Virgin Australia raises the bar yet again revealing its new Domestic Business Class

[Comoman]

Re: New J Class product

I think that the tie-up between Krisflyer and Velocity to convert points between programs (Singapore Airlines and Virgin Australia launch world first loyalty programme conversion | Virgin Australia) might have been the reason for the announcement occuring in SIN.

Well I think this is bloody fantastic!

 

[TomVexille]

Re: New J Class product

That isn't what I asked. I am more interesting in the number of J seats. 1-2-1 wasn't a secret.

20 on the A332.

 

[bullerdude]

Re: New J Class product

There is the hint that we may be able to upgrade Singapore flights using Velocity points which is excellent news!!

 

[TomVexille]

Re: New J Class product

I think that the tie-up between Krisflyer and Velocity to convert points between programs (Singapore Airlines and Virgin Australia launch world first loyalty programme conversion | Virgin Australia) might have been the reason for the announcement occuring in SIN.

That seems to be the reason. At first glance it sounds like an awesome idea.

 

[bullerdude]

Re: New J Class product

20 on the A332.

I suspect a small price increase and/or a reduction in the number of reward seats. On the plus side the 777's are gaining 4 seats which means redemption availability should be maintained.

 

[Comoman]

Re: New J Class product

There is the hint that we may be able to upgrade Singapore flights using Velocity points which is excellent news!!

Not a hint - it's confirmed:

"The new deal will allow members of Virgin's Velocity frequent flyer program to book an economy class seat on Singapore Airlines and to upgrade to business class using points. At present, Qantas Airways does not allow its frequent flyers to use points to upgrade on flights on planes flown by alliance partner Emirates."

Source: http://www.traveller.com.au/virgin-australia-business-class-new-seats-unveiled-10lcfm

 

[rtyuiop]

Re: New J Class product

I think that the tie-up between Krisflyer and Velocity to convert points between programs (Singapore Airlines and Virgin Australia launch world first loyalty programme conversion | Virgin Australia) might have been the reason for the announcement occuring in SIN.

Well, that was unexpected, and is absolutely great news for me, as someone who spends a lot of time in an SQ Y seat. Hope J class rates/availability for SQ flights is good (although I'm not hopeful!).

I'm sure I'm not the only one who has a few orphaned krisflyer points hanging around that can be converted, too...

 

[rtyuiop]

Re: New J Class product

Interesting, only just noticed the bit about allowing VFF members to earn points on all Singapore and Silk Air flights... Not even Krisflyer members earn on lower fare classes IIRC, wonder how SQ will deal with that?

 

[Pleb Status]

Re: New J Class product

Will VA and SQ points convert at a 1:1 ratio?

 

[dajop]

Virgin Australia raises the bar yet again revealing its new Domestic Business...

Effectively means the end of the three year expiry for Krisflyer miles, in theory - nice one.

However will contain my enthusiasm for this development until the transfer ratios are revealed.

 

[TomVexille]

Re: New J Class product

Interesting, only just noticed the bit about allowing VFF members to earn points on all Singapore and Silk Air flights... Not even Krisflyer members earn on lower fare classes IIRC, wonder how SQ will deal with that?

Krisflyer earn rates actually changed before the VA rate did. I believe the lowest classes now earn 0.1/mile.

Essentially Krisflyer and Velocity earn the same rates in Y, J and F, but not R.

 

[smit0847]

Re: New J Class product

Will VA and SQ points convert at a 1:1 ratio?

I highly doubt it. SQ points are much more valuable than VA points (harder to earn, easier to redeem). I would expect a 1.5:1 conversion, hopefully its not as bad as 2:1.

 

[dajop]

Re: New J Class product

Interesting, only just noticed the bit about allowing VFF members to earn points on all Singapore and Silk Air flights... Not even Krisflyer members earn on lower fare classes IIRC, wonder how SQ will deal with that?

Yes they do - at 10% of miles flown on the cheapest fares. This has been aligned for a while now.

 

[smit0847]

Re: New J Class product

Not a hint - it's confirmed:

"The new deal will allow members of Virgin's Velocity frequent flyer program to book an economy class seat on Singapore Airlines and to upgrade to business class using points. At present, Qantas Airways does not allow its frequent flyers to use points to upgrade on flights on planes flown by alliance partner Emirates."

Source: http://www.traveller.com.au/virgin-australia-business-class-new-seats-unveiled-10lcfm

Given the horrendous high redemption rates for SQ reward seats using VA points I wouldnt get too excited about the upgrade points level - would expect at least 100k points Australia to SIN return.

 

[rtyuiop]

Re: New J Class product

Ahah - OK, I hadn't noticed the change in Krisflyer earn. At least that part makes sense.

We'll see how good the conversion and burn rates are... Knowing how stingy SQ can be even to their own FFs, I am not convinced they'll be great... But certainly better than nothing!

 

[rtyuiop]

Re: New J Class product

Given the horrendous high redemption rates for SQ reward seats using VA points I wouldnt get too excited about the upgrade points level - would expect at least 100k points Australia to SIN return.

I'm hoping (but not confident) that this new, unique relationship will lead to a reduction in those rather high rates. I'm well and truly prepared for disappointment though!

 

[Denali]

Re: A330 - XFA/B - Refit?

Virgin Australia new domestic international business class seats Airbus A330 Boeing 777 - Flights | hotels | frequent flyer | business class - Australian Business Traveller

If im reading this correctly, Im not happy with the roll out date

 

[yohy?!]

Re: A330 - XFA/B - Refit?

Me likey

 

[stux]

Re: Virgin Australia raises the bar yet again revealing its new Domestic Business Cla

Not sure if it's been posted already, but

Business Class - New Features on A330 & B777 Fleet | Virgin Australia

Has more details on the 777 upgrades including changes to Premium Economy and even an Economy plus

 

[kalboy]

Re: Virgin Australia raises the bar yet again revealing its new Domestic Business Cla

I wish they'd put a bar on the Airbus, they could resell my seat. I'd just hang out there.
Do you think people will pay extra for a J seat on the East West route. I can't see how when market forces will most likely be what is price driven.
Also what guarantee is there if your aircraft is substituted to a non upgraded A/C or even a 737.