DJ Premium Economy- Controversial

[thegurio]

I had an occasion a few weeks ago to choose between PE and corporate plus. As id left it late and had to book at the last minute, the difference was about $120, and in my quest for silver this year the money was neither here nor there as I have made up my mind to spend the necessary money as quickly as possible.

The main reason that i chose NOT to go with PE - as a business owner, and personal traveler looking for a bit more comfort - was because, for me, there wasn't enough value to stump up for PE. After all, if i was to spend 1.5 hrs or more in MEL/SYD it might have been an option as there isn't any lounge in HBA. If there was a lounge lite (as has been discussed) it might have swayed my opinion. But even if i add lounge access, food, grog etc. which of course isn't an option as I'm working straight away but on the way home I'd give it a shake! But having said that i would pay a $75 - $100 premium for that combined with the extra seat width. Other than that, things are just too tight in this world to start paying any more.

 

[ANstar]

I had an occasion a few weeks ago to choose between PE and corporate plus. As id left it late and had to book at the last minute, the difference was about $120,more.

I thought it was only supposed to be $30 or something more than the corp plus fare?

I also noticed that they are offering PE to their interline partners (ie fly Hawaiian J and connect, you will fly in PE...)

 

[thegurio]

I thought it was only supposed to be $30 or something more than the corp plus fare?

I also noticed that they are offering PE to their interline partners (ie fly Hawaiian J and connect, you will fly in PE...)

For HBA - ADL its $130 over flexible and $100 over corporate...

 

[ANstar]

For HBA - ADL its $130 over flexible and $100 over corporate...

:shock::shock:

 

[clare_s_]

I came across this on the Virgin Blue website today (Virgin Blue Homepage > Services tab > Seating > Premium Economy):

*****
Your Premium experience doesn’t have to end on arrival at your destination. All-inclusive service in the air, and now a bonus on the Ground!

Fly Virgin Blue Premium Economy and you’ll be eligible for these exclusive offers from our Partners:

InterContinental Hotel Group (IHG) – receive 20% off the best available rate at participating InterContinental, Crowne Plaza and Holiday Inn hotels in Australia, plus complimentary 2:00pm late check-out. This offer is available for Virgin Blue Premium Economy domestic Guests who book and stay between 1 May 2009 and 30 April 2010. Accommodation and extended checkout is subject to availability. To book call IHG on 13 83 88 (within Australia) and quote “Virgin Blue Premium Benefit”. You may be asked to present your Premium Economy boarding pass when you check-in. Terms and Conditions apply**.

Europcar - book a Full Size Class Vehicle and receive a complimentary upgrade to an Audi A6! Or book an Economy Class vehicle for an upgrade to Intermediate Class, Compact Class for an upgrade to Standard Class, or Intermediate Class for an upgrade to Full Size Class. This offer for car rentals between 28 April 2009 and 15 December 2009 and is subject to availability. Audi A6 is not available at all locations. To book visit [Europcar’s website] and quote the booking code “PREMIUM1”. You must present your Premium Economy boarding pass at the Europcar Counter to validate your upgrade. Minimum driver age and Terms and Conditions apply**.
*****

Want a Premium Economy taste test?

Have you purchased a Corporate Plus or Flexible Fare for travel between 28 April 2009 and 27 July 2009 on a Virgin Blue domestic flight? If so, you have the opportunity to purchase a Premium Economy Taster Upgrade, and enjoy more space, comfort and choice with access to The Lounge and all the on-board benefits.
...

You can purchase a Premium Economy Taster Upgrade between 3 hours and 45 minutes before the scheduled departure time for your flight if:
- You have already booked a Flexible or Corporate Plus fare for your flight;
- There are Premium Economy fares available on your flight; and
- You have not checked in.
...

Upgrades can be purchased for the following fee based on your flight time:
Less than 90 minutes = $35 AUD; 3,900 Velocity Points
90 - 180 minutes = $50 AUD; 5,400 Velocity Points
More than 180 minutes and/or formal connections = $75 AUD; 8,100 Velocity Points
*****

They look like some great offers!

