V Australia Y+ compared to Qantas Econ and Pre Econ

[kaz]

Hi

Travelling to LAX within next few months.
Air fare price needs to be kept to a strick budget.

Budget allows for either:

V Australia in Prem Econony for both legs OR Qantas Econony on way over with return in Prem Economy.

I have Gold status for both QF and Virgin and looking over previous posts, people have commented that the VA seats in Y+ are a bit uncomfortable for long flights of 9+ hours but on the plus side upgrades have sometimes been given from Prem Econ to Business with V Aust.

For travellers that have flown with both V Aust and Qantas in Prem Economy, I would love to know your thoughts on whether I should stick with VA in Prem Econ for both legs OR Qantas in economy for 1st leg with return in Prem Econ.


Thanks for any thoughts / replies.

 

[straitman]

Hi

Travelling to LAX within next few months.
Air fare price needs to be kept to a strick budget.

Budget allows for either:

V Australia in Prem Econony for both legs OR Qantas Econony on way over with return in Prem Economy.

I have Gold status for both QF and Virgin and looking over previous posts, people have commented that the VA seats in Y+ are a bit uncomfortable for long flights of 9+ hours but on the plus side upgrades have sometimes been given from Prem Econ to Business with V Aust.

For travellers that have flown with both V Aust and Qantas in Prem Economy, I would love to know your thoughts on whether I should stick with VA in Prem Econ for both legs OR Qantas in economy for 1st leg with return in Prem Econ.
I'm leaning towards VA in Prem Econ


Thanks for any thoughts / replies.

Have a look at this thread for one opinion. Posts #5 & 7 specifically.

Premium Economy on A380 or 747?

 

[kaz]

thanks straitman
I've read a few threads about VA (but missed that one)

 

[Wezza]

I flew Y+ on the MEL-JNB route, seat was fine. Probably would be better if it were fabric rather than leather but other than that, I found it reasonably comfortable.

 

[kaz]

I flew Y+ on the MEL-JNB route, seat was fine. Probably would be better if it were fabric rather than leather but other than that, I found it reasonably comfortable.

How did you find the AVOD system and food ??

 

[kaz]

My quandry is whether travelling with Qantas on a 747 in Econony on a sale fare and not upgradable using points for 1 leg so that I can fly home in Qantas Y+ also on a 747 (not A380) is worth the cramped seating arrangments I will endure flying econony for such a long journey when I could fly VA Y+ for both legs.

Is VA Prem econony food, seat, service that bad that I should fly Qantas econony for 1 leg on 747 to enjoy the Prem Econony comfort with them on the way home also on a 747

 

[Wezza]

How did you find the AVOD system and food ??

Food was pretty much the same as economy AFAIK, but it was good nonetheless. The AVOD was great IMO, though I haven't had the chance to sample Qantas' latest offering. I liked the self service bar which was always well stocked. :mrgreen:

 

[RB]

I have travelled on both QF & VAust & have posted trip reports. For the OP's situation I would opt for VAust Y+ both ways rather than QF Y then QF Y+. I rank space highly so the extra leg room & less crowded cabin both ways would be the winner for me.
I was surprised that on another post there was criticism of the VAust AVOD-I thought it was fine. I don't recall a remarkable difference between the food & on both I was able to score cold beer & spirits when I needed a change.

 

[jakeseven7]

QF PE is definitely ahead of V Oz, but it depends how much extra you are willing to pay.... QF premium cabins on that route are in high demand and they are priced accordingly.... Its such an individual thing how much extra you would be willing to pay!

V Oz PE is ok, its just that QF PE is fantastic, really can't fault it. Therefore V Oz is being compared to a very high benchmark.

Only real areas to watch out for - the V Oz seat is noticeably hard. I thought this might be because the planes are relatively new, but the QF A380 I flew was newer and definitely not as hard! Also the V Oz seat is leather which is SO ANNOYING to try and sleep on. I really don't know why Virgin keep persisting with leather grrrr. I know its cheaper to clean but come on....

Food - is ok, not as good as QF but passable. Beverages selection ok, less than QF but thats expected. AVOD - agree with whoever said it lacks the range, but its fine, just take a book if you can't find something you like!

