VA withdraws all services from Hong Kong

[serfty]

If it were me, I'd be seeking legal advice on their post may 1 options

Agree ... sections of T&C's may be become null and void if in the process of using them the result is considered unconscionable.

 

[Formal Hall]

I am travelling on 1 May! 3xJ rewards (2 adults, 1 lap infant) and 1xY paid ticket. This will be impossible to replicate on any other carrier with less than 3 months notice. Would be very interested about ways to escalate this, especially as they would have moved me to Qantas if flying a day earlier.

 

[jakeseven7]

One of our GM's whose partner is a contracts lawyer is travelling post May 1 and is very unhappy with the way VA are treating their latest route cancellation under the new PS cost cutting regime.

VA are getting a polite legal letter from him! Will post results....

 

[Inlander]

And are they going to end up in the same place in 12-18 months with their upcoming launch of Japan flights?

I think the key to success with BNE-HND will be the close Alliance with ANA

 

[oz_mark]

If it were me, I'd be seeking legal advice on their post may 1 options

I hope the ACCC gets involved:

1) If Virgin are in the wrong, fine them
2) If this behaviour is not illegal, then get the ACL changed to make it illegal.

 

[Ralphie]

Okay. Well after my assurance earlier that a refund was the only option - I either have a very persuasive travel agent or it turns out there is suddenly new wiggle room, as we’ve been offered re-accommodation options. To fly to LHR via Etihad or LAX (through VA). Or we can take the full refund.

We’re choosing Etihad.

 

[AIRwin]

Final flight from HKG to MEL yesterday...

 

[Bagpuss]

I noticed VH-XFD has been in HKG since 4th February.

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[AIRwin]

I noticed VH-XFD has been in HKG since 4th February.

Quarantined?

 

[Bagpuss]

Quarantined?

Not sure.
It could be having WiFi installed.

 

[wfdTamar]

Hi. I had MEL-LHR on May 26th (return Sep 21st). Booked via online site. Had the 2 x 23kg economy ticket.

First I was offered Qantas by the agent for the missing leg, but that soon was withdrawn. Then refund. Then no refund, if you want to change it'll cost you (they didn't seem to know of the route cancellation then).

They were saying you might get a different flight, but lose the 2 x 23kg.

I had suggested the Singapore option (if they could get me the 2 x 23).

Finally i day, multiple calls & emails to agent and Virgin, they (agent) have suggested Singapore! Grrr. Waiting to hear if they will do it. Don't like my chances.

This seems so much in favour of the airline. If a passenger tried to change something like this they'd pay through the nose as a penalty.

 

[wfdTamar]

Agent says 'computer says no'. Rang Virgin and they say (of course) they cant help me as the booking was through an agent. They did say nobody flying post May 1st will get a flight change without paying the fare difference and that is only people that booked direct with Virgin.

 

[dajop]

Hi. I had MEL-LHR on May 26th (return Sep 21st). Booked via online site. Had the 2 x 23kg economy ticket.

About how much did you pay for the ticket, if you don't mind asking?

 

[wfdTamar]

Oh it was a cheapy, but it's the principle . Shouldn't make any difference. Well possibly better ticket classes have better conditions - $1181

I did book 4 months ahead and they were long flights.

 

[wfdTamar]

Okay. Well after my assurance earlier that a refund was the only option - I either have a very persuasive travel agent or it turns out there is suddenly new wiggle room, as we’ve been offered re-accommodation options. To fly to LHR via Etihad or LAX (through VA). Or we can take the full refund.

We’re choosing Etihad.

Ralphie (if you're still listening) did you have to pay any difference in the fare? Did you have the same baggage conditions (though you're flying business that may make a difference)?

 

[Ralphie]

Ralphie (if you're still listening) did you have to pay any difference in the fare? Did you have the same baggage conditions (though you're flying business that may make a difference)?

Still here! No fare difference or changed baggage conditions...yet...I haven’t seen the new tickets yet as VA are stalling a bit by now doing “oh you need to speak to Virgin Atlantic”.

Hope you can get satisfaction, it seems very much who you end up being lucky enough to speak to, which is not the way to handle this!

 

[wfdTamar]

No. I've been stiffed. Just a refund. Similar flight is not at least $100 more and then there's the baggage allowance drop.

If this is how Branson ran his business I don't know how he made his money as he wouldn't be getting many repeat customers. I wont bother with Virgin again. Shoddy customer relations. Seems more like what the Poms say about Ryan Air.

 

[Spongbob]

It seems that the VA decisions about Honkers is making some people bonkers.

 

[dajop]

Oh it was a cheapy, but it's the principle . Shouldn't make any difference. Well possibly better ticket classes have better conditions - $1181

I did book 4 months ahead and they were long flights.

Ok, I was wondering if there was any room to play with on alternate carriers. But with this fare level, whilst you can get others for around the same (eg Malaysia, Royal Brunei) the extra luggage is the difficulty. Pretty poor by VA.

 

[wfdTamar]

and fares that low have 23, or even 20 kg Royal Brunei (who I did the flight with last year) did have 30, but have dropped to a measly 20. Manageable for a short trip, but I'm doing 4 months.

Want the extra for bits for a motorhome I have in the UK. Last year I didn't room for any clothes, so posted some over to the UK - 16kg cost $173 post. Then the sodding customs charged me £61 VAT when they came in! The cheek.