Warning: Virgin Holidays flight change - SG - how reliable is Fly Ahead?

[cowtown]

I booked a flight and hotel through the Virgin website.

Wanted to change ADL-MEL flight to earlier time on that same day.

Called up, they said they were actually Virgin *Holidays* - not actually Virgin so they charge their own fees on top.

Virgin Holiday fee: $80
Virgin fee: $50
Difference in fair: $30

It is actually cheaper for me to just buy a new flight from the website.

Pretty disappointing as I actually bought the flight + hotel from the Virgin website.

As a Gold Velocity - should I just turn up earlier in the day and hope for fly-ahead?

I have 6pm flight but need to be in Melbourne by 3pm now.

 

[serfty]

Looks like at least 5 hours "Fly Ahead" needed, likely more - that may raise some red flags.

 

[Happy Dude]

If you're HLO and the same fare class is available for the flight you want, it'd be a reasonable request as it's a listed benefit. If you've got luggage it's anyone's guess.

 

[Milefest]

I frequently fly ahead >10 hours before my flight. A lot of the time with luggage, never had a problem.

 

[straitman]

I frequently fly ahead >10 hours before my flight. A lot of the time with luggage, never had a problem.

Nice to know.

 

[tgt01]

I've frequently used fly ahead. Only ever not been able to on a Friday or Sunday afternoon.

 

[Eggsbenedict]

I frequently fly ahead >10 hours before my flight. A lot of the time with luggage, never had a problem.

Yep I've taken the first flight in the morning when booked on the last flight that night. Actually to be honest I have flown ahead an entire day before but I would not recommend counting on that one! Most flights for me are a fly ahead only time I have ever had a problem was when there was literally no seats left on the plane.

 

[serfty]

Well, there you go ...

 

[grubbidok]

I've also been told no seats were available when what they really meant was that no decent seats were available. I caught them out when I said something like "Bugger, not even a middle one near the toilet?" and they said there were a few, but they were middle up the back and assumed I wouldn't want to trade my Row 3 aisle on the flight after for that. My guess is some staff work under the assumption WPs may not appreciate some seats. Pays to ask (nicely, of course).

Now I usually make sure when I request I let them know I don't care where I sit, I just want to get home to see my daughter before she goes to bed.

 

[cowtown]

OK just had a bright idea, can someone tell me if this works.

How about I buy an expensive Flexi for the 11am flight (the one i want). That means on the day i'll have two flights, so I get there for the earlier flight and try to fly-ahead on my cheap ticket and then cancel "Flexi" and take a credit ?

Saver: $129, Flexi: $299

Will this work? (I HAVE to be in Melb on the earlier flight)

 

[Milefest]

Say they aren't able to put you on FlyAhead and you go on your Flexi, my understanding is that if you miss one leg of your journey the rest of the flights on that booking are cancelled too (can someone confirm?). Plus, missing a saver flight on the day of travel means a sacrifice of the fare.


If it's urgent maybe you could consider getting there for the first flight of the day (6am) where there are 3 flights to MEL within a 90minute window, this would significantly increase your chances of a FlyAhead (though inconvenient). You could also potentially upgrade your fare to J with points (10k) at the airport if they are unable to FlyAhead too.


Just some ideas...

 

[Eggsbenedict]

I honestly think your putting too much thought into this. Without know the exact date your flying but just a quick check shows two flights 9.35am and 11.35am that would both get you to Melbourne before 3pm. Just turn up for the 9.35am the odds of not getting on either of those flights seem slim to none to me

 

[cowtown]

lol ok thanks - i'll do that !

 

[serfty]

OK just had a bright idea, can someone tell me if this works.

How about I buy an expensive Flexi for the 11am flight (the one i want). That means on the day i'll have two flights, so I get there for the earlier flight and try to fly-ahead on my cheap ticket and then cancel "Flexi" and take a credit ?

Saver: $129, Flexi: $299

Will this work? (I HAVE to be in Melb on the earlier flight)

You can cancel a flexi and have the funds held in credit under your 'travel bank' (must be 'used' within a year of ticketing)..

If you wanted a refund to original form of payment then it will cost you $80.