Just went ahead and looked at flights to CNS for next year (out on Monday 9 July, return Monday 23 July) and was surprised by what I found for travel during this peak period.
DJ; saver; tea, coffee and water; 23kg baggage $24 extra:
ADL-CNS (VIA SYD) $285
CNS-ADL (VIA SYD) $229
TOTAL: $538
QF; red-e-deal; two meals each way (no JQ segments); 23kg baggage included:
ADL-CNS (VIA SYD) $268
CNS-ADL (VIA SYD) $268
TOTAL: $535
JQ; starter; BOB service; 25kg baggage $60 extra:
ADL-CNS $199 (direct)
CNS-ADL $189 (direct)
TOTAL: $448
I'm not normally one to criticise Virgin's offering, but when John Borghetti assures us that VA is going to be "more competitive in the leisure market than ever," I'd have expected more competitive pricing than this. I realise this is merely one example, but unless VA is going to match QF with baggage and full meal service inclusions then what is the real incentive to fly this route with VA? Granted, VA is focused on high-yielding, business routes at the moment and want a greater slice of the corporate travel market, but if they want to remain a player in the leisure market then I think it's only fair they adjust their pricing to match. Of course I'm neglecting the value of Velocity points, brand sentimentality and superior service VA takes advantage of, but on the whole, leisure passengers are of course comparing carriers on price.
Would be very interested to hear the community's thoughts on this.
DJ; saver; tea, coffee and water; 23kg baggage $24 extra:
ADL-CNS (VIA SYD) $285
CNS-ADL (VIA SYD) $229
TOTAL: $538
QF; red-e-deal; two meals each way (no JQ segments); 23kg baggage included:
ADL-CNS (VIA SYD) $268
CNS-ADL (VIA SYD) $268
TOTAL: $535
JQ; starter; BOB service; 25kg baggage $60 extra:
ADL-CNS $199 (direct)
CNS-ADL $189 (direct)
TOTAL: $448
I'm not normally one to criticise Virgin's offering, but when John Borghetti assures us that VA is going to be "more competitive in the leisure market than ever," I'd have expected more competitive pricing than this. I realise this is merely one example, but unless VA is going to match QF with baggage and full meal service inclusions then what is the real incentive to fly this route with VA? Granted, VA is focused on high-yielding, business routes at the moment and want a greater slice of the corporate travel market, but if they want to remain a player in the leisure market then I think it's only fair they adjust their pricing to match. Of course I'm neglecting the value of Velocity points, brand sentimentality and superior service VA takes advantage of, but on the whole, leisure passengers are of course comparing carriers on price.
Would be very interested to hear the community's thoughts on this.