Air NZ/ Virgin Australia Trans-Tasman Alliance

[Jousams]

Not when your a NZ status holder and you get chucked on a sub-stand DJ 738 arccoss the Tasman

Wouldn't you get in first 3 rows (extra legroom) on DJ?


Sent from AFF Mobile Edition

 

[ataline]

Has there been a change to the benefits that Velocity Gold members get with Air NZ? I booked a seat only fare to NZ (on the A320) and then called Air NZ up to select a seat but was told that I'd have to pay the 'select a seat' fare. However according to the Velocity website, golds can still access advanced seat selection on trans Tasman flights. The guy said that because of the fare type (ie seat only) I'd still have to pay?

Also, do I get a luggage allowance as a gold member?

 

[bullerdude]

Has there been a change to the benefits that Velocity Gold members get with Air NZ? I booked a seat only fare to NZ (on the A320) and then called Air NZ up to select a seat but was told that I'd have to pay the 'select a seat' fare. However according to the Velocity website, golds can still access advanced seat selection on trans Tasman flights. The guy said that because of the fare type (ie seat only) I'd still have to pay?

Also, do I get a luggage allowance as a gold member?

There are issues at the moment preventing AirNZ system from recognising VA Status, but I remember reading an announcement saying the call centre should be able to do things for you like seat selection.

Ask to speak to the premium call centre - apparently they are the people that do understand VA status and the benefits.

As for luggage:

Book through VA site - Yes, baggage as per Velocity benefits
Book through NZ site - No, only what NZ fare entitles you to

 

[ataline]

There are issues at the moment preventing AirNZ system from recognising VA Status, but I remember reading an announcement saying the call centre should be able to do things for you like seat selection.

Ask to speak to the premium call centre - apparently they are the people that do understand VA status and the benefits.

As for luggage:

Book through VA site - Yes, baggage as per Velocity benefits
Book through NZ site - No, only what NZ fare entitles you to

Thanks for that. I actually asked to be put though to their premium call centre but the guy who answered refused, then proceeded to get the Velocity and Airpoints programs mixed up (kept saying that Gold and Gold elites didn't get that benefit). Never mind - I'll try again tomorrow.

 

[bullerdude]

Thanks for that. I actually asked to be put though to their premium call centre but the guy who answered refused, then proceeded to get the Velocity and Airpoints programs mixed up (kept saying that Gold and Gold elites didn't get that benefit). Never mind - I'll try again tomorrow.

What number did you use?

AusBT suggests this number should be used for Status Passengers so they can get what they need done - 1800 00 55 63

 

[ataline]

That's the number I used (as per the ausbt article). It puts you through to a generic call centre though.

 

[bullerdude]

Oh well... I guess another attempt tomorrow is the only option.

 

[Bugalugz]

Any luck with seat selection?

Domestically within NZ are Gold members still entitled to Space + within NZ?

Last year there was no dramas, just whacked my Gold velocity number in and had access to the entire 737 including space plus and even got excess baggage waived and all through Air NZ for being gold

This time entering my velocity gold number I can only get access to the Standard Selection behind the exit seat rows! Whats the go with that? and does calling up the NZ call center work for getting access to space + as a gold velocity?

 

[ataline]

No luck for me yet.
Velocity website says Golds get advanced seat selection but not priority seating - has it always been that way?

 

[calroth]

No luck for me yet.
Velocity website says Golds get advanced seat selection but not priority seating - has it always been that way?

A small report from our trans-Tasman and NZ flying in the last week. This is as Velocity Gold.

Flew SYD-AKL on a VA codeshare flight (booked with Virgin but on Air NZ metal). Couldn't pre-select a seat online, and didn't feel like battling with the call centre as they had just done the Sabre cutover. When checking in at the airport, the self-check kiosk offered us 30H/30K, which is the back row of premium economy. No complaints there!

Flew AKL-WLG and WLG-CHC on Air NZ flights (booked with Air NZ). The best seats we could pre-select online were in row 13. When checking in at the airport, the self-check kiosk offered us row 3 seats for both flights. I can't remember whether it offered us rows 1/2 or the exit row seats... I was travelling with Mrs Calroth so we picked something that had us sitting together. And after years of VA flying, we're conditioned to always try for row 3!

So, a few fresh data points, for what it's worth.

 

[bullerdude]

A small report from our trans-Tasman and NZ flying in the last week. This is as Velocity Gold.

Flew SYD-AKL on a VA codeshare flight (booked with Virgin but on Air NZ metal). Couldn't pre-select a seat online, and didn't feel like battling with the call centre as they had just done the Sabre cutover. When checking in at the airport, the self-check kiosk offered us 30H/30K, which is the back row of premium economy. No complaints there!

Flew AKL-WLG and WLG-CHC on Air NZ flights (booked with Air NZ). The best seats we could pre-select online were in row 13. When checking in at the airport, the self-check kiosk offered us row 3 seats for both flights. I can't remember whether it offered us rows 1/2 or the exit row seats... I was travelling with Mrs Calroth so we picked something that had us sitting together. And after years of VA flying, we're conditioned to always try for row 3!

So, a few fresh data points, for what it's worth.

Nice outcome overall - so perhaps there is a little interaction happening at the backend after all - but none on the websites (or call centres to an extent).

 

[Bolthead]

I am a little confused ...which is not unusual. serfty kindly gave me an answer http://www.australianfrequentflyer....z-j-class-direct-flight-47555.html#post763591 on a question I had regarding J seats to/from SYD to RAR. Still deciding whether to do this, however, if I am clear on this Velocity Status Platinum (which my wife and self are) does not get any points or status credits on the direct flight that ANZ has from SYD to RAR irrespective of status level or class of ticket including J. As well, as far as I can see if we choose to travel on a Y ticket we also do not get lounge access in SYD or RAR. Can someone confirm this as well. And another stupid question.....why???

So is there a way around this?

1. Join NZ Airpoints, however, if we in the end decide to travel in Y, as far as I can work out the Airpoints and status won't amount to much. (unless of course we decide to change all our International flying to ANZ.)

2. Use *A. I am only a member at the moment have 2/5 of stuff all points with zero status anyway. Not sure if I will earn points from that anyway???

3. Does any one else have a suggestion?

We looked at flying VA to RAR however, it is so much more a hassle (stop in Auckland) and it adds a fair bit to the price of the holiday with extra accommodation.

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

 

[serfty]

For me your best bet if you are travelling in Business is to post to a *A account but not NZ. (These days NZ Aipoints basically sucks, and suck more if you are not a NZ resident.)

Either SQ or maybe open a US air FF account and post there (the latter would be converted to AAdvantage soon enough.)

 

[dajop]

For me your best bet if you are travelling in Business is to post to a *A account but not NZ. (These days NZ Aipoints basically sucks, and suck more if you are not a NZ resident.)

+1. Not really worthwhile opening a NZ Airpointless account anymore. Only value is if doing a lot of flying on NZ on fares that don't earn points in other programs.

 

[Major]

A couple of weeks ago I travelled BNE-AKL and AKL-NPL. Both were booked on VA website as codeshare on NZ metal. At BNE I was allocated 23E on the 777. Being PE and booked as a saver fare I was very happy with this.
I have no problems with the Air NZ/VA alliance