Booking Complimentary Fare Upgrades for Platinum Velocity members

[777]

I would definitely call back if the date has changed!

 

[Verde]

I would definitely call back if the date has changed!

The flight didn't change, only the invoice date. Everything else looks exactly the same as far as I can tell.

 

[markis10]

The flight didn't change, only the invoice date. Everything else looks exactly the same as far as I can tell.

There should be two payments recorded.

 

[serfty]

...
Are things likely correct? Is there any easy way to check, or do I need to phone back and find out what the problem is?

Being within 14 days have you tried to preselect a seat? If so, which "cabin"?

 

[lazybones1987]

The flight didn't change, only the invoice date. Everything else looks exactly the same as far as I can tell.

Is there a "PEUP" code somewhere?

 

[TonyHancock]

Hi.

How has everyone gone through the complimentary upgrade process?

I booked a flexi flight BNE-NTL for December, then phoned up to ask for the complimentary upgrade today. I was told it'd take a few minutes and I'd get e-mailed a new itinerary and I didn't need to wait on the line (he said there was availability). The new itinerary arrived, but it doesn't mention Premium Economy anywhere that I can see, looks exactly the same as the original booking (except it has 24th Oct instead of 22nd Oct in one spot).

Are things likely correct? Is there any easy way to check, or do I need to phone back and find out what the problem is?

Same experience for me. Just booked a flexi to Perth (via Sydney), requested the upgrade and received the exact same itinerary.

I logged out of my Velocity account and logged back in and went to manage my booking and the fare is now "Velocity Rewards". My number of complimentary upgrades is 3 now.

As a side note it was a real pleasure dealing with the member of staff on the platinum desk.

 

[TonyHancock]

Footnote

The two itineraries are not the same. The second one has a $60 fee for "Premium Economy Upgrade Fee - Long"

Didn't expect that, and quite frankly don't really care. I suppose it would have been nice to have been told this.

 

[markis10]

Footnote

The two itineraries are not the same. The second one has a $60 fee for "Premium Economy Upgrade Fee - Long"

Didn't expect that, and quite frankly don't really care. I suppose it would have been nice to have been told this.

You have not been charged that fee, thats the second of two payments I referred to earlier and its an internal accounting charge that sees the upgrade being billed back to Velocity and hence, a deduction in your freebie numbers.

 

[TonyHancock]

You have not been charged that fee, thats the second of two payments I referred to earlier and its an internal accounting charge that sees the upgrade being billed back to Velocity and hence, a deduction in your freebie numbers.

Thanks for the clarification. It seems a bit of an odd way to record it, but quite frankly if VA/DJ had a policy that it cost $60 to use an upgrade I wouldn't bat an eyelid. Excellent value...and even better free!

I'm doing it the long way (MEL-PER Via SYD) but looking forward to trying J on the 330.

 

[serfty]

[OFF TOPIC]

Thanks for the clarification. It seems a bit of an odd way to record it, but quite frankly if VA/DJ had a policy that it cost $60 to use an upgrade I wouldn't bat an eyelid. Excellent value...and even better free! ...

Plug your single PAX F/J/Z/XASA booking into here and see the "value" of QFF points.:shock:​

[/OFF TOPIC]

 

[TonyHancock]

Plug your single PAX F/J/Z/XASA booking into here and see the "value" of QFF points.:shock:

:shock:

Apparently my FASA, SIN-LHR, in August 2012 is worth SIN$1854.....including taxes!!!!! :shock:

The JASA to get me to Singapore is worth a whopping AUS$1043.

 

[greenfish]

Has anyone tried to re-date a complimentary upgraded ticket? Any idea on the rules?

 

[markis10]

Has anyone tried to re-date a complimentary upgraded ticket? Any idea on the rules?

By redate the ticket you mean change the flights date, I did one last week and changed from a Monday night to a Tuesday night, there was PE availability so no issue, no fees!

 

[mja]

I was under the impression that if there was a Business class seat for sale, and you want to use one of your upgrade vouchers. Then it's yours.

None of this I fare bucket stuff.

I called yesterday to upgrade a Gold Cost - Mel on Sunday. Was told that I could only use one of my complimentary upgrades if there was a redemption seat available (which there wasn't).

I then went into 'change my booking' on the website and managed to pay the $30 fare difference to upgrade.

No probs using a complimentary upgrade for the return on Tuesday though.

 

[serfty]

Hmmm ... that two different stories.

