The Virgin Australia Newbie Questions Thread

[prelude]

In my experience, priority baggage never works properly when I get a tag from the self check in kiosks with the black bolded priority label. A much higher success rate when the separate orange priority label is attached.

Agree. I checked bags twice in 100+ flights, both times via a staffed counter, both times got a sticker and both times out first! (only cause i can’t seem to work out how to attach my own label!)

That's a good shout, both times was via self check in. If I remember correctly, the last time I went through a staffed counter around a year ago, bags were first out (although I don't remember if it had the orange label). I really don't travel enough with checked luggage for it to be a big deal nevertheless.

 

[drron]

Agree. I checked bags twice in 100+ flights, both times via a staffed counter, both times got a sticker and both times out first! (only cause i can’t seem to work out how to attach my own label!)

Absolutely and I refuse to learn how to attach my own label.

 

[simmomelb]

Yep, I can confirm the times I've had staff check my bag in with the orange priority tag, it generally works. Wouldn't bother with the self-check-in if priority baggage is important to you.
I don't blame baggage handlers either. They aren't going to see the self-check-in tag in the rush they are in. Orange tags stand out for efficient bag handling.
I'm happy to attach my own tag, it isn't hard, but I know if I'm in a rush (want priority) it's useless.

 

[travelislife]

On domestic with minimal bags checked these days I don’t really see any benefit to priority anyway. They usually dump all bags on at one time anyway.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

On domestic with minimal bags checked these days I don’t really see any benefit to priority anyway. They usually dump all bags on at one time anyway.

10 seconds can make the difference between catching the skybus, or not. Or the train at sydney!

 

[grandir]

Does anyone know if it's possible to upgrade international flights booked on VA's website that's with a partner airline with Velocity Points?

In short, I want to book a return trip from SYD-LHR but there are no Rewards Flights available for the dates I need so was hoping to pay economy fares for the trip then use VA points to bid for an upgrade but the flight will be entirely with Qatar Airways or Singapore Airways

 

[simmomelb]

Does anyone know if it's possible to upgrade international flights booked on VA's website that's with a partner airline with Velocity Points?

In short, I want to book a return trip from SYD-LHR but there are no Rewards Flights available for the dates I need so was hoping to pay economy fares for the trip then use VA points to bid for an upgrade but the flight will be entirely with Qatar Airways or Singapore Airways

You can't bid for an upgrade ('UpgradeMe') on a partner airline, but if you ever want to check, just enter your booking reference and surname here: UpgradeMe
Also, bidding, is with cash, not points.
Other info on points and cash upgrades here: Flight Upgrades

 

[marcojim]

Hi all,

A relative of mine is flying today MCY - SYD - CBR with a 1 hour 40 mins connection in SYD. The SYD - CBR flight is the final flight of the day.

He got a text from VA saying they’re expecting adverse weather and disruptions in SYD today.

I’d just like to do some planning ahead in case things go haywire tonight… For instance, if the SYD - CBR flight gets cancelled but he has already made it to SYD, will VA organise accomodation in SYD, or will my relative have to book it himself and then follow up with VA for reimbursement?

Keen for any other general advice for people who’ve been in these situations before. Obviously hoping that nothing goes wrong but I thought that I would ask ahead of time so that we know what to do! He is VA Gold if that is relevant at all… Thanks!

 

[MEL_Traveller]

Hi all,

A relative of mine is flying today MCY - SYD - CBR with a 1 hour 40 mins connection in SYD. The SYD - CBR flight is the final flight of the day.

He got a text from VA saying they’re expecting adverse weather and disruptions in SYD today.

I’d just like to do some planning ahead in case things go haywire tonight… For instance, if the SYD - CBR flight gets cancelled but he has already made it to SYD, will VA organise accomodation in SYD, or will my relative have to book it himself and then follow up with VA for reimbursement?

Keen for any other general advice for people who’ve been in these situations before. Obviously hoping that nothing goes wrong but I thought that I would ask ahead of time so that we know what to do! He is VA Gold if that is relevant at all… Thanks!

Virgin’s official policy is that they won’t assist with overnight accommodation for events outside their control. This could be two-fold here… weather and ATC restrictions.

