Velocity Platinum "enhancement" no more free emergency exit rows (did I miss this?)

[obrienja]

I might have missed this post but I tried to call today to get an exit row seat allocation on VA2 LAX-SYD and was told that it was no longer a benefit that Gold & Platinum got this for free & they now had to pay. Does anyone know how long this has been in place as I was allocated an exit row for VA1 just a few weeks ago.

Perhaps the Virgin rep(s) would care to comment on the rationale behind removing a nice benefit (aside from the obvious revenue implication) - but aren't Golds & Platinums worth $150? I guess we're not - and before anyone points it out I know Qantas charge too but what's the point in racing to the bottom?

 

[markis10]

I don't remember it ever being a published benefit.

 

[mannej]

Re: Velocity Platinum "enhancement" no more free emergency exit rows (did I miss this

Add Extra Legroom | Virgin Australia

 

[obrienja]

Re: Velocity Platinum "enhancement" no more free emergency exit rows (did I miss this

The agent in the GCC said "the policy has changed Gold & Platinum used to get exit row seating for free"

 

[loobloke]

Re: Velocity Platinum "enhancement" no more free emergency exit rows (did I miss this

Used to be able to get exit row free a few months back.

Could select it on seat selection without a fee.

 

[Simo]

Re: Velocity Platinum "enhancement" no more free emergency exit rows (did I miss this

I have never paid for an exit row.

Last time I was on a VA flight which was End of Jan she offered me exit row seating.

 

[RBC]

Re: Velocity Platinum "enhancement" no more free emergency exit rows (did I miss this

Always been able to select exit row online at time of booking...shame if this is no longer the case. However as others have suggested, it was always an unpublished benefit.
I suspect that the increase in status pax, especially Gold, beoming easier to attain with family pooling etc. make it less realistic, especially when cash is king.
I do however think that this should be a Platinum benefit given its the top tier and should be given first bite of the cherry and not have to take the gamble at time of checkin where it may be given to a lesser status pax gratis. Agree that their top tier flyers should be valued more than $150

 

[xtoss]

Re: Velocity Platinum "enhancement" no more free emergency exit rows (did I miss this

Ha, never knew about it, but trust it to happen when I get platinum

I have a flight in 2 weeks, the flight out had to be rebooked and I was given exit row, when I realised this I tried to get them to give me one for the way back but then they said I would be charged $150 if I wanted it and then said the assigned one I already had would be charged too. In the end I still have my exit row on the way out but on the way back no go.

 

[obrienja]

Re: Velocity Platinum "enhancement" no more free emergency exit rows (did I miss this

I called up again today & thought perhaps a different GCC agent might get a different response. All seemed good, she made the change and then at the last minute "so that'll be $150" as they "recently changed systems and now you have to pay."

I have to say that Virgin do seem to be taking after Qantas in the enhancement stakes. I'm guessing Anytime Access will be the next thing to go

 

[simongr]

I called up again today & thought perhaps a different GCC agent might get a different response. All seemed good, she made the change and then at the last minute "so that'll be $150" as they "recently changed systems and now you have to pay."

I have to say that Virgin do seem to be taking after Qantas in the enhancement stakes. I'm guessing Anytime Access will be the next thing to go

And that thread will be looooong...

 

[markis10]

Re: Velocity Platinum "enhancement" no more free emergency exit rows (did I miss this

I have to say that Virgin do seem to be taking after Qantas in the enhancement stakes. I'm guessing Anytime Access will be the next thing to go

I beg to differ, at least you get 6 months notice of the "enhancements" with QF!

 

[djfuzz]

Re: Velocity Platinum "enhancement" no more free emergency exit rows (did I miss this

And that thread will be looooong...

Not necessarily - can simply refer to the comments previously expressed in the other thread, and simply substitute the airline.

I didn't know this was a benefit we could take advantage of tbh, so won't be missing it - I'll save my indignation if row 3 ever comes under threat.

 

[oz_mark]

Re: Velocity Platinum "enhancement" no more free emergency exit rows (did I miss this

I beg to differ, at least you get 6 months notice of the "enhancements" with QF!

On unpublished benefits?

 

[markis10]

Re: Velocity Platinum "enhancement" no more free emergency exit rows (did I miss this

On unpublished benefits?

I am referring to the change in complimentary upgrade rules, loss of access to anything off the menu for J passengers, loss of spirits on the inflight menu, loss of Malaysian earn and loss of eligible class earn on some international partners etc etc, all published previously , and almost forgot, baggage allowances!

 

[Deleted member 29185]

Re: Velocity Platinum "enhancement" no more free emergency exit rows (did I miss this

When you start to itemise the DJ enhancements, even ardent DJ supporters must be a tad worried over the U-turns. Only months ago it was better, better, best....now it seems to be "OK we have their attention, now let's start trimming the fat until the pig squeals".

Perhaps someone may like to start a DJ balance sheet. What we've gained compared to what we've lost. At least that way everyone can easily assess their own requirements and provide an ongoing history of Virgins push to become a LCC/full service combined airline.

 

[xtoss]

Re: Velocity Platinum "enhancement" no more free emergency exit rows (did I miss this

Perhaps someone may like to start a DJ balance sheet. What we've gained compared to what we've lost. At least that way everyone can easily assess their own requirements and provide an ongoing history of Virgins push to become a LCC/full service combined airline.

It is crazy, 2011 had me excited and waiting for the next new thing they would offer... 2012 has been so far, a year of fear.

 

[MarkD]

Re: Velocity Platinum "enhancement" no more free emergency exit rows (did I miss this

It must be a fine line they are treading. I dont think I would like to be in Borghetti's shoes. I do wonder what is going on there, They were trying to be better than Qantas, now they seem content to be inferior. I do agree with a previous post re anytime access, they will can it sooner rather than later (Provided all those SM members dont drop off, which I assume they wont, as it only takes on Family pooled Holiday a year to maintain)

 

[MandM]

Re: Velocity Platinum "enhancement" no more free emergency exit rows (did I miss this

... I do agree with a previous post re anytime access, they will can it sooner rather than later (Provided all those SM members dont drop off, which I assume they wont, as it only takes on Family pooled Holiday a year to maintain)

Slightly OT, but will this 'easy requalification' stop once the eligible sector requirement kicks in? Or can that be family pooled too?

 

[oz_mark]

Re: Velocity Platinum "enhancement" no more free emergency exit rows (did I miss this

I do agree with a previous post re anytime access, they will can it sooner rather than later (Provided all those SM members dont drop off, which I assume they wont, as it only takes on Family pooled Holiday a year to maintain)

I expect golds will drop ATA first. I guess time will tell how many drop back from plat to gold, and gold to silver.