VA to europe getting expensive

[darraghk]

Hi All,
I travel to europe 2/3 times a year (mainly Y) with VA from Melbourne so on Etihad metal. Usually virgin fares have been nearly exactly matched with Etihad so I have been able to book through VA. My next trip in February is direct with Etihad however as VA was more expensive and looking at another trip in May/June VA is a $1,000!!!! more expensive, and only has flex fares available on the return yet Etihad has 3 different economy fares including a saver available.
Are Etihad releasing less seats to VA? Has anyone else noticed this disparity? It's very annoying having to do retro claims and waiting months for points and status credits.
Tks,
D

 

[fantasy86dj]

When I last went over from MEL to MAN via AUH I was stunned at the availability at EY against VA. I purchased 4 EY flight numbers and saved almost $1500 and this was booked 9 months in advance !

God forbid - next time I am not even going to look at VA just EY because I might need several Gin and Tonic's to recover !

 

[grubbidok]

I've noticed our corporate travel agent can often get cheaper VA fares than EY. Perhaps they just don't release those seats to the public?

Doesn't matter for me anyway, all my Europe travel is via SQ.

 

[darraghk]

Hi Grubbidok that's interesting, my corporate travel agent and also when I have booked recently through Flight Centre VA has been far more expensive.
Care to share your TA?

 

[grubbidok]

Hi darraghk. It's a university travel agent so they could be special fares. I know the uni negotiates with the airlines quite heavily (in fact I think the new directive starting this year have booted VA and QF in favour of EY to Europe, so it may change for us too)