give it a crack then.

 

[jackthomas]

Shouldnt be a problem. Two of us boarded together despite being J-only boarding and travelling in different cabins.

Had a strange comment from Air NZ customer service last week, they told me as VA SG I wouldn't get priority boarding unless I booked a J seat... I think they were just getting confused between the trans-tasman and other flight rules..(Hopefully)

 

[blackcat20]

Had a strange comment from Air NZ customer service last week, they told me as VA SG I wouldn't get priority boarding unless I booked a J seat... I think they were just getting confused between the trans-tasman and other flight rules..(Hopefully)

I boarded because I had a J seat. But I do think some of the rules differ depening on airport/route. I'd have to check details.

 

[jackthomas]

From what I can understand VA SG+ WP get priority boarding on Trans Tasman and domestic routes, but not on other NZ international routes..
I have placed an upgrade bid so hopefully I'll have a J seat anyway

 

[jmphoto]

From what I can understand VA SG+ WP get priority boarding on Trans Tasman and domestic routes, but not on other NZ international routes..
I have placed an upgrade bid so hopefully I'll have a J seat anyway

Is it just me or is that a strange choice of benefit to exclude except for Trans Tasman? I'm more than happy to have Priority Check In, Lounge Access, and all going well, Priority Luggage at the other end. I never rush from the lounge to the gate to board. Not complaining...

 

[jackthomas]

Is it just me or is that a strange choice of benefit to exclude except for Trans Tasman? I'm more than happy to have Priority Check In, Lounge Access, and all going well, Priority Luggage at the other end. I never rush from the lounge to the gate to board. Not complaining...

I admit to being in the small minority of FF's who always leave the lounge just before boarding begins.. ( I actually enjoy getting into my spot before climbing over everybody else) however the pick and chose of priority boarding route dependant is strange... I assume it is because they couldn't not offer the same benefits on a route VA also operate in the alliance.

 

[NZflygirl]

Had a strange comment from Air NZ customer service last week, they told me as VA SG I wouldn't get priority boarding unless I booked a J seat... I think they were just getting confused between the trans-tasman and other flight rules..(Hopefully)

On the virgin website it states that VA silver has priority check in on TT flights on Air NZ. I think the NZ customer service may be getting confused in that Air NZ's own silver status FF don't have priority check in.

To be honest its just as quick to use the kiosks at MEL anyway. Very easy. Just pop your passport in and tap a few answers on screen and it spits out your boarding pass and bag tags, then just drop them off. There is not a lot of benefit in priority check in with such an efficient kiosk system. If you really want to use the premium check in desk then I'd print out a copy of your virgin Australia page or have it saved to your tablet or something. It is odd in some ways that VA silver get priority check in and NZ silver don't but that's how it's written.

 

[jackthomas]

On the virgin website it states that VA silver has priority check in on TT flights on Air NZ. I think the NZ customer service may be getting confused in that Air NZ's own silver status FF don't have priority check in.

To be honest its just as quick to use the kiosks at MEL anyway. Very easy. Just pop your passport in and tap a few answers on screen and it spits out your boarding pass and bag tags, then just drop them off. There is not a lot of benefit in priority check in with such an efficient kiosk system. If you really want to use the premium check in desk then I'd print out a copy of your virgin Australia page or have it saved to your tablet or something. It is odd in some ways that VA silver get priority check in and NZ silver don't but that's how it's written.

Check in I'm happy to do whatever is quickest so the chances of me using a kiosk is pretty high, priority boarding of the aircraft is what I'm wondering about
Considering its a written rule I am sure it will be fine..

 

[jmphoto]

Happy to report that we were looked after at check-in. My wife and I were at Premium check-in with my parents when a second staff member asked if they were on the same booking - replied no, and she checked them in. Gave them express passes too which was welcome. Priority Boarding was a bit of a shambles, but regardless were welcome to board with us.