A Qantas WP1's observations on the Virgin Platinum experience

[JohnK]

Agreed. On time performance is much more important and as long as we travel on different flights to JohnK we should be OK there also.

My reputation precedes me!

 

[oz_mark]

As you say though it is hard to break things down to number - for example my trip report on my first DJ included my annoyance with using stairs rather than an aerobridge - a lot of people wouldn't be bothered about that. For me it would be a decision maker between carriers to use.

The thing with the aerobridge is that you may want to avoid certain airports then. I've had stairs on Qantas in Perth (even on 767's) and Canberra

 

[MichaelD]

And one more...

11. BAD. You cannot check luggage through to a final destination if you are on two separate PNRs. As an example, I booked myself on ABX - SYD following directly on to SYD - MEL, both on Virgin, as two separate bookings (to get double the status credits and points for very little extra $ - due to the unique way Virgin define sectors for SC earn). I had to collect my luggage in SYD and check in for MEL. I expect that from an LCC, not from an airline going after the premium traveller.

 

[Sprucegoose]

This is the main reason I don't move to earlier flights - that and to get some food in the lounge.

And indeed some sanity into the day....life is too much rush rush rush....

 

[Simo]

And one more...

11. BAD. You cannot check luggage through to a final destination if you are on two separate PNRs. As an example, I booked myself on ABX - SYD following directly on to SYD - MEL, both on Virgin, as two separate bookings (to get double the status credits and points for very little extra $ - due to the unique way Virgin define sectors for SC earn). I had to collect my luggage in SYD and check in for MEL. I expect that from an LCC, not from an airline going after the premium traveller.

Would be great if we could get a answer from Virgin about this as sometimes I will do a connection in a day mainly due i might have to go to TSV for the day and then that afternoon will continue up to CNS and I have been able to book my bag all they way through.

 

[mickeyc747]

And one more...

11. BAD. You cannot check luggage through to a final destination if you are on two separate PNRs. As an example, I booked myself on ABX - SYD following directly on to SYD - MEL, both on Virgin, as two separate bookings (to get double the status credits and points for very little extra $ - due to the unique way Virgin define sectors for SC earn). I had to collect my luggage in SYD and check in for MEL. I expect that from an LCC, not from an airline going after the premium traveller.

I do not see why they could not do it with 2 seperate PNR's as they can do it when you connect with REX and that is a seperate PNR. Hope it gets sorted for you.

 

[Sequel]

As a matched WP, I am up to 460 SC's already, so DJ's ploy has definitely worked. The only DJ flight I had done in the last three years was a SYD-BNE earlier in the year when they were offering the lounge taster.

Having recently completed several Y+ flights in both the original and new cabins, my overall impression is possitive. (Haven't had the full J service).

The biggest issue for me was the lack of fixed IFE in the new J cabins. In principle i don't mind, but in practice, trying to watch something on the wobbly new table in 1D was bad enough, adding an attempt at a meal at the same time was a deal breaker.

While it is still Y+ prices I would do it again. Once they are all J prices, it is enough for me to return to QF.

New DJ 737 row 3 better than old QF row 4. Undecided on the new QF 737, the arm rest TV is at a really, really bad angle.

For me, both airlines are both good and bad for different reasons on different routes (lounges/staff/timetable/valet/price), however they will both keep getting my business.

I love the benifits competition brings, and so will keep diverting a chunk of my spend (until I requall WP at least) to DJ, on the assumption they will continue to improve.

(And I must add a footnote thanking QF for the removal of ATA, and then DJ for the status match, without which I would not have increased my travelling options)

Sent from my Nexus S using AustFreqFly

 

[Comoman]

And one more...

11. BAD. You cannot check luggage through to a final destination if you are on two separate PNRs. As an example, I booked myself on ABX - SYD following directly on to SYD - MEL, both on Virgin, as two separate bookings (to get double the status credits and points for very little extra $ - due to the unique way Virgin define sectors for SC earn). I had to collect my luggage in SYD and check in for MEL. I expect that from an LCC, not from an airline going after the premium traveller.

The way it was explained to me last week is that you can only check through baggage if sold as a "formal connection". The itinery will say "via" on it. Such as ABX-MEL via Sydney. I did a Mel-Syd and then Syd-Ool on the same PNR (booked multi-city) and check through was not available.

I guess the reason is they could have bags sitting around for hours waiting for a connection. A formal connection will have minimum transit time.

 

[Sprucegoose]

 A formal connection will have minimum transit time.

Not necessarily the case. But I am sure that would suit the minimum connecting times at the very least. Ultimately it is up to the pax, when and how they want to fly.