 

[GT351]

I like Y+ for the space.
I would suggest V both ways.



Its not enough space to sleep very well but more comfortable.
and seems a bit more elegant

 

[Velocity Frequent Flyer]

I was surprised that on another post there was criticism of the VAust AVOD-I thought it was fine.

Equally surprised here, as V Australia's inflight entertainment has won countless awards including last years passenger choice award for 'Best Overall Passenger Experience'

 

[Mrmaxwell]

I recently flew in regular Y long haul on both QF AND VA...VA won hands down - better food, smiling friendly cabin crew, much better seats, newer aircraft, better AVOD (QF AVOD didn't work BOTH legs SYD-LAX-SYD). I was actually surprised how bad my QF Y experience was.

Can things be that much different in Y+? A complete reversal it seems...

 

[docjames]

AS much as I think Y+ on QF is a great product for my preferences, in the scenario described by the OP, I'd be going both ways on VA Y+ rather than having one leg in Y (on either carrier).

Particularly as the OP has Gold with Velocity.

There are instances on op-ups on VA for those in Y+ to J (happened to a colleague who is Velocity Red) on BNE-LAX.

 

[kaz]

I recently flew in regular Y long haul on both QF AND VA...VA won hands down - better food, smiling friendly cabin crew, much better seats, newer aircraft, better AVOD (QF AVOD didn't work BOTH legs SYD-LAX-SYD). I was actually surprised how bad my QF Y experience was.

Just booked return trip flying VA in Y+. As there are varied reports flying VA in Y+, I'll add my 2 cents worth upon my return.

Thanks for all the replies, it's been most helpful.

 

[malmacdowall]

Hi I flew VA Y+ to JNB recently.... Service and staff were excellent. Food was good, plenty of drinks and the open bar was a definite highlight... The entertainment system was fine with plenty of choices and enough to cover both trips...

In your case, I would opt for the VA Y+ both ways just for leg room... Have a great trip.... Any money in the bank for y+ over and business on the way back?

 

[Travel Guru]

Equally surprised here, as V Australia's inflight entertainment has won countless awards including last years passenger choice award for 'Best Overall Passenger Experience'

I'd have to agree, it's probably the best AVOD I've come across.

As a TA, I fly on a great variety of airlines on personal travel and famils, and really couldn't fault VA's service, product offering and meals, would most certainly travel V Y+ again (if I'm not flying J :mrgreen.

If I were the OP, I'd def. be opting for VA in that scenario.

TG

 

[pshepvic]

I haven't flown VA Y+, however can say that QF Y+ was fantastic. The food and service was as good as most airline's J class, and the seats for Y+ are great. Makes BA World Traveller Plus look like Ryan Air.

Have heard mixed reviews about VA myself, saying they are a bit stingy with the drinks, and average food. Even heard reports that some of the crew are less than friendly.

If it were me, and I needed the SC's for the year, I'd do QF Y over and PE back - but would pay $150 for an exit row on QF!

 

[Wezza]

I haven't flown VA Y+, however can say that QF Y+ was fantastic. The food and service was as good as most airline's J class, and the seats for Y+ are great. Makes BA World Traveller Plus look like Ryan Air.

Have heard mixed reviews about VA myself, saying they are a bit stingy with the drinks, and average food. Even heard reports that some of the crew are less than friendly.

If it were me, and I needed the SC's for the year, I'd do QF Y over and PE back - but would pay $150 for an exit row on QF!

I don't know who your sources are but they are completely wrong. How do you mean stingy with the drinks anyway? :-|

 

[pshepvic]

I don't know who your sources are but they are completely wrong. How do you mean stingy with the drinks anyway? :-|

As in 1 drink with dinner, then expected to pay for the rest (in Y class). And waiting 30-40minutes to be offered another drink in Y+

Anyway, not sure that calling my sources "wrong" is valid - every comment here is a matter of opinion. I've flown Qantas internationally for years, and generally find the service outstanding. Others may not have had the same experience, and have complained of issues. I don't think they are wrong, I just personally don't have the same opinion. Same goes for VA, I've heard more negative comments than positive and I'm just saying if it was up to me, I'd fly QF.