Virgin Business Class Lottery - Pay for Business, get Premium Economy! Now 0 for 2.

[DaleS]

Re: Virgin Business Class Lottery - now 0 for 2. Pay for Business, get Premium Econom

Now enjoying a quiet Sunday afternoon after a good surf this morning. Just read this whole thread and found it a fascinating document of how humans behave. While initially feeling sorry for the dudded flyers - especially since I'm 4 for 4 on VA Business including ADL-SYD, SYD-OOL on the same plane - the comments went way over top. What a bunch of whingers. If you feel you have received bad service or product from any large company, a polite but firm contact outlining the complaint is the only way to go. These things sometimes take time but persistence is most often successful. Now that VA seems to have taken the issue on board and various posters have had their complaints addresses suddenly the thread take a different tone. As a mostly VA flyer I am glad that they seem to have listened.

My only point on the now defunct argument is that did these guys not fly PE in VA? Did you notice how much you paid back then? Do you see what you get now for virtually the same price?

Come mid 2012 with a lounge at OOL and Business seats on all flights or, as a Gold, the option of row 3 (which I find pretty comfortable) for sometimes as little as $79 I 'm pretty sure I'll be enjoying my VA experience.

 

[MichaelD]

Re: Virgin Business Class Lottery - now 0 for 2. Pay for Business, get Premium Econom

My only point on the now defunct argument is that did these guys not fly PE in VA?

Yes, including in that happy time when PE often meant proper J seating for PE price. Made the PE product worth putting up with when I got it given the PE product as it stood was poor value for money.

Did you notice how much you paid back then?

Yes, too much for PE for no significant benefit in my eyes.

Do you see what you get now for virtually the same price?

I paid over $1000 return and got the same seat and service I would have gotten for a $79 + $79 fare.
Well, OK, I would have gotten 3A instead of 2A but the seats are identical and one row and a snack are not worth $800.

...especially since I'm 4 for 4 on VA Business...

So you got exactly what you paid for and you don't understand why people who didn't get what they paid for are upset?

Would you feel the same way if you got 0 for 4 or 2 for 4?

Now that VA seems to have taken the issue on board and various posters have had their complaints addresses suddenly the thread take a different tone.

As it should, since Virgin have rapidly gone from "but this *IS* BUSINESS - see it says so on your ticket" to removing the rogue flights from sale.

Criticism where criticism is due.
Praise where praise is due.

 

[MarkD]

Re: Virgin Business Class Lottery - now 0 for 2. Pay for Business, get Premium Econom

Now enjoying a quiet Sunday afternoon after a good surf this morning. Just read this whole thread and found it a fascinating document of how humans behave. While initially feeling sorry for the dudded flyers - especially since I'm 4 for 4 on VA Business including ADL-SYD, SYD-OOL on the same plane - the comments went way over top. What a bunch of whingers. If you feel you have received bad service or product from any large company, a polite but firm contact outlining the complaint is the only way to go. These things sometimes take time but persistence is most often successful. Now that VA seems to have taken the issue on board and various posters have had their complaints addresses suddenly the thread take a different tone. As a mostly VA flyer I am glad that they seem to have listened.

My only point on the now defunct argument is that did these guys not fly PE in VA? Did you notice how much you paid back then? Do you see what you get now for virtually the same price?

Come mid 2012 with a lounge at OOL and Business seats on all flights or, as a Gold, the option of row 3 (which I find pretty comfortable) for sometimes as little as $79 I 'm pretty sure I'll be enjoying my VA experience.

Ahemmm PE to J for similar money???? Whilst I am inclined to agree with some of what you say, bit of a Generalisation that people didnt fly PE, well PE BNE-PER $750 J next day $1300, so how much did you fly PE, obviously not much because you are unaware of the almost doubling of fares. As has been correctly stated elsewhere, yes, it is Business, not PE, and thats fine, but if you paid J fare, and Got the PE service, or as some people recieved, NOTHING AT ALL, then rightfully they are pissed off, as would I be. I feel that you would be as well, any sane person would feel ripped off in that situation. Its not fair to comment on some comments earlier in the thread, because, as you correctly state, the issues have been addressed now, however, they WERE valid points when posted. Go for another surf and relax!

 

[brad330]

Re: Virgin Business Class Lottery - now 0 for 2. Pay for Business, get Premium Econom

Booking J reward seat CNS-CBR. I can book CNS-TSV-OOL-CBR. (Same AC) in J. When I look at them seperatly I cant book J? VA are you trying to cheat me?

 

[eastwest101]

Re: Virgin Business Class Lottery - now 0 for 2. Pay for Business, get Premium Econom

Some strange things going on with the VA booking site, as reported by others it seems that the B737-700 services now have J-class as unavailable for sale and people are unable to select Row 1 or 2. B737-800 services seems like J-class seats available and for E190 services it seems that J seats are still available for sale (presumably with adjacent seat blocked). Another member has reported J seats totally vanishing for sale on all LST-MEL flights - irrespective of equipment.

