The Virgin Australia Newbie Questions Thread

[kamchatsky]

How does the cancellation of flights work when you mix Lite and Choice fares in 1 booking? For example, SYD-MEL on Lite, and MEL-SYD on Choice fare, and let's say that I need to cancel Choice fare. Does the lowest fare terms of conditions applies? Or is it strictly dependent on the fare of the sector to cancel/amend?

 

[MooTime]

One thing you can guarantee at AFF HQ every scenario is covered, stewed over & best of all resolved or answered.

How does the cancellation of flights work when you mix Lite and Choice fares in 1 booking? For example, SYD-MEL on Lite, and MEL-SYD on Choice fare, and let's say that I need to cancel Choice fare. Does the lowest fare terms of conditions applies? Or is it strictly dependent on the fare of the sector to cancel/amend?

 

[daft009]

So looking at 2A&2C to DPS during Sept school holidays.

family pooling setup already but this will be our first family flight.

If I use Amex travel portal to use my Amex TC will family pooling still kick in?

So far checked direct virgin website and virgin business portal and the portal was ~$700 more for the same dates. Both had check in luggage

Any other tips before I book?

Will do a hunt for promo codes but I'm not holding my breath but then I'd have to book direct which I can do

 

[Must...Fly!]

If I use Amex travel portal to use my Amex TC will family pooling still kick in?

Yes it will.

 

[Secco]

Hi,

I have already put a request in to upgrade with 10,000 points for Melbourne to Adelaide.
I have now been sent an email to say I’m eligible to participate in UpgradeMe Premium Bid.

I plan to put a bid in of $150 (which is only $5 above the minimum bid).

Can someone tell me what would be the better value – 10000 points or $150 cash.

Thanks

 

[AustraliaPoochie]

$150 is too low.
They would most likely probably decline.
That 10000 VFF might be accepted.
For such a short flight, like this exact one, as I am doing also today, best to sit in Y.
Am on VA233.
Personally. I would hold on both.
PER to east coast, or DRW, them upgrade either way is worth it.
===
I did try $150 yesterday, flight is today, system on their website said too low.
===
Maybe the VAd MEL lounge is worth it, if they accept either offer.
I have just used one of my lounge vouchers as a VFF PS.

 

[Secco]

$150 is too low.
They would most likely probably decline.
That 10000 VFF might be accepted.
For such a short flight, like this exact one, as I am doing also today, best to sit in Y.
Am on VA233.
Personally. I would hold on both.
PER to east coast, or DRW, them upgrade either way is worth it.
===
I did try $150 yesterday, flight is today, system on their website said too low.

Thanks.

I suppose my question is what $$ value is 10000 points

 

[jeza]

Booked a J award MEL-PER & have just received an email saying there is no IFE.

Is this a regular thing with VA and I guess there is no chance they will offer some points back as a gesture of goodwill?

 

[AustraliaPoochie]

Confirmed J?
If so be happy with that.
Its going to be a long odyssey on the 737.
At least you might get the bland pasta from the pot. In the lounge.
If afternoon 12noon, drown your sorrows in a cider.

Post automatically merged: Apr 1, 2024

Thanks.

I suppose my question is what $$ value is 10000 points

$10.
$15 if you like your alc drinks.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

Thanks.

I suppose my question is what $$ value is 10000 points

8000k points = an award ticket MEL-SYD/ADL etc. which is worth about $130, less the taxes and fees, so around $90.

15.5k gets you business class. So 10k to ‘upgrade’ isn’t great.

But neither is $150, unless you got a super good deal on the economymfare, and you’re comparing it to the regular business fare, which is around $369

 

[A321]

Silly question but can you upgrade from Lite fare to Choice post purchase?

 

[AIRwin]

Silly question but can you upgrade from Lite fare to Choice post purchase?

I think there is a $99 change fee in addition to fare difference

 

[RooFlyer]

Not a newbie but I hope the question can be tolerated here.

I have an upcoming VA flight (Choice fare) which I no longer need. Cancellation will result in not much refund.

I was recently notified by the airline that the departure time was changed by 5 minutes. There was no offer to change or cancel.

Would such a change usually entitle me to cancel without penalty? I don't want to phone and 'try one on' (not into that sort if thing), but if it would be considered a normal entitlement, I would put in the request.

This is what their policy states:

3. What happens if VA cancels or changes the timing of my flight prior to the day of travel?​

• If we need to change or cancel your flight prior to your travel date, we will either contact you or your travel agent will contact you using the contact details provided in your booking (which may be by phone, text or email) to advise you or your nominated booking contact of the change to your flight details.
• If the new flight time is not suitable to you:
  • You can contact our Guest Contact Centre or your nominated travel agent to request a different flight time. We will use our best efforts to move you to another suitable Virgin Australia service without charge.
  • If we cannot make suitable alternative arrangements, you may request a travel credit or a refund of the price you paid for your impacted flight by contacting our Guest Contact Centre or your travel agent
• You may be entitled to claim compensation for reasonable costs you incur as outlined in section 8 or under the Australian Consumer Law.

