Platinum - changing a Saver Lite to an earlier time vs Flyahead

[lobo76]

Hey all,

I just called the CC and asked about moving a flight next week to an earlier time. It's a saver lite and I was told it'd be $80 change fee + $35 booking fee + fare difference. Last time I changed a (sver) fare as a Gold they just changed it for free as a complimentary gesture. Has the situation changed or was I just lucky last time (or is Saver Lite just no wiggle room?).

I'm thinking I might be best just turning up a few hours early and trying my luck with fly ahead... what think ye?

 

[markis10]

I think you were lucky, would just try fly ahead!

 

[robd]

Definitely try the fly ahead.

 

[Mak404matt]

I often just book the last flight in the evening, then fly ahead when I can make it to the airport. Just use the fly ahead for sure

 

[Boris spatsky]

Fly ahead. Do it all the time.

 

[777]

I often just book the last flight in the evening, then fly ahead when I can make it to the airport. Just use the fly ahead for sure

Yep, Sydney - Melbourne I do this all the time. Works a treat and is almost certainly the best benefit of virgin's FF program and probably the best feature of any program in the country. Saves me a small fortune every year.

 

[Blackswan]

How strict are they with Fly-ahead with Saver Lite (i.e making sure that the same fare type is available - while there may be Y seats available, they may only have flexi's left on sale)?

 

[Lowjhg]

How strict are they with Fly-ahead with Saver Lite (i.e making sure that the same fare type is available - while there may be Y seats available, they may only have flexi's left on sale)?

If there are empty seats available they will move you. The fare class does not matter as they will 'open' one for you should you do fly-ahead

 

[lukenet]

It is a great perk, but remember you are not guaranteed a flight if loads are heavy and you often don't get a great seat as they squeeze you on a flight.

 

[Deleted member 29185]

I've been told by the GCC that if you ring them the night before, they may be able to give you an idea of your chances with fly ahead success. I've never tried this as I just turn up and hope for the best but checking flight availability on line is always a useful indication. Just remember if a problem occurs (bad weather, volcanoes, booking system strife or AJ closing his airline) you may miss out and fly ahead is technically only for carry on (but plenty of stories of checked being accepted without question).

 

[lobo76]

Thanks guys, fly ahead it is... there's a flight on every hour, I'll turn up 2-3 hours early and hopefully get one of them (or get drunk in the lounge trying! )

 

[carpenteria]

...fly ahead is technically only for carry on (but plenty of stories of checked being accepted without question).

I can vouch for that, was a few hours early for a BNE-TSV flight with a bag for check-in, hadn't expected to be given it so didn't ask, but instead was offered anyway to move up to an earlier flight. And I was placed in row 3, heh.

But yeah, as the writing says "carry-on" wouldn't rely on getting that, but worth a try!

 

[lcc76]

I've almost always purchased the cheapest fares on special, and have used fly ahead more times than I can remember. I agree it's an amazing perk and my entire reason for staying with VA. I usually try to leave a buffer zone of one flight, just in case. Once I changed a saver light fare (because I accidentally booked two fares on the same day!) and have done so at the lounge without any change fees.

 

[smit0847]

What's the route and date and time?

I use Fly Ahead all the time. Yesterday I rocked up 4 hours early, with checked in baggage and was moved to a flight leaving in 45 minutes no problems at all. The check-in agent 'apologised' for 'only having a middle seat in row 4 and a window seat in row 6' available.
It's not great if you value your Row 3 but otherwise its a fantastic benefit.