sticking with the flying rat - virgin 737 business pricing not competitive

[haggiscat]

Well, I thought.... when Virgin introduces Business class prices on the bog-standard 737 aircraft, it will have to keep them in line with current PE prices (virtually the same level of service being offered and without even a curtain). But the transcontinental Business price is almost the same as the Qantas price. This is an outrage when everyone knows Qantas is gouging on that route... but at least with Q you can try your luck on a skybed or 747 first seat and have infinitely superior lounge access and amenities as Platinum.

I am interested to see what DJ does Sydney-Adelaide. At present Q is screwing us with tickets starting at $850 one-way in J, and the DJ Premium price is about $500. If this price shoots up by any substantial measure they can forget it, particularly given their third rate scheduling.

The business class market in Australia is overpriced and under-delivered, thanks to a Qantas monopoly. I thought DJ might blow it out of the water with a real alternative. Obviously it's just opting to be Ansett Mk 2 and it will founder for the same reasons Ansett did.

Also, at least in Q you get 'good morning Mr Citizen and welcome back', plus a personalised service and pre-dinner drinks. Not much but it compares rather favourably to having stuff chucked at you from the trolley in packaging and a not-uncommon 'whatwouldyaliketadrinkmate'?

 

[samiam]

The business class market in Australia is overpriced and under-delivered, thanks to a Qantas monopoly. I thought DJ might blow it out of the water with a real alternative.

Agreed!

Also, at least in Q you get 'good morning Mr Citizen and welcome back', plus a personalised service and pre-dinner drinks. Not much but it compares rather favourably to having stuff chucked at you from the trolley in packaging and a not-uncommon 'whatwouldyaliketadrinkmate'?

Are you speaking from recent experience regarding the VA transcontinental J service, or just being mischievous? As for the "Good Morning & accoutrements etc..." on QF that, at best, is inconsistent in my experience

 

[markis10]

I would take the DJ 737 any day over a 767/A330 non sky bed, as the transcontinental are being operated with the new J seats.

 

[haggiscat]

'Also, at least in Q you get 'good morning Mr Citizen and welcome back', plus a personalised service and pre-dinner drinks. Not much but it compares rather favourably to having stuff chucked at you from the trolley in packaging and a not-uncommon 'whatwouldyaliketadrinkmate'? '

Sorry just talking there about the PE Virgin v J Qantas experience on the Sydney-Adelaide route. I've done it once or twice with Virgin since the re-launch and they are still as casual as ever. Whereas the old hags on Q never fail to impress me with their friendliness, even when it is affected. One I've encountered before on the Adelaide run came and sat next to me last flight and chatted away about this, that and t'other and only ran off when her second in charge came and asked if 'madam would like a drink'.

 

[markis10]

One of the main differences in DJ J will be dedicated cabin crew, so they won't be off in a hurry to be trolly salespeople. Having said that I have seen a huge difference in treatment as a PE customer, to generalize, the OOL based crews ( Karen and Ben specifically) I have got are awesome every time ( and that's often been on their last leg of the day) while other have pretended I don't exist, and as a rule the Ejet flights seem to have better service.

 

[Mal]

Well, I thought.... when Virgin introduces Business class prices on the bog-standard 737 aircraft, it will have to keep them in line with current PE prices (virtually the same level of service being offered and without even a curtain). But the transcontinental Business price is almost the same as the Qantas price. This is an outrage when everyone knows Qantas is gouging on that route... but at least with Q you can try your luck on a skybed or 747 first seat and have infinitely superior lounge access and amenities as Platinum.

The BSI (new interior) 737 planes are being redeployed to the East-West coast services, so that should improve the in-flight experience. I suggest the catering will also change to be something similar to the A330 service.

It was always expected that DJ would increase prices. I would like them to remain low, and/or a competitive battle start between DJ and QF - but the reality is that prices will stay around the same anyway.

 

[markis10]

Yes there will be different catering:
Guests will receive a gourmet dining experience, designed by Luke Mangan, including:
Boarding drink – including Luke Mangan’s Australian Mocktail
Hearty breakfasts
Pre-landing morning tea service on breakfast flights including gourmet Byron Bay cookies
Pre-meal bar service on lunch and dinner flights including nuts
Three course lunches and dinners designed for trans-continental sectors
Two service supper and continental breakfasts on back of clock flights
Selection of two main meals on all flights, including options suitable for vegetarians and gluten free dietary needs·
Fresh food, sourced locally garnished on board by crew
Premium Australian wines including Adelaide Hills Chardonnay, Eden Valley, Pinto Gris and Frankland River Cabernet Merlot·
Premium Australian Beers including Crown Lager and Fat Yak· Spirit selection, including Vodka, Rum, Scotch, Baileys, Gin and Bourbon

 

[samiam]

Premium Australian wines including Adelaide Hills Chardonnay, Eden Valley, Pinto Gris and Frankland River Cabernet Merlot·
Premium Australian Beers including Crown Lager and Fat Yak· Spirit selection, including Vodka, Rum, Scotch, Baileys, Gin and Bourbon

Hmmm... but no Bollinger, Veuve or Taittinger to appreciate



I know that QF do not offer the above choices onboard either - I make reference to another thread on this forum