Getting on earlier DJ/VA connecting flight?

[Saab34]

Has anyone tried this?

VAustralia seems to advertise quite tight connections from MEL-SYD to connect to VA, I have an 1hr 10 mins in the peak morning. It also means that I arrive at the VA checkin/transfer desk last and score the cough seat.

Anyone know or tried to get on an earlier connection? Call centre seem to have no clue. I have done it with QF in the mornings no problem.

 

[LiamR]

I once booked a BNE-SYD-LAX with a three hour connection time, but ended up arriving in SYD with about 40mins till takeoff. Staff ensured I was first to de-board, and had my boarding passes, and an express bus waiting for me when I landed. I got onboard with pleanty of spare time. I'm assuming you'd be fine...

If your worried about seating, I believe you can call up the call centre and ask to be assigned a seat. They do it with no fuss.

 

[Saab34]

For V Promo fares they no longer assign seats. I know they are focusing on higher paying guests but there should still be some sort of seating option, and as pathetic as it sounds, I dont care if I have to pay for it.

I love the option of being able to select your seat during booking, which usually comes at a price, but for peace of mind its great.

 

[notmensa]

Staff ensured I was first to de-board, and had my boarding passes, and an express bus waiting for me when I landed.

Interesting... How did they check you in for SYD-LAX?
I thought VA needed to see your passport & check your ETSA/visa before checking you in & issuing the boarding pass?

 

[LiamR]

Interesting... How did they check you in for SYD-LAX?
I thought VA needed to see your passport & check your ETSA/visa before checking you in & issuing the boarding pass?

Of course, that didn't even click. I was called over to the transfer desk in BNE to be told whats going to happen, they had a glance at my passport then. Could they have done it from BNE? I'm not sure of VA's procedure here, but it sounds like someone went the extra mile.

 

[malmacdowall]

I just did this Mel - Syd virgin trip and transfer for VA Syd-LAX this week on Monday. Departed MEL on 0730 Am flight for a VA departure of 1055am ... Transfer via transit desk at gate 37 took a while... We arrived at INT terminal and checked in, did customs and immigration and went straight to gate and arrived 5 mins before boarding.... I personally wouldn't want to leave it any tighter....

 

[malmacdowall]

BTW.... Mel virgin will check your bags through to your final destination (booked via VA) our bags were checked through to Atlanta and in LAX we picked them up, cleared customs and immigration and gave them back at the transfer desk... Walked 5 mins to the next terminal and saw the gate staff with our boarding passes ( that VA had given us in SYD) the delta staff then reprinted them on the delta system... All really smooth transition...