Move to Sabre - what can we expect to see improved?

[MandM]

More and more there are responses on this forum stating that things will change (usually for the better) with the introduction of Sabre. Anyone want to start a comprehensive list, all in one place?

 

[oz_mark]

There are things that will change pretty much from day one, while others will probably come over time.

I think the biggest straight up benefit will be the integration of short and long haul onto one platform. A single designator (VA) for all flights, and a cleaner experience in bookings that have a bit of both. I would also expect it will be easier (less clunky) to look up bookings in the Velocity website.

 

[gwilli1]

Do we have an exact date as yet from VA as to when Sabre will be launched ?

 

[Plutonus]

Do we have an exact date as yet from VA as to when Sabre will be launched ?

I saw 13 January somewhere, but could be wrong...

 

[lazybones1987]

I saw 13 January somewhere, but could be wrong...

Yup. Retrieving bookings made on VA's partners, claiming points will become easier.

 

[KCMil]

MEL lounge mgr explained that not all functionality is being switched on at once. Over Jan / Feb aspects will be introduced and bedded in. The one I like is the ability to upgrade with points via internet and mobile devices up until flight closure. obviously Catering not assured with such late notice but no more call centre holding! And being able to get international flight boarding passes from domestic check in ports, thus avoiding the recheck at INTL terminals is great too.

 

[eastwest101]

As others have said:

1. Upgrade with points online
2. Proper accurate seat maps
3. Integration with Velocity so you don't have to re-enter your password every time you want to do something i.e. remembers that you are already logged in!
4. System stability and less crashes
5. Maybe seat selection and even point redemption online for VA partners like DL NZ & EY ?

 

[williamsf1]

As others have said:

1. Upgrade with points online
2. Proper accurate seat maps
3. Integration with Velocity so you don't have to re-enter your password every time you want to do something i.e. remembers that you are already logged in!
4. System stability and less crashes
5. Maybe seat selection and even point redemption online for VA partners like DL NZ & EY ?

Is that a wish list ?

 

[Jousams]

I heard somewhere it will make dietary requests on domestic J (& c2c Y ) more comprehensive.
I.e gluten free, vegan, etc...


Sent from AFF Mobile Edition

 

[eastwest101]

Is that a wish list ?

Wishful thinking maybe! But should be do-able as other airlines can get Sabre to do these things and more (like the special menu requests) so VA should be able to.

 

[oz_mark]

3. Integration with Velocity so you don't have to re-enter your password every time you want to do something i.e. remembers that you are already logged in!

I think this will occur when the Virgin and Velocity sites are consolidated into a single website.

 

[Major]

At the very least I hope you are able to see your long haul bookings. They currently do not appear on the Velocity site

 

[cavemanzk]

I'm hoping it will bring alive the passport readers in the kiosks at OOL

 

[MandM]

I just spent 12 minutes on the phone (no initial wait time) to simply select a seat. The issue is that it is a domestic sector on an international flight itinerary (international sector seat selection can be done online). Does anyone know/guess to speculate if sabre will allow both domestic and international seat selection on an international booking?

 

[LiamR]

I think we shouldn't get too carried away.

I've got a feeling when the transition first happens, it'll be a few steps backwards, then slowly improving and adding new features through 2013.

 

[elbarto]

Do we have an exact date as yet from VA as to when Sabre will be launched ?

I saw 13 January somewhere, but could be wrong...

I was told today that cut over is 12 January.

 

[vantage03]

I was told today that cut over is 12 January.

This is also what I have been told.

 

[KCMil]

It's at midnight on 12 Jan, from that point all transactions are on the new Sabre system, up until then all transactions are on the Navitaire system. But the warning word is be prepared for many delays and issues. The advice from Ground Crew Management is be at the airport 90min prior to dep as a minimum.

 

[IainF]

Oh great.. I check into VA8 LAX-BNE on the 12th.....

 

[day-heg]

Oh great.. I check into VA8 LAX-BNE on the 12th.....

Oh great... I check into DJ61 CHC-MEL dep 0630hrs on the 12th... Extra early early start it seems!