Virgin or AirNZ Mel/Lax Dilemma

[Rj_louise]

Hi All,

Would value your expert opinions on my current booking dilemma. Have just reached self funded Gold VA status, am planning on booking a Mel/Lax anniversary trip in November. Was planning on buying flexi economy fares with VA ($3,800) and upgrading to J with points, but now contemplating booking Y+ on AinNz (great deal $4,200) and saving the points for a family trip to LAX.

I have to say that since the direct flights from Mel are no longer that the AirNZ flight times are preferential but I know that you can't compare the VA J product to the AirNZ space seat but was just interested in others thoughts on what they would do.

Thanks in advance!

 

[robd]

VA Flexi whY & upgrade with points. No brainer for me

 

[bullerdude]

J upgrade... I found the AirNZ space seats horrible to sleep in.

 

[kevrosmith]

If you don't mind the extra hop across and back over the Tasman, sometimes VA fares to USA ex NZ (meaning you leave NZ and fly back to Oz before heading onto USA) are cheaper than direct from Oz... Then you have to weigh up the $$s v. time/effort/bother.

 

[notzac]

Not a huge fan of the space seat. Maybe they don't suit tall people so well? Also, NZ's service and catering has slid quite a bit; I would say that VA is quite a bit better (especially VA J vs. NZ J).

 

[Oxy]

VA PE has also had some good deals on lately, we paid $2200 mel-lax for next week. The specials were on for later in the year also, but cannot remember the dates. That way you at least get a better seat if your upgrades don't come through. Or you could put a cash bid in, I just got the email for our upcoming flights. Lowest bid $1000 PE to J for the long haul sector.

 

[Keen]

I'd try and get PE seats, can sometimes be cheaper than flexi. Last time I flew to LAX PE was $180 each way more expensive than saver.
Win win as deeskick says, more status and points. Although on another note, not a fan of PE as the armrests aren't raisable, would rather economy with a spare seat next to me.

 

[doczim]

VA PE has also had some good deals on lately, we paid $2200 mel-lax for next week. The specials were on for later in the year also, but cannot remember the dates. That way you at least get a better seat if your upgrades don't come through. Or you could put a cash bid in, I just got the email for our upcoming flights. Lowest bid $1000 PE to J for the long haul sector.

that was a good sale. it ended 3 Feb I think. They usually come around again if you have the patience.

 

[n7of9]

definitely keep an eye on sale fares... MEL/SYD-LAX PE ~$2200 happens a few times a year, then upgrade to J for 90,000 points return... call for upgrade availability before you book a ticket, you get instant upgrades on virgin