Link Airways / Virgin Australia expand NSW regional partnership.

[Saab34]

Historically VA are not great when it comes to operating subsidiaries so perhaps best not to buy them.

 

[Bagpuss]

Historically VA are not great when it comes to operating subsidiaries so perhaps best not to buy them.

Nor is Singapore Airlines. (Virgin Atlantic, Virgin Australia, Tigerair etc.)

 

[oz_mark]

Nor is Singapore Airlines. (Virgin Atlantic, Virgin Australia, Tigerair etc.)

Scoot seems fine...

 

[HS-TQE]

Scoot seems fine...

Scoot did take on the debt from their defunct short haul sister Tigerair and took a while to pay it down when they merged with them. TR (as with JQ) also has the luxury of being subsidised by their parent airlines in the quieter times.

 

[henrus]

What takes 2 months to launch these flights for sale via the VA website...


Looking at some random examples it appears VAs fares are a touch higher ~$20 from what I'm seeing compared to Link in the same fare type (looking at BNE-BDB here). VA are only selling Choice and Flex fares on these Link codeshares which means all tickets include a 23kg bag.

On VA marketed Link flights it's $5 points per dollar with the usual status bonus but it's the status credits and benefits that are most interesting. The 15 choice SC's match VA flights but you get 5 less on a Flex fare.



Then the status benefits:

The bonus points is the usual thing and the lounge access is standard when booked on a VA marketed you get same access and guest allowance as per normal. Where things get interesting is the luggage allowance, links most expensive flex fares only get 30KG free meanwhile a VA plat flying a choice fare will get 3x23kg bags totaling 69kg or 2x 23kg bags totaling 46kg for Silver/Gold.

 

[Mattg]

What takes 2 months to launch these flights for sale via the VA website...
View attachment 367164

I was wondering the same thing.

Good to see this partnership happening, although it's a shame there was no mention of Velocity redemptions on Link Airways.

 

[SheikYerbouti]

I noticed this as available on Webjet when planning my next flight to Dubbo (I got there several times a year) but only to Brisbane not Sydney. I've unfortunately already planned a Narrabri trip with QF or I'd be giving this a go!

 

[PERLHR]

Just on 2hrs in Y on a Saab
Only direct service I believe though between the two points which makes it attractive for those in the area and with the right fare you get VA lounge access in BNE and some points.

Ach you guys are soft . Try flying Loganair SAAB ...mind you the scenery around unpredictable weather Scotland is amazing!

 

[jase05]

Ach you guys are soft . Try flying Loganair SAAB ...mind you the scenery around unpredictable weather Scotland is amazing! View attachment 367288

Have flown with them previously. I love the scenery and the sensation of flying but I can’t handle cramped seats any longer. Sports injuries and getting older doesn’t help

 

[henrus]

My last flight on Link, the Apple Watch was notifying that 30mins or more at the Saab noise level is an issue

Granted it was a short under 1 hour flight but I wouldn’t want to spend a long time on them. I vaguely remember someone mentioned on here the older Rex ones are worse.

 

[PERLHR]

My last flight on Link, the Apple Watch was notifying that 30mins or more at the Saab noise level is an issue

Granted it was a short under 1 hour flight but I wouldn’t want to spend a long time on them. I vaguely remember someone mentioned on here the older Rex ones are worse.

Apple watches ..far to sensitive. Live a little!!

 

[justinbrett]

Apple watches ..far to sensitive. Live a little!!

What? You'll have to speak up.

 

[PERLHR]

What? You'll have to speak up.

Nah just to much data can be worrying! Settle back, relax and enjoy the journey...

 

[BRIS_VA_HAWK]

Granted it was a short under 1 hour flight but I wouldn’t want to spend a long time on them. I vaguely remember someone mentioned on here the older Rex ones are worse.

I flew ZL to Roma on a Saab last year. First and last time, until QFLink get the QLD regulated routes back.

 

[henrus]

VA Website has been updated for Link flights and it's simple enough.

On a Link flight number it must be a full fare (Y/B/H/K) where access is free.

On a VA flight number between 4000-4099 but link operated access is usual VA policy except for partner airlines (QR/SQ/EY/UA/VS/NH/AC status).

On any other VA flight number but Link operated it's usual policy.

 

[Harrison_133]

Link Airways codeshares are now able to be booked on the VA website.

 

[Catweazle]

Ach you guys are soft . Try flying Loganair SAAB ...mind you the scenery around unpredictable weather Scotland is amazing! View attachment 367288

Beside the point here, but that livery on the their tails sure beats that of VA!

 

[AIRwin]

The 15 choice SC's match VA flights but you get 5 less on a Flex fare.

Flex now earns 25 status credits:

Link Airways

www.velocityfrequentflyer.com

 

[RSVKanga]

How long does this partnership contract with Link initially last?

 

[AIRwin]

Looking at some random examples it appears VAs fares are a touch higher ~$20 from what I'm seeing compared to Link in the same fare type (looking at BNE-BDB here).

BDB happens to be the most popular route:

'Sky's the limit' for regional Australians: Virgin Australia and Link Airways codeshare now on sale

newsroom.virginaustralia.com