Refused change without VM Credit card.

[naggi]

I'm trying to change a 2 for 1 booking for a trip I couldn't take this weekend.

It's a flexi fare from MEL-SYD

The change will result in a $6.00 fare difference.

The call centre will not allow me to pay my $6.00 with a non VM credit card.

I don't have the card anymore as it now has zero value since the changes were introduced.

I understand the promotion requires payment by VM credit card but am I unreasonable in thinking that not taking a $6.00 fare difference is ridiculous?

Am I now supposed to lose a flexi fare for the sake of $6.00?

 

[totd]

Have you asked about alternatives? I believe the T&Cs say you can use Virgin gift vouchers, but I have never tried it myself. It might be worth asking if that is still the case and then see if you can purchase one for $6.

 

[anat0l]

Is it meant to be today (i.e. you're trying to change it within the 24 hours of departure), i.e. you don't have much time?

I think it's completely unreasonable that you can't use another form of payment to pay the fare difference.

Surprised the difference is only $6.00... unless they change it by "re-applying" the promotional details (i.e. 2 for 1). That is, what they do is cancel your current fare, then rebook another one as a 2 for 1, but to do this they obviously need a VM credit card.

I'd call back and try again. If the same thing happens, ask why they won't accept another credit card. Try calling the premium lines if you are a Gold or Platinum member.

The only reason I can think they won't accept it is if it's a cancel and rebook, or they need a VM credit card in order to force the system to give you a $6.00 fare difference (rather than a fare difference, say, equivalent to a whole new passenger plus any new fare difference on the first passenger; a substantially higher amount).

Worst comes to worse, can you at least salvage one passenger's worth by cancelling the fare and sending the amount to Travel Bank / getting a refund?

 

[Deewhy]

As a last resort, yes you can credit it to a travel bank.

 

[naggi]

Just an update...

After an hour on the phone with the Asian call centre and getting nowhere (included multiple levels of supervisors), I decided to wait until this morning.
5 minutes on the phone with the AUSTRALIAN priority line, flight changed, fare difference waived.

Thanks Virgin.

Great outcome but no consistency in service levels.