 

[jaspon]

Re: Virgin Business Class Lottery - now 0 for 2. Pay for Business, get Premium Econom

Some strange things going on with the VA booking site, as reported by others it seems that the B737-700 services now have J-class as unavailable for sale and people are unable to select Row 1 or 2. B737-800 services seems like J-class seats available and for E190 services it seems that J seats are still available for sale (presumably with adjacent seat blocked). Another member has reported J seats totally vanishing for sale on all LST-MEL flights - irrespective of equipment.

the sale of business class has now been pulled from all 737-700's until further notice, and the guest contact centre will be advising affected guests on these flights.
i am guessing the first 2 rows will still be available to J class pax who had booked on those routes with a 737 700 aircraft

 

[Mal]

i am guessing the first 2 rows will still be available to J class pax who had booked on those routes with a 737 700 aircraft

Yep. On my sat flight this is what occured. Staff still blocked j upon arrival. He was given a j meal etc. But i couldnt book the flight in j.

Sent from my GT-I9100 using AustFreqFly

 

[dandandan]

Re: Virgin Business Class Lottery - now 0 for 2. Pay for Business, get Premium Econom

Ahemmm PE to J for similar money???? Whilst I am inclined to agree with some of what you say, bit of a Generalisation that people didnt fly PE, well PE BNE-PER $750 J next day $1300, so how much did you fly PE, obviously not much because you are unaware of the almost doubling of fares. As has been correctly stated elsewhere, yes, it is Business, not PE, and thats fine, but if you paid J fare, and Got the PE service, or as some people recieved, NOTHING AT ALL, then rightfully they are pissed off, as would I be. I feel that you would be as well, any sane person would feel ripped off in that situation. Its not fair to comment on some comments earlier in the thread, because, as you correctly state, the issues have been addressed now, however, they WERE valid points when posted. Go for another surf and relax!

Not a happy camper at the moment, paid for business and sitting in old PE at moment on flight home from OOL-SYD. At no stage have I been informed of this until I got on the plane, even announced for Business guest to board first. This situation needs to be bought to a head. Will post further after flight.

 

[MarkD]

Re: Virgin Business Class Lottery - now 0 for 2. Pay for Business, get Premium Econom

Not a happy camper at the moment, paid for business and sitting in old PE at moment on flight home from OOL-SYD. At no stage have I been informed of this until I got on the plane, even announced for Business guest to board first. This situation needs to be bought to a head. Will post further after flight.

Well that sucks, apparantly not fixed

 

[muppet]

Re: Virgin Business Class Lottery - now 0 for 2. Pay for Business, get Premium Econom

Oh for goodness sake.
On every flight I've taken since J was introduced - 50% off J is heaps cheaper than the cheapest fare.
Because of the boo hoo-ing I cant buy J on flights that have J. I too flew on PE in J seats and the price is exactly then same - less on CBR-SYD than PE was. (I accept that its gone up for long routes PER etc. triangle and east coast capital cities are similar to PE. )

The PE seats are not that bad, and compared to Y the J service is great. I would/want to buy J knowing I can get a PE seat.

m

 

[MarkD]

Re: Virgin Business Class Lottery - now 0 for 2. Pay for Business, get Premium Econom

Oh for goodness sake.
On every flight I've taken since J was introduced - 50% off J is heaps cheaper than the cheapest fare.
Because of the boo hoo-ing I cant buy J on flights that have J. I too flew on PE in J seats and the price is exactly then same - less on CBR-SYD than PE was. (I accept that its gone up for long routes PER etc. triangle and east coast capital cities are similar to PE. )

The PE seats are not that bad, and compared to Y the J service is great. I would/want to buy J knowing I can get a PE seat.

m

Well good for you muppet, others would prefer to get what they have paid for. I get what I pay for, y class deep discount ticket and I get from a to b safely. The issue WAS that business class was being sold when the product could not be delivered. Thought they had fixed it, but it's on again today. Next time you go to hire a MERC and they offer you a friggin GOGOMOBILE lick it up and just take what they give you, because that is what you suggest these people do regarding purchased J ticketsis being suggested here

 

[calroth]

Re: Virgin Business Class Lottery - now 0 for 2. Pay for Business, get Premium Econom

Booking J reward seat CNS-CBR. I can book CNS-TSV-OOL-CBR. (Same AC) in J. When I look at them seperatly I cant book J? VA are you trying to cheat me?

I don't know about CNS-TSV, but I strongly suspect that TSV-OOL and OOL-CBR will be on an Embraer 190. (I'm going to be flying that route in a few days.) If so, you should reconsider whether you really want to book J based on those sectors.

 

[MichaelD]

Re: Virgin Business Class Lottery - now 0 for 2. Pay for Business, get Premium Econom

Perhaps they could have kept more people happy by allowing Premium Economy bookings on 737-700s.

