And it's Platinum, Platinum, Platinum!!

[droche2004]

Actually, no they shouldn't. That's not an advertised benefit. It's not something you're entitled to expect and they would certainly go broke selling no P/E seats on any flight if they did that. The fact people like you sook when you are given it as a favour on one occasion and then don't get it on a future occasion will probably mean the airline will have no choice but to frown on the practice all together in the name of "consistency." Take a good hard think about what you are demanding.

Thank you for speaking for me, actually i have had a good think about it and they should, biggest airline in the world DELTA do what i am suggesting, whatever isn't sold they have a lottery for there frequent flyers. So no they wont go broke doing as suggested!!! why do you have a good think about it.
What i am suggesting NOT DEMANDING is utilizing what is available. When you fly with Delta you have a choice to wait prior to boarding for the chance of an upgrade or just take your seat. If all business class seats are sold then there is no lottery.

But again Thank you for making me think about it..

 

[777]

Thank you for speaking for me, actually i have had a good think about it and they should, biggest airline in the world DELTA do what i am suggesting, whatever isn't sold they have a lottery for there frequent flyers. So no they wont go broke doing as suggested!!! why do you have a good think about it.
What i am suggesting NOT DEMANDING is utilizing what is available. When you fly with Delta you have a choice to wait prior to boarding for the chance of an upgrade or just take your seat. If all business class seats are sold then there is no lottery.

But again Thank you for making me think about it..

Actually, you said "either they do it all the time and have consistency or dont bother" and SUGGESTED that VA abolish giving staff the choice to give you (and the rest of us) the kind of op-up you had received on your earlier flight. I suggest you think about that suggestion one more time.

 

[droche2004]

Actually, you said "either they do it all the time and have consistency or dont bother" and SUGGESTED that VA abolish giving staff the choice to give you (and the rest of us) the kind of op-up you had received on your earlier flight. I suggest you think about that suggestion one more time.

again thanks for pointing this out. One more time just for you
Yes consistency is what i am asking for or as an alternative a better way of doing it because i think you are missing the point or not reading the comment as intended.
But hay lets not make a comment or suggestion about ways of improvement or lets just put people down and make grand comments about how this will send them broke...
Either or lets agree to disagree..

 

[firefox]

Ok so my view and to be honest from what management have told me is that you get your points sand 4 free upgrades. No one is allowed to do op ups not even the lounge at least I've been told that by lounge angels and management. And it's a new thing apparently in their crew training (elevate).

This makes a lot of sense. The reason is simple. I am platinum actually numerous times over. And fly PE with virgin many times a week. Why would I spend $$$ buying a PE ticket when I know that because I'm a very frequent flyer, I would pretty well get an op up each time. If I didn't the ones I don't I would buy over the counter in the airport ensuring I get the cheapest deal I could virgin would be simply just be doing them out of $$ .So this means simply I am going to be spending much much less with virgin. And let's be honest that's bad for business.

I think if you've managed to get an op up I'd be very excited.. But don't expect things for free. If you want the benefits of business/PE than pay for them, otherwise you can't just expect them.

 

[777]

Yes consistency is what i am asking for or as an alternative a better way of doing it because i think you are missing the point or not reading the comment as intended.

Virgin have a published benefit of 4 upgrades per year for Platinum flyers. If you think that's not enough then it's fair enough to point that out. However the fact that Virgin might, on occasion, choose to upgrade a Plat flyer over an above those four times is a feature not a bug of the program! I think that's a good thing and i would like to see that continue. You think it's a bad thing. I reacted strongly because i fear that complaints like yours jeopardise the existence of this benefit.

I could be wrong but any suggestion that staff should be banned from giving upgrades to high status flyers at times in the name of "consistency" is one that i doubt has much support with the flyers around here.

 

[droche2004]

Virgin have a published benefit of 4 upgrades per year for Platinum flyers. If you think that's not enough then it's fair enough to point that out. However the fact that Virgin might, on occasion, choose to upgrade a Plat flyer over an above those four times is a feature not a bug of the program! I think that's a good thing and i would like to see that continue. You think it's a bad thing. I reacted strongly because i fear that complaints like yours jeopardise the existence of this benefit.