 

[thegurio]

I must admit that I don't need a hotel or a car where I go but the upgrade is a very good option! I shall be trying that one next week...


Was this in an email or was it on the site?

EDIT:Just realized that it said on the site! Derr!

 

[codash1099]

I came across this on the Virgin Blue website today (Virgin Blue Homepage > Services tab > Seating > Premium Economy):

*****
Your Premium experience doesn’t have to end on arrival at your destination. All-inclusive service in the air, and now a bonus on the Ground!

Fly Virgin Blue Premium Economy and you’ll be eligible for these exclusive offers from our Partners:

InterContinental Hotel Group (IHG) – receive 20% off the best available rate at participating InterContinental, Crowne Plaza and Holiday Inn hotels in Australia, plus complimentary 2:00pm late check-out. This offer is available for Virgin Blue Premium Economy domestic Guests who book and stay between 1 May 2009 and 30 April 2010. Accommodation and extended checkout is subject to availability. To book call IHG on 13 83 88 (within Australia) and quote “Virgin Blue Premium Benefit”. You may be asked to present your Premium Economy boarding pass when you check-in. Terms and Conditions apply**.

Europcar - book a Full Size Class Vehicle and receive a complimentary upgrade to an Audi A6! Or book an Economy Class vehicle for an upgrade to Intermediate Class, Compact Class for an upgrade to Standard Class, or Intermediate Class for an upgrade to Full Size Class. This offer for car rentals between 28 April 2009 and 15 December 2009 and is subject to availability. Audi A6 is not available at all locations. To book visit [Europcar’s website] and quote the booking code “PREMIUM1”. You must present your Premium Economy boarding pass at the Europcar Counter to validate your upgrade. Minimum driver age and Terms and Conditions apply**.
*****

Want a Premium Economy taste test?

Have you purchased a Corporate Plus or Flexible Fare for travel between 28 April 2009 and 27 July 2009 on a Virgin Blue domestic flight? If so, you have the opportunity to purchase a Premium Economy Taster Upgrade, and enjoy more space, comfort and choice with access to The Lounge and all the on-board benefits.
...

You can purchase a Premium Economy Taster Upgrade between 3 hours and 45 minutes before the scheduled departure time for your flight if:
- You have already booked a Flexible or Corporate Plus fare for your flight;
- There are Premium Economy fares available on your flight; and
- You have not checked in.
...

Upgrades can be purchased for the following fee based on your flight time:
Less than 90 minutes = $35 AUD; 3,900 Velocity Points
90 - 180 minutes = $50 AUD; 5,400 Velocity Points
More than 180 minutes and/or formal connections = $75 AUD; 8,100 Velocity Points
*****

They look like some great offers!

Thanks for the info, clare_s_ , but there is no need to post in multiple threads.

 

[straitman]

Thanks for the info, clare_s_ , but there is no need to post in multiple threads.

I thought that I'd read this before. So I'm not going completely batty then :?:

 

[alien]

At this stage our backend systems are not integrated enough to be able to automatically search out highest value guests and give them priority for upgrades, which is obviously unfortunate.

I'm surprised that a member status couldn't be retrieved as its printed on the boarding pass....

What about having a system in place where if the desk is approached just before boarding by a Gold or even Silver member and seats are available allowing them to upgrade until the upgrade?

 

[crazydave98]

I'm surprised that a member status couldn't be retrieved as its printed on the boarding pass....

What about having a system in place where if the desk is approached just before boarding by a Gold or even Silver member and seats are available allowing them to upgrade until the upgrade?

Thank you for the suggestion alien. I will pass that on.

cheers

CrazyDave98

 

[pauly7]

Thanks for the info, clare_s_ , but there is no need to post in multiple threads.

Awww its probably just Virgin drumming up some business!

Hotel part - meh, business travellers are all locked into corporate rates and deals anyway, but upgrade on car isn't too bad