VA Cancellations, Delays growing?

[p--and--t]

…maybe if they hadn’t wasted their Max8 on a poorly patronised and executed sector to TYO to grab a guvmt subsidy they could have properly serviced a major route heavily patronised by aussies who would like to actually get to their holiday destination as advertised.

 

[Must...Fly!]

Apparently Bali forecasted weather changed en route and they didn’t have the extra fuel onboard, or crew hours to drop by Darwin to re fuel.

Probably need to get the MAX on these routes pronto and wouldn’t have this issue

These things happen, I guess. Part of the known risk of flying with that equipment. I don't think it is quite the disaster others are portraying, though.

 

[Saab34]

Not sure why the MAX isn’t on DPS as of now? Seems to be just flying around dom.

Didn’t think that much crew famil would be required.

 

[twinaisle]

Not sure why the MAX isn’t on DPS as of now? Seems to be just flying around dom.

Didn’t think that much crew famil would be required.

I thought it would be nice seeing the max to DPS but the way that PAX leave the aircraft like an absolute mess it's probably best not to for now

 

[MooTime]

I thought it would be nice seeing the max to DPS but the way that PAX leave the aircraft like an absolute mess it's probably best not to for now

Bali bogans once again comes to fruition.

Should be Jetstar only flying to dps.

 

[HS-TQE]

Well Virgin 2.0 are competing with the LCCs and fellow Value Carriers those days, especially out of DPS.

VA and Batik battle it out for the Recliner J market out of the majority of Australian markets (and the remaining JQ 787 out of SYD). Batik has 3 rows of recliner J on most 2-class 737 (Malaysia)/and all of the A320 (Indonesia) aircraft, whereas VA 2.0 only has 2 recliner J rows.

Whilst VA and Batik are LCC in Y, GA and QF service the "Full Service" high-yield leisure/"cashed up bogan" DPS market.

 

[Saab34]

I thought it would be nice seeing the max to DPS but the way that PAX leave the aircraft like an absolute mess it's probably best not to for now

Sounds like most Air India flights.

 

[Catweazle]

Dec 26: VA319 MEL — BNE cancelled.

No information on their website. The text message I got reads nothing but:

"Virgin Australia Flight Status Update: VA 319 on 26 Dec 2023 is cancelled. Please refer to the Flight Status page on our website for today's full schedule."

So I did. Other flights are still on. But, what now? Will they rebook me automatically in time for a connection onwards to TSV this arvo? Or will I have to see airport staff on arrival at the airport?

FYI I'd already completed online check-in and have one bag to drop off. Not sure what the process is here cause I'm a foreigner (that is, a QFF-er lol).

Edit: ok, so they sent another text through just now with a cough late night arrival. Only other option is a 7am flight and I can't get to the airport in time for that. Maybe they can squeeze me onto to another flight later today?

 

[MEL_Traveller]

Dec 26: VA319 MEL — BNE cancelled.

No information on their website. The text message I got reads nothing but:

"Virgin Australia Flight Status Update: VA 319 on 26 Dec 2023 is cancelled. Please refer to the Flight Status page on our website for today's full schedule."

So I did. Other flights are still on. But, what now? Will they rebook me automatically in time for a connection onwards to TSV this arvo? Or will I have to see airport staff on arrival at the airport?

FYI I'd already completed online check-in and have one bag to drop off. Not sure what the process is here cause I'm a foreigner (that is, a QFF-er lol).

Edit: ok, so they sent another text through just now with a cough late night arrival. Only other option is a 7am flight and I can't get to the airport in time for that. Maybe they can squeeze me onto to another flight later today?

My understanding is that VA automates reallocation to other flights in the event of IRROPS. This can fill up all alternative flights pretty quickly.

However, the situation is usually fairly fluid as people log in to see replacement flights, and then cancel or change those, freeing up seats. This can mean a seat appears on a better flight, even if only for a few minutes here and there.

My advice is to keep checking, also check other routings. VA is usually pretty good to move you, if you can find a better flight.

 

[HS-TQE]

…maybe if they hadn’t wasted their Max8 on a poorly patronised and executed sector to TYO to grab a guvmt subsidy they could have properly serviced a major route heavily patronised by aussies who would like to actually get to their holiday destination as advertised.

This does remind me, IIRC VA are also subject to the same seat caps in the Australian-Indonesian bilateral, which may explain why not all DPS services are switching to the MAX-8 in NS24 (and in the process of aircraft refurbs with the refurb'd aircraft carrying 12 more Y seats)

 

[Catweazle]

Made it to BNE! Thanks all for your help. Halfway to TSV - next leg this arvo.

You're right after all, the initial flight they rebooked me on was a mess but I found a middle row seat (20-something-B) on an earlier flight and, well 'twas painful all is well now.

 

[Saab34]

That looks too good for airport food?

 

[Catweazle]

That looks too good for airport food?

True...I ducked out to the Royal George then into the CBD. Good day after the stress of getting to the airport by 6am!

 

[AustraliaPoochie]

MEL airport complete stop now due to weather.
No take off, no landings.
Looks like I might be stuck here till tomorrow.

 

[Saab34]

I am watching this storm and it’s very very slow moving.

Likely some AVV diversions coming up soon.

 

[Must...Fly!]

It does look bad. So lucky that the weather was good on Christmas morning for me. Good luck to everyone travelling in/out today.

 

[AustraliaPoochie]

MEL airport open to flights few mins ago.
But will have delays on from now as incoming flights also delayed.
---
Of course if lightnings do start, will be closed again.
Very grey and bleak skies indeed.

 

[Must...Fly!]

Looks like VA 734 from OOL is heading to Adelaide

 

[ben95]

I’ll be flying VA from Sydney to Melbourne on the Thursday for the Taylor Swift concert and I’m a bit worried about getting cancelled for whatever reason and finding a replacement flight as I expect all flights will be very full the days prior to the concert.

1. Am I correct in thinking that the VA rapid rebook system will give my Gold status priority so I have a high chance of grabbing the few remaining seats the same day or the next morning?
2. What’s the best strategy to have pre-confirmed seats on an alternative flight? I’m thinking of buying a flexible fare on Rex for the later that night (or potentially the first flight next morning even?) and cancel if the VA flight is all good.
3. Perhaps even the overnight XPT train would be the ultimate hedge against weather disruption?

Any thoughts would be appreciated.

 

[Harrison_133]

1. Am I correct in thinking that the VA rapid rebook system will give my Gold status priority so I have a high chance of grabbing the few remaining seats the same day or the next morning?

Yes. The system gives priority to Platinum and Gold guests when allocating you to new flights.