I could be wrong but any suggestion that staff should be banned from giving upgrades to high status flyers at times in the name of "consistency" is one that i doubt has much support with the flyers around here.

ok fair call. Again my first post was all positive,my second post was a suggestion of improvement to which i still stand by. Look i see your point and take it on board but i don't think one persons view will make much difference. The suggestion I mentioned is what i put forward prior to platinum being released and without knowing if i would qualify because this is what i believe having travelled extensively.

I have had my 2 cents and thats all it is, good and bad feedback or suggestion of which i have done both.
What i have suggested post and prior to the new status i have seen first hand and it works well.
Last comment and response, the 4 upgrades per year for me or maybe you is neither here or there considering number of flights per week,day, month, year..within a week i could use them all up..some of the flights i see people take on the board they might do it in a day.

Anyway all. Have a nice weekend and enjoy your travels and i will leave this thread alone for now and go back to may happy experience i posted re the adelaide lounge. Cheers Danny

 

[droche2004]

Ok so my view and to be honest from what management have told me is that you get your points sand 4 free upgrades. No one is allowed to do op ups not even the lounge at least I've been told that by lounge angels and management. And it's a new thing apparently in their crew training (elevate).

This makes a lot of sense. The reason is simple. I am platinum actually numerous times over. And fly PE with virgin many times a week. Why would I spend $$$ buying a PE ticket when I know that because I'm a very frequent flyer, I would pretty well get an op up each time. If I didn't the ones I don't I would buy over the counter in the airport ensuring I get the cheapest deal I could virgin would be simply just be doing them out of $$ .So this means simply I am going to be spending much much less with virgin. And let's be honest that's bad for business.

I think if you've managed to get an op up I'd be very excited.. But don't expect things for free. If you want the benefits of business/PE than pay for them, otherwise you can't just expect them.

Fair call and response to why not without jumping down my throat, telling people they are a sook or asking me to think about it like i am 10 year old.. Thank you..

 

[VMAN]

Fair call and response to why not without jumping down my throat, telling people they are a sook or asking me to think about it like i am 10 year old.. Thank you..

I agree Danny

There are people on this forum who are quick to jump down your throat on a particular comment or opinion.

I also agree to your overall comment of consistency in the program. Set a standard and stick with it as nothing pi@@es me of more than different standards being applied based on the whim of a particular staff.

Ps good for you standing up for yourself, well done!


Sent from my iPhone using AFF app

 

[pauly7]

Virgin have a published benefit of 4 upgrades per year for Platinum flyers. If you think that's not enough then it's fair enough to point that out. However the fact that Virgin might, on occasion, choose to upgrade a Plat flyer over an above those four times is a feature not a bug of the program! I think that's a good thing and i would like to see that continue. You think it's a bad thing. I reacted strongly because i fear that complaints like yours jeopardise the existence of this benefit.

I could be wrong but any suggestion that staff should be banned from giving upgrades to high status flyers at times in the name of "consistency" is one that i doubt has much support with the flyers around here.

I actually had a good chat to a VA lounge dragon the other day and they were saying they cant upgrade in the lounges at all - period.

Operational op ups do happen but they said it was nothing to do with them....

Just one persons line to me, not sure of it's the rule...

 

[777]

I actually had a good chat to a VA lounge dragon the other day and they were saying they cant upgrade in the lounges at all - period.

Operational op ups do happen but they said it was nothing to do with them....

Just one persons line to me, not sure of it's the rule...

I think the post in question was referring to being upgraded on-board as opposed to in the lounge.

 

[Deleted member 29185]

Remembering team, that this issue has been discussed previously here on AFF.

If my memory is right, there was two very opposite points of view. One was that op-ops are a nice touch that DJ should be congratulated for and the other was that the flyers who paid for PE/J were entitled to a space for themselves and if there ended up a spare seat beside them, then all the better the perk.

I've been the recipient of both. An op-up to J for four of my immediate family flying together (on a saver fare) as well as my wife traveling on a full fare PE ticket missing out on travel with DJ because of a change and no spare seats on the plane at all, yet it was clear there were a number of op-ups into PE so more Y seats could be sold. My thoughts?? Well I'm glad that I"m not making the decisions on that one!

