Overall, I do think
Virgin Australia has done great things (some of my posts may not represent that... but I'll discuss why a little later).
Firstly I like Qantas to be scared. And... they are scared. This can only mean good things for Australian flyers - who for years have been stuffed over because QF had little credible competition since Ansett disappeared.
I like the way the FF scene has been shaken up. I expect the relaunch of Velocity to be great. The range of partners is improving and the move to a "standardised" form of Status Credit earning opens up many possibilities.
The lounges are a stand-out. I've visited a couple in the network over the last year, and they are good. Will make time to visit MEL sometime soon.
The competition fare wise is great. I laugh at QF having to copy DJ and scurry around to match.
Even the scurrying around to match plane types heading to PER (I see this as a key fighting ground for DJ and QF).
But - why am I negative at times? The change process has been poorly thought out and implemented. Often changes happen overnight with no notification. The website shows incorrect information, T&Cs are unclear. Things like having the Velocity website down for an entire weekend for "Routine maintenance", then re-appearing with a totally new SC earn process (With no notification to end users until the Tuesday afterwards) shows a lack of deep thought into the process. Some of the earning opportunities (eg Shop'n'earn) seem to have poor planning and execution.
Plenty of similar examples too. I know these are "teething issues", and indicate a lack of maturity in the FF market. Eventually things will get better (I hope!).
PS, looking forward to earning Gold or Plat with DJ eventually. Now to work out the most cost efficient way
