Will Virgin win me over

[Barondupon]

I am a WP who flies QF every week. Have already clocked up WP for the year and still have 5 1/2 months to go. I wouldn't mind trying Virgin but would want a comparable experience - exit row seat selection on booking, valet, lounge. Do you reckon Virgin would make a plan?

 

[medhead]

Without status it's hard to say. Certainly being velocity platinum is a lot easier for me than when I was red. I think you might have to pay for exit rows - but I'm really not sure.

The other thing to consider is whether you want food on your flights. In general, I don't, so it is easy for me to switch between DJ and QF. But if the meal is a big thing for you, you might need to be wary. I lot of this will also depend on the fare types you book. Flexis will probably be a bit less of a shock.


Sent from the Throne

 

[kalboy]

Maybe if you book business class.

 

[Barondupon]

I fly MEL-ADL so food not an issue. Paying for exit row would be a show stopper for me. Maybe the grass isn't greener...

 

[777]

I am a WP who flies QF every week. Have already clocked up WP for the year and still have 5 1/2 months to go. I wouldn't mind trying Virgin but would want a comparable experience - exit row seat selection on booking, valet, lounge. Do you reckon Virgin would make a plan?

Why exit row? Virgin Row 3 is about the best leg room in Y in the country and plats get it by default. Did you take advantage of the status match or are you starting from zero?

 

[Barondupon]

Why exit row? Virgin Row 3 is about the best leg room in Y in the country and plats get it by default. Did you take advantage of the status match or are you starting from zero?

What is the status match? Is that the missing link?

 

[mella2007]

What is the status match? Is that the missing link?

The status match was a huge promotion Virgin did mid last year when revamping their entire FF program. They are no longer matching status', but who knows...they may do it again in the future.

Even as Gold I get heaps of benefits, including as 777 said...I always end up in Row 3 if I'm not flying business. Food isn't an issue for me domestically, but if it is for you...the same meals tend to be offered the majority of the time with not much variation.
I find the special entry point at Sydney airport a huge plus when I'm in Sydney and I love their lounges.
No harm in you trying a few different flights/sectors and seeing what you think. Everyone has their own preferences

 

[Mwenenzi]

Too late: the DJ status match offer is closed (trying to find the thread)
http://www.australianfrequentflyer....locity-frequent-flyer-status-match-32505.html
http://www.australianfrequentflyer....nouncing-our-new-velocity-frequent-32475.html

If you are not a member, now is the time to join Velocity Frequent Flyer.
We will be, for a limited time, matching your status should you be with another frequent flyer program (excluding selected alliance partners) – details and conditions on this promotion can be found at our website here.

 

[Barondupon]

Thanks everyone - I think I will just stay where I am (and I am happy there). Just never flown Virgin so was curious... but I need my exit rows!

 

[moa999]

Even as a Plat (matched but requalified) I struggle to get row 3 when booked a week out. Dj does not appear to block seats like Qantas.
Flexi food is unimpressive and the business wines average.

That said the lounges are good, the staff friendly and the points earn rate can be much better than qf.

 

[medhead]

I have no trouble with getting row3 as a platinum. The seating is great. But the winner for me is the staff, lounges and priority boarding.


Sent from the Throne

 

[777]

Even as a Plat (matched but requalified) I struggle to get row 3 when booked a week out. Dj does not appear to block seats like Qantas.
Flexi food is unimpressive and the business wines average.

That said the lounges are good, the staff friendly and the points earn rate can be much better than qf.

No prob whatsoever getting Row 3 here when booking aprox a week in advance.

 

[TonyHancock]

I am a WP who flies QF every week. Have already clocked up WP for the year and still have 5 1/2 months to go. I wouldn't mind trying Virgin but would want a comparable experience - exit row seat selection on booking, valet, lounge. Do you reckon Virgin would make a plan?

I'm probably not such a frequent flyer as you, but DJ has been excellent for me following the status match last year. Big thumbs up for the leg room in row three too.

 

[straitman]

I have no trouble with getting row3 as a platinum. The seating is great. But the winner for me is the staff, lounges and priority boarding.


Sent from the Throne

No prob whatsoever getting Row 3 here when booking aprox a week in advance.

No issues with Row 3 either.

Much better than any exit row. As a Plat I was given an exit row when changed onto a full flight at at about 3.5 hrs notice.

 

[TheScotsman]

I used to fly MEL PER return every week, usually Qantas but occasionally Virgin (I always booked the first flight after my last meeting, wanted to get home asap).
Once I missed the Virgin flight due to my own fault (I was thinking I was on Qantas that day) and they let me on the next flight free.
No charge, no hassle, nothing.
Top marks to them for that - was around 2008.

 

[serfty]

Too late: the DJ status match offer is closed (trying to find the thread)
http://www.australianfrequentflyer....locity-frequent-flyer-status-match-32505.html
http://www.australianfrequentflyer....nouncing-our-new-velocity-frequent-32475.html

It may not be too late - the OP should contact the DJ rep (Virgin Australia) on this forum - they are still doing matches but each request is based on merit, as distinct from simply having status with another airline.

 

[RickyT84]

In terms of lounge, in my experience, the DJ Lounge is less crowded compared to the QP at least but slightly more busy than the QF Dom J Lounge.

The only other difference is that some DJ aircrafts (the new 73Hs with BSI) do not offer any entertainment. Having said that, for short flights like MEL-ADL, it is not a huge issue.

Why exit row? Virgin Row 3 is about the best leg room in Y in the country and plats get it by default. Did you take advantage of the status match or are you starting from zero?

I would add that row 4 on the QF BSI equipped 73H also offers generous legroom, and with the IFE, is one of the best Y seats on offer.

 

[penegal]

No issues with Row 3 either.

Much better than any exit row. As a Plat I was given an exit row when changed onto a full flight at at about 3.5 hrs notice.

The obviously know who you are

It may not be too late - the OP should contact the DJ rep (Virgin Australia) on this forum - they are still doing matches but each request is based on merit, as distinct from simply having status with another airline.

This was also confirmed by the VA rep at the recent AFF Mid-Year do. VA will match individuals on a case by case basis.

 

[penegal]

For my work we have a QF-only domestic policy.


Also, as a partner elite, I don't get any recognition from VA. I usually end up with a bad seat and have to talk my way into a better one.

Having said that VA are definitely improving and things are heading in the right direction.

 

[Carlous Moochous]

Why exit row? Virgin Row 3 is about the best leg room in Y in the country and plats get it by default. Did you take advantage of the status match or are you starting from zero?

Even Gold can get row 3, which is probably one of the more generous Y legroom row in the Australian skies at the moment. Why walk all the way back to an exit row when row 3 is great!

As for the status match - there is not harm in sending velocity and email with a copy of your card and statement and see what they say, they can only say no - worth a shot.