Can Velocity Australia please advise?

 

[LiamR]

I called yesterday to upgrade a Gold Cost - Mel on Sunday. Was told that I could only use one of my complimentary upgrades if there was a redemption seat available (which there wasn't).

I then went into 'change my booking' on the website and managed to pay the $30 fare difference to upgrade.

No probs using a complimentary upgrade for the return on Tuesday though.

That's the first time I've heard of this, my understanding was that if there is a free seat in Business class, you can upgrade to it.

Can our VA​ rep clarify this perhaps?

 

[markis10]

That's the first time I've heard of this, my understanding was that if there is a free seat in Business class, you can upgrade to it.

Can our VA​ rep clarify this perhaps?

Its not the first time that has been reported here. So there is some confusion that needs clarification with the service desk, the terms and conditions are clear:

14.18 Complimentary Fare Upgrades are subject to the availability of a Premium Economy Class or Business Class seat and on-board catering cannot be guaranteed.

 

[oz_mark]

Its not the first time that has been reported here. So there is some confusion that needs clarification with the service desk, the terms and conditions are clear:

14.18 Complimentary Fare Upgrades are subject to the availability of a Premium Economy Class or Business Class seat and on-board catering cannot be guaranteed.

I suspect the issue is that there are different rules for a points upgrade (requires W class availability), and an upgrade certificate upgrade (rules just say a premium seat is available (although one could argue about what available means :shock). Reading the threads suggests that some agents apply the reward seat availability clause across the board.

 

[Cruiser Elite]

Just booked 2 x Flexi return flts MEL-PER Nov 18 / 20. No upgradeable seats available on ret DJ694 so had to book DJ698 - arrives later but no big deal - $1,694 for 2 x biz flts is a great deal don't you think?

Itinerary received shows Fare: **Flexi / Class: Economy - so I called Velocity back - guearanteed 100% that biz upgrade has been affected - Velocity are aware of this minor anomoly and hopefully a software upgrade over weekend should remedy this.

 

[serfty]

Just booked 2 x Flexi return flts MEL-PER Nov 18 / 20. No upgradeable seats available on ret DJ694 so had to book DJ698 - arrives later but no big deal - $1,694 for 2 x biz flts is a great deal don't you think?
...

Did you use points to upgrade? If not (you used "Complimentary" Upgrades) then I hope by "No upgradeable seats" you meant that Business/PE was completely sold out on DJ694.

To be specific, here are the rules for points upgrades: (10. BENEFITS FOR ALL MEMBERSHIP LEVELS)

10.10 A Upgrade Using Points is subject to the availability of a Premium Economy Class or Business Class seat on an Airline Partner.

10.11 Before a Upgrade Using Points can be redeemed, you must verify through the Velocity Frequent Flyer web site: http://www.virginaustralia.com/velocity that the desired Premium Economy or Business Class seat is available. You can then redeem your Upgrade Using Points by calling the Velocity Frequent Flyer Membership Contact Centre no later than 24 hours prior to the desired time of departure. ...

and (as posted by Markis10) here are the rules for "Complimentary" Upgrades: (14. BENEFITS FOR PLATINUM MEMBERS)

14.18 Complimentary Fare Upgrades are subject to the availability of a Premium Economy Class or Business Class seat and on-board catering cannot be guaranteed.

I cannot see any specific definition in the T&C's in relation to "the availability of a Premium Economy Class or Business Class seat".

These look the same, however, digging further, there are specific rules for points upgrade:

Flight Upgrade Terms| Velocity Frequent Flyer

Flight Upgrade Terms and Conditions

1. Members will earn Points and Status Credits based on the original fare class purchased.
2. Upgrades are available on eligible Virgin Australia, Pacific Blue, and Polynesian Blue flights.
3. Upgrades are provided subject to premium availability (W Class).
4. Points will be deducted from the members account at time of the upgrade.
5. A member can use their Points to upgrade another member’s flight using their Points.
6. Velocity may alter the Points price for an upgrade to a Premium seat at any time at its discretion.
7. When a members flight has been upgraded to a Premium fare, all standard fare class Terms and Conditions are applicable.
8. No changes or cancellations permitted; Points will be forfeited
9. Catering cannot be confirmed on upgrades.
10. Upon first verifying that a premium redemption seat is available online, members may call to request an upgrade at anytime up to 24 hours prior to scheduled departure time. Upgrades will not be accepted any less than 24 hours prior to travel.

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