Complimentary upgrade to Premium Economy

[StevePER]

Received the following email today... quite a nice offer and hopefully I'll be able to take advantage of it.


Virgin Blue would like to offer you a complimentary trial of its new Premium Economy seat! To experience Premium Economy simply book a Flexible or Corporate Plus fare between 18 June 2008 and 17 August 2008 for travel within those dates. In additional to the extra personal space, you will also receive benefits including Priority Check-in (at major ports), extra baggage allowance of up to 32kg, complimentary access to The Lounge (Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra, Adelaide and Brisbane domestic airports) and a fully flexible fare.

How to apply for an upgrade:

1. Book your Virgin Blue Flexible or Corporate Plus fare before 17 August 2008: (url removed)

2. Take a note of your reservation number

3. Apply for an upgrade - it'll only take a few minutes: (url removed)

4. Travel between 18 June 2008 and 17 August 2008

Important information

Please note that Premium Economy upgrades are available for one booking (either one-way or the return journey, including formal connections) during the 18 June 2008 to 17 August 2008 promotional period, are subject to availability and are not available on every flight. To apply for an upgrade be sure to register your request at least 12 hours prior to your departure time, and please remember that Premium Economy Seats are limited, so book your flight and request an upgrade now.

 

[wallacej]

I was actually offered a complimentary upgrade at check in on Monday night (MEL-SYD), however it was then withdrawn when the check in clerk discovered that my travelling partner was not also a Gold member.

I wonder if this invite has been sent only to Gold members? This would make the offer of accessing the lounge a little redundant if this is the case.

I was told at the gate that the upgrade is offered to Gold Members that check in (not online) at least 40 minutes prior to departure.

 

[StevePER]

I wonder if this invite has been sent only to Gold members? This would make the offer of accessing the lounge a little redundant if this is the case.

No, I'm only Silver.

 

[Fluid-Flyer]

For those of you that didn't get the email, and might be flying DJ over the next two months -
http://www.velocityrewards.com.au/content/Specials/premiumeconomyregistration/index.htm

I make no guarantee that it will work for you (i.e. results might be somehow tied in to status or email distribution lists), but who knows unless you give it a go?

Thanks for applying for a Premium Economy upgrade.
You'll be notified whether you have been upgraded by email no later than 8 hours before your scheduled departure time.
If you have any queries, or need to advise us of changes to your upgrade application, please email or call Virgin Blue on 136 789 between 8.00am and 8.00pm (E.S.T.) daily and ask for the Priority Assistance Desk.

Certainly an exciting promotion from Virgin Blue!

 

[Standby]

Probobly deserves its own post but you can now book exit row seats online as part of the DJ booking process...what this shows is how overpriced Premium Y is
eg by buying a readily avail fare of say $120 SYDMEL and adding $35 for the exit row seat + 30 single Lounge entry and $5 for Live TV =$190 you have effectively a product DJ is asking $400 for
no wonder they have to give away the product...the only problem is you still have to buy a fully flex fare at $275 or 30% more than bundling a BFOD and other bits

 

[codash1099]

This is the second "giveaway" from DJ in a short space of time (the other was discounted lounge membership).

Is something going on or am I paranoid? (It's not paranoia if they really are after you!)

 

[oz_mark]

This is the second "giveaway" from DJ in a short space of time (the other was discounted lounge membership).

Is something going on or am I paranoid? (It's not paranoia if they really are after you!)

I think its called marketing.

 

[codash1099]

I think its called marketing.

Maybe, but to me it indicates that there has not been an overwhelming uptake of either.

 

[pauly7]

This is the second "giveaway" from DJ in a short space of time (the other was discounted lounge membership).

Is something going on or am I paranoid? (It's not paranoia if they really are after you!)

Its called end of financial year as well!

I wouldn't be too alarmed, but there have been a few critical newspaper reports around.

 

[StevePER]

I've requested an upgrade for PER-SYD-PER next week. The thing is I have no idea if my booking is eligible. I guess I'll find out soon enough...

 

[wallacej]

I also sent through the request, and got an email back saying that I was not booked on the correct fare.

When I checked in however I was offered an upgrade... I am Gold and note you are on Silver.

It would be worthwhile playing dumb when checking in, saying that you have filled in the form but have not seen your emails yet to see if it was confirmed... as always, smile and see what you can get.

