Issues booking International flights to Asia

[mark299]

After hearing all the talk about the deal Virgin has secured with singapore airline for asian routes, i was under the impression that i could book some flights to asian destination via vaustralia.

I called the platinum line and was planning to book a business trip flight to india. I was told by the operator that they are still not able to book anything, and cannot even see the routes offered by singapore airlines.

The operator asked me to contact singapore airlines directly, is this correct? If i call singapore airlines, the ticket will be directly from them and all the legs of the trip will be singapore airlines... it won't be vaustralia to singapore and then singapore airlines to india.

Anyone else done this?

 

[lazybones1987]

After hearing all the talk about the deal Virgin has secured with singapore airline for asian routes, i was under the impression that i could book some flights to asian destination via vaustralia.

Good things come to those who wait.

ACCC gave Virgin the final approval just last week. I'm guessing that things will kick off early Jan 12

 

[dajop]

The operator asked me to contact singapore airlines directly, is this correct? If i call singapore airlines, the ticket will be directly from them and all the legs of the trip will be singapore airlines... it won't be vaustralia to singapore and then singapore airlines to india.

VAustralia don't currently fly to Singapore. They do codeshare from Brisbane using Etihad operated flights, which may or may not be OK . To be on the one ticket to India you need to book through Singapore Airlines, unless you want to travel via Abu Dhabi on VA/Etihad.

The website indicates that: ...

By the end of the year Virgin Australia and Singapore Airlines will launch reciprocal frequent flyer benefits. Velocity Frequent Flyer members will be able to earn and redeem Frequent Flyer Points and Status Credits on Singapore Airlines operated flights. We expect to launch the reciprocal codeshare early next year

 

[lazybones1987]

unless you want to travel via Abu Dhabi on VA/Etihad.

But you can't make a booking to India with VA/Etihad.

 

[trooper]

I'm actually pretty pleased with the new arrangements so far..

I have booked a flight to BKK on SQ.. from CBR (which I am sure was never possible before )

Also have an e-mail from DJ customer service I'll be printing and taking with me confirming that my SQ baggage allowance (I'm *G) will be honoured and bags will be checked right through.... and although the NZ arrangement is Trans Tasman I am going to be cheeky and see about lounge access in CBR...

But yes, this was booked on the SQ site....

 

[dajop]

But you can't make a booking to India with VA/Etihad.

Aah yes, it's only through to Europe. My bad.

 

[777]

I'm actually pretty pleased with the new arrangements so far..

I have booked a flight to BKK on SQ.. from CBR (which I am sure was never possible before )

Also have an e-mail from DJ customer service I'll be printing and taking with me confirming that my SQ baggage allowance (I'm *G) will be honoured and bags will be checked right through.... and although the NZ arrangement is Trans Tasman I am going to be cheeky and see about lounge access in CBR...

But yes, this was booked on the SQ site....

I think as an NZ G (or SQ equivalent) you should get access to domestic Virgin Australia lounges when travelling on a DJ sector. I could read that wrong but it seems how it should work to me. Obviously doesnt apply to other *A FF programs though.