QANTAS vs VIRGIN BLUE

[qantas_vb]

OK, I've got a question. I booked a flight a few days ago, for my family of 5 from Adelaide to Sydney. From Adelaide to Sydney, I booked a good flight with Virgin Blue for $139 each person compared to $180 each person with QANTAS, however, on the way back I'm not too sure, QANTAS is about $100 more expensive for my family of 5, so about $20 each more expensive then Virgin, but the flight leaves at 8:30, which means more time in Sydney, to 6:30 with VIRGIN, plus I get the TV, Food & Frequent Flyer points on QANTAS, I'm sort of on a budget, would it be worthed going with QANTAS instead of Virgin?

 

[danielh]

Thats pretty good to get Syd-Ade tickets for an average of $20 (I assume you are including taxes).

This is cheaper then JetStar.

Why not go on Virgin one way and Wantas for the return?

Regards
Daniel

 

[NM]

I think he means the total difference between DJ and QF fares forf 5 people was about $100.

Do you have Qantas Club access? That would tip the balance for me, especially of traveling with kids where I can take them in for a snack and beverage before the flight. And if the kids are very young, you might appreciate the apportunity to let them have a shower in the Qantas Club lounge before falling asleep on the flight. But since you are looking for a later flight, it might be fair to assume your family members are beyond that stage of maturity.

How much will food cost for your party of five? But note that you only get a hot meal on QF flights that depart between 6pm and 8pm, so your 8:30pm departure won't qualify for a hot meal. But as it is a CityFlyer flight after 4pm you will get free beer/wine onboard.

 

[Mal]

I'm tempted to say to go with Virgin Blue!

While the perks you get flying Qantas are nice, for $20 per person (over 5 people) is it really worth it?

Example - a meal. Maybe $10 worth of food. If it's a "snack" expect cheese twists or a muffin or danish or something similar. Should be able to get a free soft drink with that, although I'm not sure if beer is offered after 8pm for free (I think it depends on the flight attendants). If it's a dinner then it's obviously worth more.

TV - Nice, but often playing shows that I don't like. The entertainment system as a whole is nice on Qantas (esp compared to having to buy your headphones with VB)

Baggage / Check-in etc will be fairly similar (Unless you're a status FF with benefits)

I think it comes down to what status you are with Qantas, how badly you want your status credits and points and how much you value the differences.