 

[connieguy]

Virgin have a published benefit of 4 upgrades per year for Platinum flyers. If you think that's not enough then it's fair enough to point that out. However the fact that Virgin might, on occasion, choose to upgrade a Plat flyer over an above those four times is a feature not a bug of the program! I think that's a good thing and i would like to see that continue. You think it's a bad thing. I reacted strongly because i fear that complaints like yours jeopardise the existence of this benefit.

I could be wrong but any suggestion that staff should be banned from giving upgrades to high status flyers at times in the name of "consistency" is one that i doubt has much support with the flyers around here.

AA give their top tier EXP FFers unlimited domestic upgrades:

http://www.aa.com/content/images/AAdvantage/EP_Member_Guide.pdf

"Complimentary and 500-Mile Upgrades

As an AAdvantage Executive Platinum member, you don’t have to use 500-Mile Upgrades for your own travel – enjoy your upgrades on us!

You may request a complimentary upgrade when traveling on eligible* American Airlines flights on any purchased, published fare.

You may also request a complimentary upgrade for one companion if the companion is traveling on a full-fare Economy Class ticket (fares beginning with Y or B, excluding military/government fares). Companions traveling on any other eligible fare may be upgraded using 500-Mile Upgrades.

Simply request an upgrade when you book a reservation. Then, at 100 hours prior to departure, we will automatically confirm your upgrade if seating is available. If you have not received confirmation of your upgrade via email or voice message as of the time of check-in, you will be given the opportunity to be added to the Airport Upgrade Standby List while checking in for your flight on AA.com, at the airport Self-Service machine, or with an airport agent.

As an AAdvantage Executive Platinum member, you have upgrade priority at the gate over all other AAdvantage members for any flights on which you are a confirmed passenger. Priority within your elite-status level will be determined based on the fare purchased and the date and time your upgrade was initially requested."

Seems AA have no problem filling up the seats in the pointy end of the plane with their top tier FFers, regardless of the fare they purchased. Can't see why VA doing this will send them broke as if those seats are sold, you sit in the seat you purchased. If not VA's WPs and SGs will get to use them.

 

[777]

AA give their top tier EXP FFers unlimited domestic upgrades:

Yes, i understand that. I could go into a long discussion about the relative merits but i'll spare that. That wasn't the bit i had a problem with. It was the bit about banning all other op-ups if they didn't.

 

[connieguy]

Yes, i understand that. I could go into a long discussion about the relative merits but i'll spare that. That wasn't the bit i had a problem with. It was the bit about banning all other op-ups if they didn't.

Both Delta and AA fill up the seats in the pointy end of the plane with their top tier FFers, even if they bought the lowest cost ticket. Sure it is a priority and price you paid for the seat lottery but it is still done and they are not going broke or worrying about the top tier FFers not buying the pointy end seats because they will get them in the boarding lottery. They can also lose out and end up sitting in the Y seat they paid for.

What amazes me is the PE or J customers saying they do not want the WP riff raff sitting next to them as they have not paid for the seat. :shock: Wonder who is the W then?

Based on what VA have delivered so far with their WP benefits, it would not surprise me that they do follow Delta and AA in offering any spare pointy end seats to their WPs as a published benefit as AA have done. Watch and see that after QF rolls out their WP1 benefits, VA have another layer of benefits to put on their WP cake.

 

[droche2004]

Both Delta and AA fill up the seats in the pointy end of the plane with their top tier FFers, even if they bought the lowest cost ticket. Sure it is a priority and price you paid for the seat lottery but it is still done and they are not going broke or worrying about the top tier FFers not buying the pointy end seats because they will get them in the boarding lottery. They can also lose out and end up sitting in the Y seat they paid for.

What amazes me is the PE or J customers saying they do not want the WP riff raff sitting next to them as they have not paid for the seat. :shock: Wonder who is the W then?

Based on what VA have delivered so far with their WP benefits, it would not surprise me that they do follow Delta and AA in offering any spare pointy end seats to their WPs as a published benefit as AA have done. Watch and see that after QF rolls out their WP1 benefits, VA have another layer of benefits to put on their WP cake.

Well said, and yes I still stand by what I suggested re consistency, therefore it will not lead to an expectation
The option above won't send the airline broke but will utilize the space available (if available) and reward those people who travel frequently and therefore helped get the airline where it is today.

