Virgin Platinum Pointless?

[Quickstatus]

Experience from yesterday 13/11/15

bad traffic to sydney airport for 1815 VA SYD to MEL

left home at 1545 was crossing eastern distributor at 1800.

tried to ring VA plat number but on hold for a while

went online to change flight to 1930 flight and was successful (but see virgin website is rubbish for that experience)

Arrived at checkin with checkin luggage at 1920 (OLCI did not allow checkin with luggage). The flight was closed (but delayed till 1948).

Went to counter and was put on 2000 flight (which eventually departed at 2045). Lots of people were directed to same counter - suspect many were late due to bad traffic to airport

(When I went online to change 1815 flight to 1930 flight, I noticed that the 2000 and later flights had a higher fare bucket within the flexi conditions than our booking.) No extra charges was paid at counter .

Travelling party was VA plat, VA gold, VA red on 3 flexi tickets.

I wonder if the status made a difference or the combo of status and relatively expensive tickets pushed up relative percieved customer value PCV.

 

[JohnK]

A complementary snack off the BOB menu would be a nice perk for Plat members traveling in Y (similarly to that on AA for OWE members).

I think that was the case ~3-4 years ago when I was VA Platinum. Not sure you will see that benefit back in a hurry.

 

[pythonisman]

A complementary snack off the BOB menu would be a nice perk for Plat members traveling in Y (similarly to that on AA for OWE members).

I was on a flight recently where I saw the Velocity VIP member next to me exercise this privilege. I'd assume they'd (unfortunately) be unlikely to extend to the likes of lowly platinum members like us.

Seat blocking would also be appreciated, not just row 3, but other rows too!

Agreed!

 

[johnnyfive]

They should extend Platinum comp upgrades to TT flights(but preferably system-wide ) now that they offer J on those routes.

 

[Deleted member 29185]

They should extend Platinum comp upgrades to TT flights(but preferably system-wide ) now that they offer J on those routes.

Why just TT? Why not all short haul INT?

 

[Rigs]

It is not an uncommon criticism of the program that there is not a big step up in benefits from gold to platinum. On the other hand, it is not obvious what additional benefits they could easily offer. Having said that, you could argue that the sweet spot level in many programs is not always the top level, but one notch down.

This. Unless VA develops a series of J lounges WP will remain useful but not a great leap up. That being said, I think I would appreciate the four free upgrades, even if they are only on flexi tickets. I also like the partner status with Europcar and Hilton. What would be a good kicker for me would be something like greater access to lounges such as the SilverKris in Singapore, limo transfers or even something totally different like complimentary accor plus membership. Getting to WP is something I would enjoy, if I reach it but I am comfortable in SG and feel well taken care of in general by the program.

 

[Nicholas Wood]

My favorite WP benefit of recent time was taking the whole family (4) back to NZ on guaranteed rewards sets over the peak Christmas period. With the added bonus that these flights were treated as paid flexi tickets.

 

[Ausbt]

My favorite WP benefit of recent time was taking the whole family (4) back to NZ on guaranteed rewards sets over the peak Christmas period. With the added bonus that these flights were treated as paid flexi tickets.

Do you remember the cost of those reward seats?

 

[Nicholas Wood]

We had 3 return tickets BNE-CHC (+ 1 Infant) Total points = 85,800 I think we paid an $145pp in taxes + $75 for the infant too

 

[johnnyfive]

Why just TT? Why not all short haul INT?

Indeed! Maybe 2 x dom/shorthaul and 2 x long-haul?

 

[davidsilver]

I would love to see the upgrades extended to all VA services, they could charge them 1 for dom, 2 for shorthaul and 4 for long haul. This provides more benefit, even make them available on saver fares domestically

 

[Deleted member 29185]

I would love to see the upgrades extended to all VA services, they could charge them 1 for dom, 2 for shorthaul and 4 for long haul. This provides more benefit, even make them available on saver fares domestically

But wouldn't that require some degree of website functionality? I think that may be the elephant in the room.

 

[deepblerg]

But wouldn't that require some degree of website functionality? I think that may be the elephant in the room.

Haha!! And maybe an Android app! I continually shake my head at the state of their tech...

 

[Cryptarcadian]

But wouldn't that require some degree of website functionality?

And we can't even use those upgrade vouchers via the website as it is now, when there's only one kind of them!

 

[davidsilver]

Yes the lack of tech surprises me, I'm not that tech savvy but surely it can't be that difficult to build a stable and working website?

 

[medhead]

But wouldn't that require some degree of website functionality? I think that may be the elephant in the room.

Upgrade vouchers can't be used on website. no functionality required for something that can't be used

 

[Dee#]

Hi
Can you use the Etihad first lounge in Abu Dhabi if you are a Platinum Virgin and travelling business to Europe?
Last time I went 2014 it was all in one lounge due to renovations, and I think that was the business level lounge....nice sushi though!

 

[get me outta here]

Can't answer the actual question, apart from saying that I was in AUH J lounge a few days ago. The F lounge is not expected to open till May. The J loungewas just fine and I had a comp 20 min 'realignment' massage.

Hi
Can you use the Etihad first lounge in Abu Dhabi if you are a Platinum Virgin and travelling business to Europe?
Last time I went 2014 it was all in one lounge due to renovations, and I think that was the business level lounge....nice sushi though!

 

[Fiches Mouser]

Hi
Can you use the Etihad first lounge in Abu Dhabi if you are a Platinum Virgin and travelling business to Europe?
Last time I went 2014 it was all in one lounge due to renovations, and I think that was the business level lounge....nice sushi though!

Yep, you should be able to. For now, it's just a roped off area in the J lounge, but I believe WP pax will be able to access the new one (http://www.australianfrequentflyer....uest/anyone-have-any-update-etihad-72445.html)

 

[Jurahn]

But wouldn't that require some degree of website functionality? I think that may be the elephant in the room.

What, only ONE elephant? I thought they must have been breeding, the room seems to be full of them ...