Then, those that wanted PE can buy it, and more than likely would get J seating. No one would be disappointed if they paid for PE and got J seating.

I do, however, seem to vaguely recall reading that PE and J on Virgin book into the same fare buckets which would preclude this possibility.

Still, I think the solution offered is probably the one that is most likely not to disappoint their premium flyers, which is what it's all about at the end of the day.

 

[Mal]

Re: Virgin Business Class Lottery - now 0 for 2. Pay for Business, get Premium Econom

Against the general trend of this thread, I do feel some people are "hyper excited" about the whole issue. I'm not saying they are wrong, just that the outrage generated seems a little high. I think this primarily because you are not guaranteed a seat type on the competing carrier within Australia, and IMHO the ex-PE seats aren't too bad overall. You are still receiving the "soft" product for the service, and based on J loads I've seen ... You are likely to be either the only person in the J cabin, or one of 2 people in the cabin. The J FA will absolutely fawn over you regardless of seat type.

The thing that annoys me most though, is that I am now restricted in what I can book. Yep, I want to book some J fares and don't care about the seat type...

BTW, the clean-up of EMB routes hasn't been completed. ADL-BNE is still showing J available on the EMB.

 

[Tazza_0712]

Re: Virgin Business Class Lottery - now 0 for 2. Pay for Business, get Premium Econom

So to continue with the theme here... I flew OOL to SYD this evening in what I had booked as a business class seat and service just yesterday afternoon. Flight Status on Virgin's mobile web site displayed the aircraft as a 737-800. In actuality, it was a 737-700.

Seating was recovered PE, black leather with a tray table where the middle seat lies. Now, food and service was business class product, however I was looking forward to the seat, and agree with several other members here about the seat being a large portion of what you're booking and paying for.

Based on some of the comments and posts that I've read, am I to assume that I'll receive some sort of compensation from Virgin automatically? I'm not sure if I would press the issue, though overall I was underwhelmed with the product considering what I've seen advertised and was subsequently looking forward to.

Appreciate any tips/advice.

 

[dandandan]

Re: Virgin Business Class Lottery - now 0 for 2. Pay for Business, get Premium Econom

Well that sucks, apparantly not fixed

Yes it did suck! our flight from SYD-OOL on Friday night in row 3 on a newly configured or new 737-800 was a far more pleasant experience. The service offering for the makeshift Business was pretty poor. I didn't feel it was fair to complain to the staff on board as it's not their fault they are put in this situation however not being offered an explanation prior to or once on board is fairy poor. As Virign decided to not to advice us anything in regards to this I suspect they are willing to let it pass unless I advise them of my experience.

 

[lovestotravel]

Re: Virgin Business Class Lottery - now 0 for 2. Pay for Business, get Premium Econom

Seems they are selling "J" on the E Jets again

My flights over the weekend 2 x 737-800's

Another J flight on Wed and then 2 next weekend

 

[airtraveladdict]

Re: Virgin Business Class Lottery - now 0 for 2. Pay for Business, get Premium Econom

Virgin Australia's business class backdown for older Boeing 737s - Flights | hotels | frequent flyer | business class - Australian Business Traveller

Ausbt just announced that they wont be selling those seats as J class in the old 737 as business class. Because it has made frequent flyers and people who paid premium business class tickets unhappy.

And I read that they are also offering rebates for those who paid business class and got the old planes.

+1 for Virgin for listening

 

[markis10]

Virgin Australia's business class backdown for older Boeing 737s - Flights | hotels | frequent flyer | business class - Australian Business Traveller

Ausbt just announced that they wont be selling those seats as J class in the old 737 as business class. Because it has made frequent flyers and people who paid premium business class tickets unhappy.

And I read that they are also offering rebates for those who paid business class and got the old planes.

+1 for Virgin for listening

The article is a nice summary of whats been reported on this thread for a week or so , should I add 'exclusive' to the title?

Seems they are selling "J" on the E Jets again

Given the reconfig happens this month for them, thats to be expected.

Well that sucks, apparantly not fixed

What did you expect, them to gound the 737-700s and not use them for some routes or sub a 738? There will always be a risk while the aircraft are in the fleet that you will get on, getting there on a plane with a refund for substandard service beats waiting longer for a better seat IMHO.

 

[MichaelD]

Re: Virgin Business Class Lottery - now 0 for 2. Pay for Business, get Premium Econom

I have a bad feeling about this.

1. We now find out that there are *13* planes involved. That's a very long way indeed from what I and various others were told which was "only 2 left to refit and they'll be done by the end of March".

2. Instead of converting them and then selling them as J, they will make them all Y. So, if a plane substitution occurs from a 737-800 to a 737-700 which seems to happen quite often, you're not getting J.

(To pre-empt the obvious response - my preference in general is to wait a few hours for the next plane rather than take Y instead of J - unless it is a truly time-critical journey or the next plane is tomorrow).