Virgin Australia flights to Doha now on sale

[WilsonM]

In any case these fares aren’t new, VA has been marketing fares to Europe for two years now. There won’t be any distinction between QR operated vs QR for VA operated.

Possibly an isolated example, but this is for right at the end of the calendar (one-way to DOH on 31 Oct). Incredibly large discrepancy, for whatever reason.

 

[travelislife]

I wouldn't be hanging out for cheap VA J awards on the VA flight numbers. I was looking at my usual BNE - SIN awards in J tonight and there is a big change. Usually at least 3 SQ flights out of BNE at the cheapest cost -67000 VA points.
But now only 1 or 2 of the SQ flights each day plus the VA codeshares. But look at the differential. This is for 28/10/25.

VA 5342 at 1125. Y-102400 points + $142.43 J-642000 points + $142.43.

SQ246 at 1125. Y-29000 points + $158.13 J-67000 points + $252.33.

That was the same figures for the route out to November 8th. Who would book the VA codeshare. this also was for choosing 1 or 2 pax.

This is normal, as on partner airlines I don't think they release award seats on their codeshare number. For example SYD-SFO on UA, no one is obviously going to book the VA codeshare reward seat (which is essentially points paying for a cash fare).

 

[justinbrett]

View attachment 418413
Possibly an isolated example, but this is for right at the end of the calendar (one-way to DOH on 31 Oct). Incredibly large discrepancy, for whatever reason.

It’s because the lower fare is in D fare class and the higher fare is in C.

JH was saying on TV they’re still working on the business seats.

 

[henrus]

• no access to lounges as Velocity Gold/Platinum in CDG: correct me if I'm wrong

If on a Qatar operated flight marketed by VA or QR then you do get lounge access nothing has changed in this regard and it's been like it since the beginning of the partnership as you've always been able to book VA marketed QR operated flights from Paris.

Being specific to Paris here, CDG is one of the exceptions where Qatar operates an outstation lounge and allows status holders into the lounge so a VA Gold/Plat would get access to the Qatar Lounge in Paris (with a guest).

 

[WilsonM]

It’s because the lower fare is in D fare class and the higher fare is in C.

JH was saying on TV they’re still working on the business seats.

Fair enough. Seems bizarre that they can't file fares properly though

 

[jase05]

Fair enough. Seems bizarre that they can't file fares properly though

Given that it only started yesterday, I’d expect some lag until the IT monkeys sort it out

 

[justinbrett]

Fair enough. Seems bizarre that they can't file fares properly though

For the Europe fares, the QR for VA operated flight options are slightly cheaper, even though they are the same fare class (but much less than your example - around $500 difference).

In ExpertFlyer there's so many overlapping fare basis codes it won't let you look at any of them.

Give them time to sort it out.

However, it would be interesting if VA & QR feel they need pricing controls to manage loads between the two flights - makes a bit of sense to price flights terminating in DOH more on VA to stop people booking VA to DOH and QR onwards (not that it would be cost effective); and for the through pax encourage selection on the VA services, as there will be other oneworld members who won't be able and/or willing to travel on them (eg pax on DONEXs). But I imagine it will all come out in the wash and eventually there will be single fares that cover both VA*QR and VA*QR for VA.

 

[Bagpuss]

Am I right in thinking if you booked a flight to Europe with VA. Say Sydney to London, one-way and it was the VA flight to Doha (VA1) and then the QR flight to London (VA6224). What would happen with seat selection costs on a choice fare? I am guessing the VA1 flight maybe free and you pay for VA6224?

I notice that the seating map doesn't even load. So how would you even select a seat and pay for it on the VA1 to VA29 flights?

I get the thoughts this whole thing is a dog's breakfast at least in the short-term and more savvy travelers will just sick with Qatar issued flights on Qatar flights or use other airlines.

International fares

*Seat selection may be available for Virgin Australia international long haul flights between Australia and Doha (operated by Qatar Airways), with VA flight numbers VA1 to VA29 (inclusive). Seat selection may incur an additional fee. Guests can contact our Guest Contact Centre on 13 67 89 to find out more.

 

[simmomelb]

Am I right in thinking if you booked a flight to Europe with VA. Say Sydney to London, one-way and it was the VA flight to Doha (VA1) and then the QR flight to London (VA6224). What would happen with seat selection costs on a choice fare? I am guessing the VA1 flight maybe free and you pay for VA6224?

I notice that the seating map doesn't even load. So how would you even select a seat and pay for it on the VA1 to VA29 flights?

I am seeing the same thing. I wouldn't be purchasing a ticket without the seat selection available.

Below is VA1 on Choice.




Below

 

[Mattg]

The business class fares are now "properly" live for the VA flights to Doha.

PER-DOH-CDG starts from $7,679 return in J.

 

[BrianQQ]

I am seeing the same thing. I wouldn't be purchasing a ticket without the seat selection available.

Below is VA1 on Choice.

View attachment 418429


Below

There is no shot that seat selection is not available. I'm baffled.

 

[jase05]

The business class fares are now "properly" live for the VA flights to Doha.

PER-DOH-CDG starts from $7,679 return in J.

Some pretty decent pricing IMO

 

[drron]

Those figures are for Pay with Points on VA codeshares, while the DOH flights are actually just VA flight numbers - you'll be able to book VA flight numbers as reward seats. If there are reward seats on these flights, they'll be priced at the 56k/119.5k for Y and J, respectively (less for exPER). But like with QF, people will get caught out with the Pay with points options.

Thanks. But this is the first time I have ever seen them advertised. And we have 3-4 J awards per year on the route.

 

[simmomelb]

Can't even select a seat in J on VA1 :/

 

[jrfsp]

Can't even select a seat in J on VA1 :/

I think this should get fixed if you hang on

 

[justinbrett]

The business class fares are now "properly" live for the VA flights to Doha.

PER-DOH-CDG starts from $7,679 return in J.

What dates?

I’ve done several searches and they’re all around 9K.

 

[jase05]

What dates?

I’ve done several searches and they’re all around 9K.

I was looking for some in October and they were $7679 return

 

[justinbrett]

I was looking for some in October and they were $7679 return

Dates? I’m not seeing.

 

[SYD]

Dates? I’m not seeing.

Relatively good but not great.

 

[jase05]

Dates? I’m not seeing.

These were the dates I was looking at