Virgin will offer a replacement flight, or a refund if their alternative solution is not suitable to the passenger: Guest Compensation Policy

I doubt Gold has any bearing on the policy.

It might be worth checking the weather conditions and likelihood of any cancellations before departing MCY.

If stuck in Sydney, the first port of call should be to VA to check options.

 

[AIRwin]

It might be worth checking the weather conditions and likelihood of any cancellations before departing MCY.

Can he get to MCY a little earlier and ask to be rebooked on the earlier flight via MEL (longer connection though) depending on the weather conditions?

 

[marcojim]

Thanks for the tips! Might go to the airport early then

 

[MooTime]

Hi all,

A relative of mine is flying today MCY - SYD - CBR with a 1 hour 40 mins connection in SYD. The SYD - CBR flight is the final flight of the day.

He got a text from VA saying they’re expecting adverse weather and disruptions in SYD today.

I’d just like to do some planning ahead in case things go haywire tonight… For instance, if the SYD - CBR flight gets cancelled but he has already made it to SYD, will VA organise accomodation in SYD, or will my relative have to book it himself and then follow up with VA for reimbursement?

Keen for any other general advice for people who’ve been in these situations before. Obviously hoping that nothing goes wrong but I thought that I would ask ahead of time so that we know what to do! He is VA Gold if that is relevant at all… Thanks!

Can you book a fully refundable hotel around sydney airport should the need arise?
There's many within walking distance.

 

[AIRwin]

Thanks for the tips! Might go to the airport early then

Inbound flight on its way to MCY

 

[abefroman]

Do the points and miles count toward new year or prior year when someone starts travel from US on Anniversary date? For example, SFO to MEL on 28 Feb 2025 (anniversary date) on United.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

Do the points and miles count toward new year or prior year when someone starts travel from US on Anniversary date? For example, SFO to MEL on 28 Feb 2025 (anniversary date) on United.

The previous year. The date of the flight will be listed as 28 Feb.

 

[abefroman]

The previous year. The date of the flight will be listed as 28 Feb.

Thank you

 

[pacifictraveller01]

Hello, I'm new here and I am currently Velocity Gold (first time achieving this status). I'm wanting to book AUH-CDG in April 2025 using Velocity points. Etihad rewards flights are no longer showing for April for this route although they're showing for March and May. I called Virgin and they said they couldn't do anything. Only Qatar rewards flights are showing via Doha. My question is, if I book the Qatar rewards flight from AUH-DOH-CDG, do I have any lounge access in AUH? I assume for Doha stopover I can access Qatar Airways Gold Lounge? Thanks

 

[henrus]

if I book the Qatar rewards flight from AUH-DOH-CDG, do I have any lounge access in AUH? I assume for Doha stopover I can access Qatar Airways Gold Lounge? Thanks

Yes, in Abu Dhabi Qatar sends everyone to the Pearl Lounge (you’ll need to make sure you get a voucher at the check in desks).

In Doha you can access the Gold Lounge - South (just the VA number in the boarding pass is sufficient) or the combined Platinum and Gold Lounge - North. The latter is slightly better here as it incorporates a small a la carte menu:

https://www.qatarairways.com/content/dam/hia/pdf/platinum-gold-north-en.pdf

As a side note the north lounge plus the platinum south used to serve proper champagne in the frequent flyer lounges that often matched the actually business/first lounge but there has now been a clear downgrade to ~$20 per bottle sparkling.

 

[drron]

Hello, I'm new here and I am currently Velocity Gold (first time achieving this status). I'm wanting to book AUH-CDG in April 2025 using Velocity points. Etihad rewards flights are no longer showing for April for this route although they're showing for March and May. I called Virgin and they said they couldn't do anything. Only Qatar rewards flights are showing via Doha. My question is, if I book the Qatar rewards flight from AUH-DOH-CDG, do I have any lounge access in AUH? I assume for Doha stopover I can access Qatar Airways Gold Lounge? Thanks

Maybe April is missing because it’s Easter.

 

[pacifictraveller01]

Maybe April is missing because it’s Easter.

They were showing availability when I searched in December, but in the new year all Etihad rewards availability through Velocity from AHU to CDG (and other European destinations) seems to have been gone. Assume it’s because of Easter as well