Return of Wifi on Virgin Australia

[pauly7]

I flew Business. Name and seat number were all I needed. Prices for others were $19.59 for the flight. I guess a soft launch, with one or a small number of aircraft. Flightradar says mine was VH-YWA

That can’t be the real price surely. It’s free on Qantas.

 

[twinaisle]

That can’t be the real price surely. It’s free on Qantas.

They've decided to simplify it without slow and fast like the old days.

One speed at charged prices for those who want/need it.

It's free for J and platinum guests. Everyone else has to pay.

 

[jase05]

They've decided to simplify it without slow and fast like the old days.

One speed at charged prices for those who want/need it.

It's free for J and platinum guests. Everyone else has to pay.

Yep and fair enough too

 

[Must...Fly!]

Personally despise wifi on board but still looking forward to trying it out at some point for speed and reliability.

 

[Sprucegoose]

I can't rely on VA wifi, but given I am overconnected, I should use a flight to zen out, so no real biggie on my end. Its always a good opportunity to catch up on a movie or something, so I hope they can standardise their service.

 

[simmomelb]

That can’t be the real price surely. It’s free on Qantas.

It's "free" on Qantas - I think you mean it's included in the cost of your airfare.

Just as it's included in the cost of your airfare for Business or Platinum flyers on VA.

 

[MooTime]

That can’t be the real price surely. It’s free on Qantas.

because you don't pay for it in QF exorbitant fares.

Nothing at QF is free.

 

[simmomelb]

I was on a VA flight from MEL to OOL last night and the wifi internet was live.

Used it the full length of the flight and it worked flawlessly.

Some pics are attached for those interested in the login screen and guide.

 

[Monya Meow Meow]

I was on a VA flight from MEL to OOL last night and the wifi internet was live.

Used it the full length of the flight and it worked flawlessly.

Some pics are attached for those interested in the login screen and guide.

I was on MEL-OOL as well but on Thursday morning.
No WiFi unfortunately

 

[Mondo]

Has there been any more aircraft upgraded in the last month?

 

[Sprucegoose]

I was on a VA flight from MEL to OOL last night and the wifi internet was live.

Used it the full length of the flight and it worked flawlessly.

Some pics are attached for those interested in the login screen and guide.

Thats great, but it hasn't been my experience on my recent flights, so I think VA has a long way to go.

This is one area QF have the definite upper hand - if wifi is important to you.

I, for one, can live without it - for short periods.

 

[simmomelb]

Thats great, but it hasn't been my experience on my recent flights, so I think VA has a long way to go.

This is one area QF have the definite upper hand - if wifi is important to you.

Lucky you don't fly QF international then.

 

[33kft]

Lucky you don't fly QF international then.

Other options originating from Australia with convenient schedules would be nice. It's one thing to call out QFi (reasonably) but another identifying other carriers who tick all the boxes.

Let's hope increased LEO satellite options will bridge the gap on international wifi as it's where most of the benefit lays. It's hardly an ubiquous feature across intl carriers but we have to acknowledge some have managed it for reasonable prices. Let's also hope QFi wifi isn't in underway before VAd's rollout is complete, because some of us are required to fly VAd for work and don't get a say in the matter.

I have no interest in any carriers' byod entertainment content when I fly, personally. Internet on the other hand would make 8 hours feel like 2.

 

[Sprucegoose]

Lucky you don't fly QF international then.

Well, thats just the thing I have, and I do - but I view that very differently. I consider long trips as 'my time' and don't really want much contact.

Being uncontactable provides some recovery time (in the corporate world) and is certainly more peaceful.

We all need 'me' time.

 

[simmomelb]

Other options originating from Australia with convenient schedules would be nice. It's one thing to call out QFi (reasonably) but another identifying other carriers who tick all the boxes.

Let's hope increased LEO satellite options will bridge the gap on international wifi as it's where most of the benefit lays. It's hardly an ubiquous feature across intl carriers but we have to acknowledge some have managed it for reasonable prices. Let's also hope QFi wifi isn't in underway before VAd's rollout is complete, because some of us are required to fly VAd for work and don't get a say in the matter.

I have no interest in any carriers' byod entertainment content when I fly, personally. Internet on the other hand would make 8 hours feel like 2.

Virgin has already stated that wifi internet rollout won't be completed until the end of this year, this info is on their website. So if wifi internet is a must for you they definitely aren't the airline for you, at this stage

 

[simmomelb]

Well, thats just the thing I have, and I do - but I view that very differently. I consider long trips as 'my time' and don't really want much contact.

Being uncontactable provides some recovery time (in the corporate world) and is certainly more peaceful.

We all need 'me' time.

Each to their own. Many love disconnecting during every flight, some want to be connected on all flights.
I don't mind if it's on a plane or not, just a nice to have for me - if it happens to be there, and I fly a lot.

 

[33kft]

Virgin has already stated that wifi internet rollout won't be completed until the end of this year, this info is on their website. So if wifi internet is a must for you they definitely aren't the airline for you, at this stage

Yeah, but fares and routes are on the website too and we discuss those here as well. I'm not going to align with some sort of filter as to what I can discuss here as long as I fly them. I mentioned in my reply that I don't get a choice of carrier, maybe I need a new job... maybe... but end of the day it is something I mourn the loss of, and end of the year is fine but sooner is better.

 

[simmomelb]

Yeah, but fares and routes are on the website too and we discuss those here as well. I'm not going to align with some sort of filter as to what I can discuss here as long as I fly them. I mentioned in my reply that I don't get a choice of carrier, maybe I need a new job... maybe... but end of the day it is something I mourn the loss of, and end of the year is fine but sooner is better.

Maybe speak with your manager and see if you can request Qantas. Worth a try.
Re Virgin, I believe wifi is being rolled out on an average of 4 to 5 planes a month, so it's definitely hit and miss and more miss given they will have a fleet of 94 and only started going live with their first 4 aircraft in December.

 

[ChrisBNE]

Flew on VH-VUS on 22JAN VA979 BNESYD. It was flagged on departures screen as having in flight wifi, alas the wifi wouldn’t connect at all, so no in flight entertainment, let alone internet.

 

[AIRwin]

Flew on VH-VUS on 22JAN VA979 BNESYD

No such flight number?