New V.A. - plenty to like

[juliusg]

Start of this year I recommenced a lot of domestic flying, and flew QF, Jetstar and VB without loyalty to any. A couple of QF flights, including one from Perth, I upgraded with points.

Now I'm a committed V.A. Silver, with Platinum ambitions.

Here's some high points:

- Board from the rear, sit at the back and get off first!
- The Lounges are great. In Melbourne last night, QF refugees walked in and were impressed
- Crew vibe is good, sitting in the back row I hear their galley talk
- New look breaks right away from that beige flippy V.B. uniform, space cadet feel
- Easier SC pathway than QF
- Upgrade with points (like QF) so next Perth flight I am in Biz for 9,900 points
- Flexible flight changes, sometimes on a Saver fare. QF once did this in the lounge, but stopped
- Evolving alliances; I will now do my RTW travel with Etihad/Delta and any Velocity partner with SC
- (For now) choice of catering, albeit at a cost. But better than the QF 'take what you get' thing!
- Once I hit Gold, I will use Valet and direct lounge entry in Sydney. Priceless!

QF's appalling Union troubles can only accelerate the rise of the new VA. Even if peace breaks out tomorrow at QF, you have to pause to reward a company that chooses to alienate its workers.

 

[serfty]

I too have found VA provide quite a good experience.

...
QF's appalling Union troubles can only accelerate the rise of the new VA. Even if peace breaks out tomorrow at QF, you have to pause to reward a company that chooses to alienate its workers.

Not sure alienate is the correct word - rationalise is probably better. For more on that, please see (and discuss) here: http://www.australianfrequentflyer....ram/qf-ceo-receives-cowardly-death-33464.html

 

[samh004]

- Easier SC pathway than QF

I’m not sure it is?

They have one less zone (ultimately) and don’t allow you to earn additional SC on connections, over direct flights. To me that seems harder, though the SC threshold is lower, so I guess it all balances out.