Economy X [Domestic free for Platinum] - May 2017

[Pleb Status]

Top level WP1 don't pay, while second tier (WP) do, so there's a similar differentiator.

So you are saying QF P1 (3600 SC to earn) is equal to VA WP (1000 SC to earn)?

I do not think so as I probably receive a better delivery of the defined tier benefits as a VA WP than I ever did as a QF P1.

 

[Muppet501st]

There is a noticeable difference in legroom in row3 depending on which 737-800 you get

 

[Boof1]

There is a noticeable difference in legroom in row3 depending on which 737-800 you get

Is the one with more legroom not converted to full Econ X yet? They shifted Row 3 forwards to accommodate this and I'm pretty sure not all the 737's are completed yet despite the stickers being in all the lockers.

 

[Muppet501st]

Is the one with more legroom not converted to full Econ X yet? They shifted Row 3 forwards to accommodate this and I'm pretty sure not all the 737's are completed yet despite the stickers being in all the lockers.

Nope, it was completed sans the YX headrests

 

[serfty]

So you are saying QF P1 (3600 SC to earn) is equal to VA WP (1000 SC to earn)? ...

Not generally; the statement is purely in the context of no having to pay. Overall there's a huge difference between QF WP1 and VA WP.

 

[kevrosmith]

Nope, it was completed sans the YX headrests

Based on my interaction with a FA last week, I don't think the crew are aware that the roll-out is complete yet either.

 

[pauly7]

Based on my interaction with a FA last week, I don't think the crew are aware that the roll-out is complete yet either.

Has it officially launched? Had another case of people moving in today! Have the staff even been trained yet I wonder.

 

[Milboo]

I booked flights yesterday and as I am Platinum, was able to select the Economy X seats for free.

Except now I cannot manage seat allocation in My Bookings as it registers that seat choice as having been purchases as a Travel Extra and thus have to call the contact centre...

 

[Justchecking]

Syd/Mel today - people moved into X seats and FA's didn't bat an eyelid... I understand it must be an uncomfortable conversation for them but they need to help the FA crew with training to help them manage these situations I think

This is the problem with variable products onboard. It's simple enough to tell someone to get out of business class, it's a separate cabin, it's obvious. But with seats who's only difference is a sticker in the overhead locker and an extra inch of legroom, most numpty's are not going to recognise the difference and will probably argue when told to move. Add to that an indifferent FA and a dogs breakfast will ensue.

 

[kevrosmith]

My suspicion is that FAs are expecting to have the branding on the headrest, as in the promotional pictures, as the indicator of whether the aircraft is fitted with the product or not. But I believe this is misleading, as most of the planes with YX do not have the branded headrest. I think they need to start educating their FAs that the product is rolled out across all the fleet (if it is, which I believe it is).

 

[clipped_wings]

I booked flights yesterday and as I am Platinum, was able to select the Economy X seats for free.

Except now I cannot manage seat allocation in My Bookings as it registers that seat choice as having been purchases as a Travel Extra and thus have to call the contact centre...

Found this out the hard way as well. Now I can't shuffle us around anymore

The poor Velocity call centre is now going to cop the delightful but scratchy strains of my relocation requests each week until Lift Off.

 

[bullerdude]

My suspicion is that FAs are expecting to have the branding on the headrest, as in the promotional pictures, as the indicator of whether the aircraft is fitted with the product or not. But I believe this is misleading, as most of the planes with YX do not have the branded headrest. I think they need to start educating their FAs that the product is rolled out across all the fleet (if it is, which I believe it is).

Not sure why all modified aircraft don't have the branded headrests... just enough half-baked effort from VA.

I've not yet seen any branded headrests on my flights of recent weeks.

 

[Justchecking]

Not sure why all modified aircraft don't have the branded headrests... just enough half-baked effort from VA.

I've not yet seen any branded headrests on my flights of recent weeks.

I would not be surprised if they don't install any more of them. Why bother? Since the instigator of that initiative has now been ousted perhaps they don't wish to push the product, or intend to just leave it as a WP perk *subject to availability.

 

[Mattg]

Well I got an email from Virgin today with the subject line "Introducing Economy X". So it seems they are still trying to push the product, although I think it's a bit late to be "introducing" it...

 

[serfty]

SWMBO received an email with a code for "The Lounge" access to use when flying yX.

If you enjoy extra leg room and additional benefits when you fly maybe it's time you tried Virgin Australia’s new premium experience for Economy Cabin guests, Economy X*.

Looking to fly domestically between now and 31 August 2017? Book Economy X and we'll give you complimentary access^ to one of our domestic Virgin Australia Lounges before your flight.

All you have to do is show the code below and your boarding pass and you can relax in the comfort of The Lounge.​

 

[Flyer 777]

Can you upgrade to Economy X seat on a reward booking?

 

[serfty]

Can you upgrade to Economy X seat on a reward booking?

Yes ...

https://www.velocityfrequentflyer.com/content/ProgramBenefits/LatestNews/economy-x/

 

[Happy Dude]

So what are folk's thoughts on the EconomyX experiment, now that it's been up and running a few months?

I had 6 sectors this month. As a SG, I selected something in rows 7 to 10 each time. On 4 of the sectors I was moved into YX seating at checkin (involuntarily, unrequested, and without notice/discussion) on all of those flights the YX seating was full (ie someone in the middle seat too). On one flight I was put into 4C and 4B was an obese bloke whose elbow wasn't far from my head when he rested his hands on his gut (where they stayed holding in phone for most of the flight while he watched something hilarious). And even thought he was wearing shorts, I also enjoyed his leg pressed against mine the whole time too, no matter how far I moved it away. Anyhoo....

So what strategy for seat selection next time? Make no selection at all and hope for the best? Refuse the "freebie" to YX? I'd rather sit in row 20 if I knew that the middle seat would be free. I'm not far off WP but don't think I'll get there organically, but I don't see YX as a reason to chase WP. Perhaps it was just those flights but that seemed to be the most crowded part of the plane. I liked it better before.

 

[AustraliaPoochie]

Ick, Happy Dude, now that is one thing I hate apart from overly chatty seat mates on planes, is the the person who thinks its ok to hog others personal space, if not their arms touching you or me, then its their legs spread out and their legs then touching mine, and just because they needed more space crotch wise.
So far my YX usage, I have been lucky in the sense that out of 3 VAd single trips, I have had a "shadow", have always picked 3A/3F.
Haven't been moved either.
I have 2 more YX trips coming up, scary thought what I will meet.

 

[Happy Dude]

I'm more of an unlucky dude than a happy one. And the loading will affect the flight quality so I'm sure there'll be plenty of stories empty YX. So you pay the fee to select YX?