The bit I had the problem with is the way some people proceeded to attack and grandstand like they own the airline or one comment could bring down the house of cards, writing in big bold letters etc etc and I end up with a warning from AFF..

 

[droche2004]

Platinums have special needs don't they?? They need assistance to get their egos aboard :shock:

Hellos swanning it, it seems like my reply to you was deleted due to the nature of my response to you.

Mate no special needs thank you, just stated that they called passengers with special needs first to which i believe I said I have no issue with, why would I?? The issue I raised is that the next call was general boarding. Comes back to consistency and you would know this being a gold member as they call us all up the same time dont they??? Don't think I ever said I wanted platinum members called first before all others?
But yes I like to board early as I also like to avoid the weekend travelers that take there time and have 400 bags...
Egos!!! No thanks I don't need assistance in this area as I now have additional weight allowance and decided it travels better under the plane therefore I check it in..
And I am the one that gets the warning.. That's funny..

 

[loobloke]

Apples to oranges.

America has a much bigger business class market with several airlines competing for the flyers. Their single aisle aircraft have 16 business seats, AU have 8-12.

Their FF programs are also superior and much more competitive than the (only) two we have in Australia.

 

[Deleted member 29185]

Hellos swanning it, it seems like my reply to you was deleted due to the nature of my response to you.

Mate no special needs thank you, just stated that they called passengers with special needs first to which i believe I said I have no issue with, why would I?? The issue I raised is that the next call was general boarding. Comes back to consistency and you would know this being a gold member as they call us all up the same time dont they??? Don't think I ever said I wanted platinum members called first before all others?
But yes I like to board early as I also like to avoid the weekend travelers that take there time and have 400 bags...
Egos!!! No thanks I don't need assistance in this area as I now have additional weight allowance and decided it travels better under the plane therefore I check it in..
And I am the one that gets the warning.. That's funny..

Hi droche2004, no I didn't see your reply, but I do have fairly broad shoulders . Everyone is entitled to their own thoughts here on AFF and the mods are generally pretty accomodating but I think a few of us just saw your post as being an expectation of service above and beyond "normal" travel benefits with some grumbling when it wasn't received, over simple pleasure when you do receive it. As for the priority boarding, it'd be nice to see consistancy, so I agree with you there, but special needs people (especially mobility constrained people that'd have difficulties negotiating the narrow confines of a flying tin can at the best of times) should most definitely (IMHO) be given a bit of time first to get to their seats before the feedlot gates are opened.

For me, the boarding first call is not so important as I prefer to wait to last to get on (preferably in the Lounge), but the priority boarding lane is a great idea. I do like bypassing the queue!

The comment about egos, I retract. It was made as a joke with plenty of emoticons after it to indicate that, but it was uncalled for so I do humbly apologise if offence was taken. None was intentionally inferred.

 

[markis10]

[MODHAT] Just a gentle reminder that we are here to discuss topics, comments about members of a perceived negative nature will be treated with more attention than previously, tone/context can be misconstrued at times, when it doubt please leave it out! Thank you. [/MODHAT]

As DJ are still coming to grasp with the experience J offers, I suspect we will see common sense prevail, along with a flexible ODU policy, which tempts but does not provide certainty to elite Velocity members.

 

[pshepvic]

I've spoken to the lounge angels (previously before Plat was introduced) and they said they don't have the ability to move people to PE. That can only be done by the gate staff, and they do it if the flight is full / economy is over booked. At the time they said Golds are moved first, then Silver. They have on a couple of occasions though called the gate and asked them to move me to PE when they've known it was a full flight, and have been successful with the request. Need to be there reasonably early before the flight though, as seat changes aren't all left to the last minute.

I assume now that would mean Platinums are moved first for an op-up, then gold etc. They did say though that they only move people if Y is full.

It seems that the FAs now may have some discretion to move Plats as well, but agree it should not be expected in every case. If there are 10 Plats on a flight but only 2 seats in J empty, how do they decide? Alphabetical by surname? 'Cause unfortunately I'm towards the a***-end of the alphabet and would miss out! (Like when Qantas used to do seat allocations alphabetically before the advent of OLCI - my partner being a B always got better seats than me as an S, even though we had the same FF status!)