 

[StevePER]

I also sent through the request, and got an email back saying that I was not booked on the correct fare.

When I checked in however I was offered an upgrade... I am Gold and note you are on Silver.

It would be worthwhile playing dumb when checking in, saying that you have filled in the form but have not seen your emails yet to see if it was confirmed... as always, smile and see what you can get.

How long did it take them to get the email back to you?

The email from our incompetent corporate travel agent showed the fare basis as QOX, which is odd since the PER-SYD flight has been showing nothing lower than flexible since mid-last week (Qantas was $340 cheaper but for once I want to fly Virgin so I'm not pointing it out to anyone). I suspect I'm booked flexible PER-SYD and cheapest available SYD-PER (QOX) which doesn't make a lot of sense but nothing surprises me anymore.

What were your thoughts on Premium Economy?

 

[wallacej]

How long did it take them to get the email back to you?

The email from our incompetent corporate travel agent showed the fare basis as QOX, which is odd since the PER-SYD flight has been showing nothing lower than flexible since mid-last week (Qantas was $340 cheaper but for once I want to fly Virgin so I'm not pointing it out to anyone). I suspect I'm booked flexible PER-SYD and cheapest available SYD-PER (QOX) which doesn't make a lot of sense but nothing surprises me anymore.

What were your thoughts on Premium Economy?

The email took less than 24 hours to get back.

In terms of the seat, seriously, if you can get a blocked seat next to you, and you haven't got a wide load, then there is not much benefit.

As Gold I already get lounge access, additional check in weight. In essence for a Gold member to pay the extra is kind of a waste. Still have to pay for food, drinks and TV. Now if this was included in the premium economy it would give it the extra value that could almost justify the expense.

If I was going to Perth, and I knew that the flight was full and I was not likely to get a blocked seat next to me, then I would probably upgrade at checkin to premium economy (assuming seats are available)... otherwise I would take the cheaper option.

Hope this makes sense... as for premium economy on any of the many 1hr flights we have in this country, nice to get for free, but probably not bother paying for it...(would probably burn points on an upgrade or 2 if the points price was right)

 

[StevePER]

Success! I'll be sampling Premium Economy on Tuesday.

Thank you for accepting our invitation to experience Virgin Blue's Premium Economy product as part of the exclusive Virgin Blue and Velocity Upgrade Promotion running between 18Jun-17Aug08.
Your request has been successful, we have upgraded your flight and look forward to welcoming you onboard. Because you purchased Blue Zone seating on both flights we have given you a credit for $45 for the Blue Zone fee for the flight we upgraded you to Premium Economy. Please make sure you quote the original reservation number to use the credit.

In terms of the seat, seriously, if you can get a blocked seat next to you, and you haven't got a wide load, then there is not much benefit.

Interesting, I won't expect much then... they seem to have started to market Premium Economy more on TV recently, but I really don't expect there will be many customers who will be happy paying $939 to fly PER-SYD and then still have to pay an extra $3 for a bottle of water. And we still don't have a lounge in PER! For the price, I think something a little more premium might be justified.

Steve

 

[docjames]

I hadnt realised until this thread that you have to pay extras - that's just madness. Surely if you want ot charge $3 for water just build it into the price.

 

[oz_mark]

I hadnt realised until this thread that you have to pay extras - that's just madness. Surely if you want ot charge $3 for water just build it into the price.

While I agree, it does reflect the business model that Virgin Blue started with. I would like to see more bundling, but the industry seems to be going the other way

 

[thegurio]

I just rang the cal centre and the lady said that it was sent out to members who bought corporate plus most of the time...

So i said that "we" recieved it (the royal we after all we are one AFF!) and she said it was also airport specific so ask when your next on and see what they say.

 

[StevePER]

Well that was quite a good flight. The plane was nearly full but there were only two of us in the 12 premium economy seats. The service was better too - up the front they call you by your name when trying to sell you stuff.

 

[pauly7]

Well that was quite a good flight. The plane was nearly full but there were only two of us in the 12 premium economy seats. The service was better too - up the front they call you by your name when trying to sell you stuff.

Haha, so would you like some chips, coke and a hot dog?, Steve?

Glad it was a good flight, you must have had 3 seats to stretch out over, bargain!!

 

[ishkaban]

I hadnt realised until this thread that you have to pay extras - that's just madness. Surely if you want ot charge $3 for water just build it into the price.

Its actually $2 for a bottle of water