VA - It's all coming together quite nicely

[JB007]

Agree completely with the thread. In fact, I'm very close to switching my earning from QF to VA, based on recent NZ and SQ announcements. Most of my travel is domestic and T/T as well as south Asia and South Pacific.

I'm seriously considering switching my credit card earn and HHonors preferences. Also if Coles (and more importantly Coles/Shell) come on board then I would be very tempted, so long as status can be accrued on the likes of NZ, SQ, DL etc

The only downside for me is lack of lounge membership locations - nothing internationally?? As a student, Gold is just out of reach for me, but Silver isn't - yet lounge membership doesn't seem to offer much still

It was pointed out on another thread that the Delta Skyclub page now have a line indicating that Virgin Australia Club Members can access Skyclubs when on a VA or DL flight number. I am assuming that VA Club is the new name for the Lounge which further indicates that there may be a new Clubhouse coming to Aus for the use of VA and all partners.

Based on this agreement, I would hope an expect that the same will apply to Air NZs Koru clubs and Singapore's Krisflyer lounges eventually. I wonder if it is possible to get confirmation of this at this stage of all the potential agreements

 

[Mal]

Overall, I do think Virgin Australia has done great things (some of my posts may not represent that... but I'll discuss why a little later).

Firstly I like Qantas to be scared. And... they are scared. This can only mean good things for Australian flyers - who for years have been stuffed over because QF had little credible competition since Ansett disappeared.

I like the way the FF scene has been shaken up. I expect the relaunch of Velocity to be great. The range of partners is improving and the move to a "standardised" form of Status Credit earning opens up many possibilities.

The lounges are a stand-out. I've visited a couple in the network over the last year, and they are good. Will make time to visit MEL sometime soon.

The competition fare wise is great. I laugh at QF having to copy DJ and scurry around to match.

Even the scurrying around to match plane types heading to PER (I see this as a key fighting ground for DJ and QF).

But - why am I negative at times? The change process has been poorly thought out and implemented. Often changes happen overnight with no notification. The website shows incorrect information, T&Cs are unclear. Things like having the Velocity website down for an entire weekend for "Routine maintenance", then re-appearing with a totally new SC earn process (With no notification to end users until the Tuesday afterwards) shows a lack of deep thought into the process. Some of the earning opportunities (eg Shop'n'earn) seem to have poor planning and execution.

Plenty of similar examples too. I know these are "teething issues", and indicate a lack of maturity in the FF market. Eventually things will get better (I hope!).

PS, looking forward to earning Gold or Plat with DJ eventually. Now to work out the most cost efficient way

 

[crazydave98]

It was pointed out on another thread that the Delta Skyclub page now have a line indicating that Virgin Australia Club Members can access Skyclubs when on a VA or DL flight number. ..... I would hope an expect that the same will apply to Air NZs Koru clubs and Singapore's Krisflyer lounges eventually. I wonder if it is possible to get confirmation of this at this stage of all the potential agreements

Yes. Already announced for NZ and SQ. Maybe we need to publicize Lounge benefits more - will have it attended to.

 

[Nigelinoz]

I'm sure the good folks at Virgin will be happy to hear that their latest 737,VH-YFF is on it's way to Australia.

VH-YFF B737-8FE Virgin Australia Delivered

L/N 3664 C/N 40994 B737-8FE Virgin Australia
Dep BFI 12:49 PDT ETA HNL ??:?? HST
Call Sign VBH9080 Hex Code 7C7A39 Sel-Cal LP-AJ

Don't think it's got the blue sky interior though.
Cheers
N'oz
Edited to add: The next one on order VH-YVA had it's first flight last Sunday so it won't be too far away either.