VA Max config in Business?

[PERLHR]

Apologies if this already has a thread? As we now move closer to the roll out of the MAX, (will it have any proving/training flights before it really gets going?) I'm wondering if the config in business is to be the same as that on the 800s? I was looking at a flight between Cairns and Tokyo and it's still quite expensive (relatively so as I can get the same price flying from Oslo on a Dreamliner or appropriate wide body for the same price (big sigh), but as one is in Australia you just need to suck it up!!) Can we expect amenities, entertainment and a blanket and pillow for that overnighter on the return? Will food be better than say a Perth to Sydney sector? What are virgin rolling out on this international route? Has anyone flown it yet on the 800? Reviews?

 

[twinaisle]

Same config.
Those amenities will return for Japan flights.

 

[odysseus]

Presumably like other international routes, no lounge access either.

 

[twinaisle]

Presumably like other international routes, no lounge access either.

A gold star for you.

 

[PERLHR]

The lounge issue is actually a game changer for me, especially at Haneda. I'll look for an alternative route and carrier.

 

[RooFlyer]

The lounge issue is actually a game changer for me, especially at Haneda. I'll look for an alternative route and carrier.

I like my lounges as much as anyone but I wouldn't change airline just to use a lounge. Would you pay more for an otherwise similar flight that gives you lounge access?

 

[oz_mark]

The lounge issue is actually a game changer for me, especially at Haneda. I'll look for an alternative route and carrier.

Sounds more of a show stopper than a game changer.

 

[PERLHR]

I like my lounges as much as anyone but I wouldn't change airline just to use a lounge. Would you pay more for an otherwise similar flight that gives you lounge access?

Hoping not to pay more but I also wish that VA realise that lounge access is important on biz fares. Ideally I prefer flat beds, decent food and lounges. Origin will be Perth so there are other routes to consider.

 

[twinaisle]

I like my lounges as much as anyone but I wouldn't change airline just to use a lounge. Would you pay more for an otherwise similar flight that gives you lounge access?

Sounds like they would.

$2788 price difference seems to be a lot to be paying for lounge access but each to their own

 

[PERLHR]

Sounds more of a show stopper than a game changer.

Non starter more like...

 

[twinaisle]

Hoping not to pay more but I also wish that VA realise that lounge access is important on biz fares. Ideally I prefer flat beds, decent food and lounges. Origin will be Perth so there are other routes to consider.

They're a hybrid carrier. Less amenities, cheaper prices. Just pay more for other airlines tbh.

 

[PERLHR]

They're a hybrid carrier. Less amenities, cheaper prices. Just pay more for other airlines tbh.

Might just get a cheapo orq use good value BA AVIOS to SIN and fly Vietnam. That could be fun for the price...Takes just as long to get to SIN than CNS. Under 2k return. (I'll have the time).

 

[twinaisle]

Might just get a cheapo orq use good value BA AVIOS to SIN and fly Vietnam. That could be fun for the price...Takes just as long to get to SIN than CNS. Under 2k return. (I'll have the time).

Do whatever works for you!

 

[jase05]

I wonder if by the first flight the partnership is in full swing and lounge access in HND is possible

 

[henrus]

$2788 price difference seems to be a lot to be paying for lounge access but each to their own

Terrible comparison...

Firstly that's the very first flight so it's expected that prices would be higher, whilst VA is charging $2k+ for the first flight in J the regular prices are start at $1.2k oneway although average around the $1.9k mark.

Another thing is that you're comparing it to a product with 67% extra distance and ~80% of the flight time would be a true international J product (if you're lucky enough for it to be a day QF is flying their A330s to Cairns then the entire CNS-SYD-HND route would be in a flat bed).

A fair comparison would be against JQ J class, basically the same seat, similar food service and arguably nicer as it's on a wide body. JQ hovers around the $1.2k mark but you can also fine some sub $1k.

In Cairns there isn't any lounge in the international terminal anyway so no real loss there (potential for VA to operate a "pop up lounge") and then at HND paid lounge access can be had for around $40.

 

[encryptededdy]

If you want a similar product to VA 737 J but with lounge access I've found that Japan Airlines Premium Economy is more or less the same price on many (but not all) Australia to Tokyo routes. You'll get lounge access and more seat pitch too.

I'm not sure if their pricing is competitive ex-Perth though.

 

[PERLHR]

Unfortunately, everything through Perth is expensive. JAL itself does not operate from the airport although I believe All Nippon will re commence services in October this year.

If you want a similar product to VA 737 J but with lounge access I've found that Japan Airlines Premium Economy is more or less the same price on many (but not all) Australia to Tokyo routes. You'll get lounge access and more seat pitch too.

I'm not sure if their pricing is competitive ex-Perth though.

 

[simmomelb]

Presumably like other international routes, no lounge access either.

Given that Cairns doesn't have a lounge of any sort in the international terminal, that is 100% correct ("Reef Lounge" closed).

Due to the above, it wouldn't make sense for them to provide this with a partner in Japan on the return leg, just as they don't on any other route for VA International.

We never know what the future holds

 

[elanshin]

The lounge issue is actually a game changer for me, especially at Haneda. I'll look for an alternative route and carrier.

Given that ANA and VA did announce their partnership i do expect you'd be given access to the ANA lounge once they roll out the details (note that ANA is generally fairly full).

 

[simmomelb]

Given that ANA and VA did announce their partnership i do expect you'd be given access to the ANA lounge

Only if you are flying on ANA, not on VA itself (referring to the return leg lounge access).

Although this could change in the near future