Virgins Pie In the Sky suggestions (new menu coming)

[Noob]

I think the airlines forget that Platinum/Gold members don't always fly J!

 

[Jack Melon]

I was thinking about this today, remember all the commentary around DJ perhaps launching a LCC and DJ (can't remember if if was BG or JB) said that an option was rather than launch a new brand they'd cater for the LCC market within their mainline configuration....

Maybe this is the start of this coming to life...? Making the base menu like a 711/cinema which it now is - then making business catering SPECTACULAR and later suprising corporates and flex all in tix with another more up market menu.....???

Hmm i doubt it in my opinion, JB and SRB said they will cater for both markets in the same plane... so competitive with qantas in the front end of the plane and competitive in the back end, they believe a 1 brand strategy is right, qantas believe a 2 brand strategy is right ie. Jetstar. Lets just see how it turns out!

 

[serfty]

...
We value everyone's opinions, as you are all entitled to them, so rest assured you have been heard.

We just ask for a little leeway as we tweak to get things right.
...

Yep, I'll give leeway ... just won't fly DJ until this is rectified ...

 

[Deleted member 29185]

I was thinking about this today, remember all the commentary around DJ perhaps launching a LCC and DJ (can't remember if if was BG or JB) said that an option was rather than launch a new brand they'd cater for the LCC market within their mainline configuration....

Maybe this is the start of this coming to life...? Making the base menu like a 711/cinema which it now is - then making business catering SPECTACULAR and later suprising corporates and flex all in tix with another more up market menu.....???

Hmm i doubt it in my opinion, JB and SRB said they will cater for both markets in the same plane... so competitive with qantas in the front end of the plane and competitive in the back end, they believe a 1 brand strategy is right, qantas believe a 2 brand strategy is right ie. Jetstar. Lets just see how it turns out!

Jack, I think that's the point Pauly7 was making.....that a DJ LCC subsidary was not preferred but an "all in one" model was. If P7 is correct in that assumption, I'd support it. I've stated many times that I prefer saving my cash and doing a hop on the cheap rather than outlay for full service J (although I do like the new BSI J seating ). I also love the idea I actually do have the choice to do that and if I decide to take up the LCC option (price) than I'm happy with the concept that I don't have a wide menu selection (made all the more bearable by any time lounge access). What confuses me a little bit, is the reason so far wheeled out for menu choice castration has been lack of storage space aboard and FA serving time limited availability (and many of us pax have also noticed the later). So how is adding a full service J menu, an included flexi-menu and a pay for snack menu going to alliviate those issues?

I am however beginning to tire with the drawn out announcements. I understand the major changes don't happen overnight, but lets get on with it and hear what the plans are.....please!

EDIT: I might also say, if the LCC is still on for the the back of the aircraft, then don't forget part of the LCC service is LC (low cost). DJ have (IMHO) started to pull the LCC component further away from JQ and TT (the price component), so may I suggest to DJ they stay on the ball with that one and don't lose sight of the difference supposedly offered between up front and down the back!!

 

[DJ 1D]

I flew yesterday on one of the new planes and had a nice chat with the CS. She told me that VA were trying to sell more flexi fares overall (with the meal included), thus cutting down on the regular menu and what they load. In other words, trying to incentivise people to spend the extra money to buy the better fare by cutting down on what's available in the cheap seats. Makes sense from an accounting pov - the cost of the flexi meal is easily made up in the higher fare, as opposed to the price of el cheapo fare + maybe $10 in sales, plus loading lots of food/bev that may or may not be sold.

Personally I think this is a mistake - that too many people still want the cheapest fare (even business people) and getting a flexi meal will not enter into their decision on which fare to purchase.

Even more importantly to me - the fact that they rolled out a new menu very recently and then just rolled it back tells me that management (in this case) is flying by the seat of their pants. Which is totally the opposite of what I've come to see from Borghetti's vision.

She also said they will have a totally new biz menu similar to the A330 service. Not sure how that will work on a 50min flight though.

Oh, and here's a pie:



And inside:


I found it heavy with lots of chunky and fatty beef. Couldn't find a mushroom anywhere.

 

[mannej]

Looking at the size of that pie, I would still be hungry.

How is the size of it in real life?

 

[markis10]

Looking at the size of that pie, I would still be hungry.

How is the size of it in real life?

To me it was a "standard" pie size, and with so much meat in it I was not hungry at the end.

 

[awilcockson]

She told me that VA were trying to sell more flexi fares overall (with the meal included), thus cutting down on the regular menu and what they load. In other words, trying to incentivise people to spend the extra money to buy the better fare by cutting down on what's available in the cheap seats.

Nice idea in theory, but someone needs to explain BFOD to them. I know my company has a BFOD policy, and I am not physically able to select a flexi fare when there is a cheaper fare available.

 

[Noob]

At least it is nice knowing that any problems/suggestions that are discussed on this site are actually read and responded/followed up by VA reps! So if history is anything to go by, this problem should hopefully be rectified.

BTW thanks for posting a pic of one of the pies, now I am going to go and get fat at the bakery

 

[straitman]

BTW thanks for posting a pic of one of the pies, now I am going to go and get fat at the bakery

Having just had 'the pleasure' of trying one of the pies I have to say that they are very filling and of pretty good quality. I think the mushroom is more a flavour than pieces but generally pretty good. The Tomato Chutney is a nice touch above plain old Tomato Sauce.

I nearly fell out of my seat when they offered me a second one:!:

 

[ash.1111]

The pies are VERY nice, and quite filling. One of the best hot food options VA has had in a while.

 

[droche2004]

Nice idea in theory, but someone needs to explain BFOD to them. I know my company has a BFOD policy, and I am not physically able to select a flexi fare when there is a cheaper fare available.

Issue i have is that being a GOLD Member you no longer need to buy a flexi flight. all flights for Gold Members are fully flexible therefore why would i purchase a flexi ticket when there is cheaper alternatives.

 

[MarkD]

Issue i have is that being a GOLD Member you no longer need to buy a flexi flight. all flights for Gold Members are fully flexible therefore why would i purchase a flexi ticket when there is cheaper alternatives.

Not quite, although they will quite happily switch you to an altrnative flt, i think all the other conditions ie cancellations not allowed will apply for golds as well


Damn you iphone and fat fingers. Sent from my iphone and AFF app )

 

[droche2004]

Not quite, although they will quite happily switch you to an altrnative flt, i think all the other conditions ie cancellations not allowed will apply for golds as well


Damn you iphone and fat fingers. Sent from my iphone and AFF app )

Are you sure? Although i havent seen it on the web i have been told by 2 different VA staff (i didnt ask the question, i was informed) that i dont need to buy flexi flights as Gold members are fully flexible.

 

[notzac]

Fully flexible .. perhaps, but certainly not cancellable without penalty.

 

[The Rok]

I think you will find that spirits are returning this month, and a vegetable pie will be offered also.

 

[markis10]

I think you will find that spirits are returning this month, and a vegetable pie will be offered also.

I will drink to that

 

[Virgin Australia]

Here is a short and sharp, late night post to put a smile on your faces.

You will be happy to hear, that we have heard you.

Due to the valuable feedback we have received from our Guests (and yes that means the AFF collective too), Spirits and mixers will be back on the menu by Friday next week (26th Aug).

More next week.

Enjoy your weekends everyone!

 

[Mogul]

I'll drink to that!!!! (Hiccup)

 

[Oneworldplus2]

Positive feedback from VA. Well done AFF. Goes to show that VA really are listening.

Question, what brand tomato sauce is served with the pie?