VA removing FF numbers from boarding passes

[Stealthflyer]

No shredding until points/SC's have posted...

I lugged my boarding passes all through Italy recently, hoping in vain that Virgin would post my points from my first (domestic) leg. I got home and the first thing that happened is that my puppy somehow found them and shredded them all (as puppies do with any kind of paper or card). Even though I’ve put in a claim for missing points, I still haven’t heard a response so I might have to get the sticky tape out. I hope they accept half-shredded passes.

 

[jakeseven7]

The Virgin app is really buggy and often hangs at critical moments so that's the annyoing part. The Velocity app is a waste of space and I suspect will be deleted once VA re-absorb Velocity back into their business.

But why can't you use your boarding pass to get into the lounge if it still shows I'm platinum?? (Albeit without the number which is fine obviously!)

 

[mickismick]

Had the Virgin app hang on me at the gate last weekend when travelling with my tired tot. That was a fun one.

I carry my card anyway, so don't see a big problem personally. The biggest issue for some would be a multi-city journey where they upgrade to gold/platinum during their journey but don't have the physical card due to, you know, travelling. They'd potentially be unable to access partner lounges in that case and would need to install and upgrade the app while travelling (potentially without data) to access VA lounges.

 

[Carrots]

Can understand why they're telling people to carry physical cards with Partners.

In South Africa 18mths ago, SAA wouldn't accept the digital card as proof of Plat (I had upgraded to Plat during the trip and only had the Gold card). Luckily I'd done the United status match prior to leaving (bizarrely they accepted this as a digital card) so was able to use it for the extra luggage allowance (missed 60 Status points as a result!).

 

[Bagpuss]

can you reference this assertion?

Yes, I am aware of people who used to do this. Corporate travellers are probably the worst to assist their colleagues to gain status etc.

 

[jakeseven7]

Can understand why they're telling people to carry physical cards with Partners.

In South Africa 18mths ago, SAA wouldn't accept the digital card as proof of Plat (I had upgraded to Plat during the trip and only had the Gold card). Luckily I'd done the United status match prior to leaving (bizarrely they accepted this as a digital card) so was able to use it for the extra luggage allowance (missed 60 Status points as a result!).

Definelty, as VA aren't a member of an alliance and rather rely on an assorted range of airlines for partnerships AND because they are a very small airline funneling small amounts of PAX - the old 'Who/What is Virgin' from partner airline staff always comes up so having a physical card is really important - plus also a printed copy of their partner guide has saved me a few times.

 

[Carrots]

Definelty, as VA aren't a member of an alliance and rather rely on an assorted range of airlines for partnerships AND because they are a very small airline funneling small amounts of PAX - the old 'Who/What is Virgin' from partner airline staff always comes up so having a physical card is really important - plus also a printed copy of their partner guide has saved me a few times.

It was a bit bizarre, and perhaps a bad example given it was SAA.

There was no issue with understanding or acknowledging their relationship with VA. They were happy to accept the VA Gold card, but not the Plat digital card.

My issue is we were travelling fairly heavily so I needed the extra baggage allowance that came with Plat (or *A Gold).

 

[SeaWolf]

It's a bit frustrating, but obviously telling people not to put their boarding pass on Instagram for everyone to see hasn't worked.

 

[jakeseven7]

So if I just rock up to the lounge with a boarding pass, even if it says Platinum and I don't have my card (which I never do) or their buggy app installed - you don't get in?

 

[knagelli]

So if I just rock up to the lounge with a boarding pass, even if it says Platinum and I don't have my card (which I never do) or their buggy app installed - you don't get in?

thats the way to go

 

[SeaWolf]

So if I just rock up to the lounge with a boarding pass, even if it says Platinum and I don't have my card (which I never do) or their buggy app installed - you don't get in?

Lets wait and see how it works out in practice, so far we've only got an email with two paragraphs. The devil will be in the details of how this works in reality.

 

[hydrabyss]

Correct me if I am wrong but it is for kiosk printed boarding passes so should only effect those on domestic with no luggage who don't use a premium entry.

 

[P001P001]

The Virgin app is really buggy and often hangs at critical moments so that's the annyoing part. The Velocity app is a waste of space and I suspect will be deleted once VA re-absorb Velocity back into their business.

But why can't you use your boarding pass to get into the lounge if it still shows I'm platinum?? (Albeit without the number which is fine obviously!)

I find the app to be really reliable. I also have the digital card in my iOS wallet, and another copy on my phone in the Stocard app. Have never needed a printed boarding pass or physical membership card since. Even following a seat reassignment at the lounge, the electronic BP updated in the app within a few minutes. Interested to hear others experiences, maybe I’ve just been lucky so far (touch wood).

 

[jakeseven7]

I find the app to be really reliable. I also have the digital card in my iOS wallet, and another copy on my phone in the Stocard app. Have never needed a printed boarding pass or physical membership card since. Even following a seat reassignment at the lounge, the electronic BP updated in the app within a few minutes. Interested to hear others experiences, maybe I’ve just been lucky so far (touch wood).

My key issues with the VA app (apart from the general uselessness of it in terms of having much purpose compared to the QF app) is that it logs me out randomly seemingly with no reason and also hangs (sometimes) when I'm trying to access a boarding past. Iphone X.

Not a bad idea re: STOCARD, didn't even think. Will add that.

 

[The Flying Brick]

When I travel, I carry with me every physical card etc. I might need. It's a small weight imposition, but can be useful when other methods fail.

I would never travel anywhere without my FF cards.
Relying on a stupid iPhone etc and App to work at the exact moment when you really need it just absurd.
Although I always do get a laugh at the gate seeing it happen to others that don’t share my mistrust of ‘perfect’ digital devices.

laughing of course diminishes as all of us then get hel up in the queue.

Same for Boarding passes too -it’s printed then I have all the proof that is needed but if it’s buried within a mobile device than who really knows if and or when the information will ever be seen again (and especially when needed on the spot).

 

[SeaWolf]

I'm Diamond on Asiana and a few year back they stopped issuing physical cards to anyone at any status level. I was a bit horrified at the time but its been totally fine. I just add my number in on the booking and the status flows through and I can just use my boarding pass to get lounge entry etc. on Asiana and all of *A. Most of the other *A airlines still issue physical cards but you absolutely don't need them, the status is tagged to your reservation and it all just works.

 

[hydrabyss]

I'm Diamond on Asiana and a few year back they stopped issuing physical cards to anyone at any status level. I was a bit horrified at the time but its been totally fine. I just add my number in on the booking and the status flows through and I can just use my boarding pass to get lounge entry etc. on Asiana and all of *A. Most of the other *A airlines still issue physical cards but you absolutely don't need them, the status is tagged to your reservation and it all just works.

I have recently gone back to staying at Rydges and they only have a digital card which I have found easy to use but then I am not in a line up to enter a plane.

 

[Chew]

Still printing numbers on boarding passes in Brisbane Friday. No check of ID or cards required for lounge access.
Statues quo. No change. Nothing to see here, except the new body scanner at security.

M.

 

[Stealthflyer]

It's a bit frustrating, but obviously telling people not to put their boarding pass on Instagram for everyone to see hasn't worked.

People post their credit cards on social media. What hope do they have with boarding passes?

 

[SeaWolf]

People post their credit cards on social media.

Maybe that's why so many of the credit card issuers have started moving the numbers to the back.