 

[MooTime]

Not a newbie but I hope the question can be tolerated here.

I have an upcoming VA flight (Choice fare) which I no longer need. Cancellation will result in not much refund.

I was recently notified by the airline that the departure time was changed by 5 minutes. There was no offer to change or cancel.

Would such a change usually entitle me to cancel without penalty? I don't want to phone and 'try one on' (not into that sort if thing), but if it would be considered a normal entitlement, I would put in the request.

This is what their policy states:

3. What happens if VA cancels or changes the timing of my flight prior to the day of travel?​

• If we need to change or cancel your flight prior to your travel date, we will either contact you or your travel agent will contact you using the contact details provided in your booking (which may be by phone, text or email) to advise you or your nominated booking contact of the change to your flight details.
• If the new flight time is not suitable to you:
  • You can contact our Guest Contact Centre or your nominated travel agent to request a different flight time. We will use our best efforts to move you to another suitable Virgin Australia service without charge.
  • If we cannot make suitable alternative arrangements, you may request a travel credit or a refund of the price you paid for your impacted flight by contacting our Guest Contact Centre or your travel agent
• You may be entitled to claim compensation for reasonable costs you incur as outlined in section 8 or under the Australian Consumer Law.

A change is a change and I'd be very confident if you request a travel credit, it'll happen.
I mean another time is just not suitable to you.
Refund to your credit card they may look upon that differently, even though shouldn't.
Interesting.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

Not a newbie but I hope the question can be tolerated here.

I have an upcoming VA flight (Choice fare) which I no longer need. Cancellation will result in not much refund.

I was recently notified by the airline that the departure time was changed by 5 minutes. There was no offer to change or cancel.

Would such a change usually entitle me to cancel without penalty? I don't want to phone and 'try one on' (not into that sort if thing), but if it would be considered a normal entitlement, I would put in the request.

This is what their policy states:

3. What happens if VA cancels or changes the timing of my flight prior to the day of travel?​

• If we need to change or cancel your flight prior to your travel date, we will either contact you or your travel agent will contact you using the contact details provided in your booking (which may be by phone, text or email) to advise you or your nominated booking contact of the change to your flight details.
• If the new flight time is not suitable to you:
  • You can contact our Guest Contact Centre or your nominated travel agent to request a different flight time. We will use our best efforts to move you to another suitable Virgin Australia service without charge.
  • If we cannot make suitable alternative arrangements, you may request a travel credit or a refund of the price you paid for your impacted flight by contacting our Guest Contact Centre or your travel agent
• You may be entitled to claim compensation for reasonable costs you incur as outlined in section 8 or under the Australian Consumer Law.

A five minute schedule change wouldn’t normally be grounds for a free cancellation. Unless for example your connecting flight was now under minimum connecting time (hint hint).

Of course they could then call your bluff and offer to move you to a later flight!

No harm in trying. Qantas seems much more lenient in this regard. But my experience with VA is that the o/s call centres can be very rigid in applying their policies.

 

[RooFlyer]

thanks both. I think I’ll make a call but not press it too hard. I was an idiot for booking this flight in the first place so serves me right.

 

[Must...Fly!]

From memory many years ago I successfully argued a ~30 minute change on an international departure before, using the excuse that there was now not enough time between by (separate booking) incoming flight. 5 minutes you might struggle with but the policy is not really clear. Let us know how you go.

 

[RooFlyer]

Unfortunately ( for my plan) the arrival time hasn't changed!

 

[jrvk]

I apologise if this has been discussed before, I couldn't find it via search.

On Friday 12 April, I had 999 SC in my Velocity account (i.e. 1 SC from Platinum).

That day, I took a work business flight from MEL to ADL, earning 55 SC.

That flight has still not posted in my Velocity account.

Today (Monday 15 April) I had 105 SC expire due to the 365 day calculation. They dropped out of my account at midnight on Tuesday 16 April. My account is now showing as 894 SC.

When the flight from last Friday finally posts on my account, how will my SC be calculated:

(i) from the day the flight took place - I will be Platinum, having earned 1054 SC to 12 April 2024; or
(ii) from the day it ultimately posts - I will be Gold, having earned 949 SC in the 365 days

Would be interested in hearing from any others that have experienced this, and whether it would be worth a call to Velocity if it is the latter situation.

 

[RooFlyer]

When the flight from last Friday finally posts on my account, how will my SC be calculated:

(i) from the day the flight took place - I will be Platinum, having earned 1054 SC to 12 April 2024; or

SCs always count from the day of the flight, so you'll be ok.