Virgin to Fiji 2022

[Notyourbag]

I noticed Virgin have loaded flights to Nadi into their system for 2022. How likely are these flights to actually go ahead?

Do they have international approvals in the Bain era and VAI short haul crew?

 

[henrus]

I noticed Virgin have loaded flights to Nadi into their system for 2022. How likely are these flights to actually go ahead?

About as likely as the QF 2021 Christmas flights to Fiji. Honestly no one knows and as I've said before if anyone has a crystal ball that knows the answer then please let me know (I want a go).

A colleague of mine was getting excited about the QF flights to Fiji and my response was... "At the moment you're just giving the airlines an interest free loan". Until we know for sure (from both the AU and FJ Govs) what the restrictions are then there is limited point booking.

Do they have international approvals in the Bain era and VAI short haul crew?

Yes, all of that infrastructure still exists. Crew to Fiji were a mixture of Australian domestic 737 crew plus the VA NZ 737 crew. Obviously the NZ crew base no longer exists but they do have the ability to use the AU crew on flights to Fiji.

 

[pblackie]

I'm planning on booking for early January, will be using money stuck in a travel bank so money VA already have.

 

[AIRwin]

I'm planning on booking for early January, will be using money stuck in a travel bank so money VA already have.

At least you'll earn double status credits...

 

[SheikYerbouti]

I've booked for April, using travel bank. Cancellation is fine till 28 Feb so if it's uncertain then, or 2-week quarantine still exists, we cancel. Easy. Accomodation is also booked and only needs to be paid 7 days out.

 

[Notyourbag]

Ended up using my future fly credit for Easter 2022 with VA. Maybe a slightly safer approach than January! Lets hope The House lounge is back open in Sydney by then!

 

[antycbr]

They don’t seem to be available for velocity redemption, ended up using QF points instead.

Don’t understand why they’re launching BNE-NAN when they’ll need two weeks in Wellcamp based on the Queensland position on quarantine.

 

[jakeseven7]

They don’t seem to be available for velocity redemption, ended up using QF points instead.

Don’t understand why they’re launching BNE-NAN when they’ll need two weeks in Wellcamp based on the Queensland position on quarantine.

Because QLD will have covid cases everywhere by then

 

[Rangalad]

They don’t seem to be available for velocity redemption, ended up using QF points instead.

Don’t understand why they’re launching BNE-NAN when they’ll need two weeks in Wellcamp based on the Queensland position on quarantine.

Unless VA knows something that isn't public knowledge yet.

(Glass half full)

 

[antycbr]

Unless VA knows something that isn't public knowledge yet.

(Glass half full)

Given that VA is owned in part by the Queensland Government perhaps they do.

Seriously considering moving my business to QF - my home state airline.

 

[jakeseven7]

Given that VA is owned in part by the Queensland Government perhaps they do.

Seriously considering moving my business to QF - my home state airline.

Yes they probably know they can’t fly to India after a secret briefing from the QLD government…

 

[maccaisking]

I think it’s likely the Aus end of the trip will be ok by then with a week of home quarantine when returning . I wonder how keen Fiji will be on thousands of tourists coming in with no quarantine?

Sure they need the income but it’s certain there will be more COVID bought in.

 

[pblackie]

I think it’s likely the Aus end of the trip will be ok by then with a week of home quarantine when returning . I wonder how keen Fiji will be on thousands of tourists coming in with no quarantine?

Sure they need the income but it’s certain there will be more COVID bought in.

I'm hoping it's more like the bubble we had with New Zealand - no quarantine at either end.

 

[Must...Fly!]

The reality is that international travel with quarantine at both ends is a pipe dream for many people who actually have jobs they need to be at to function - including our most valuable health workers throughout the pandemic.

 

[jakeseven7]

I'm hoping it's more like the bubble we had with New Zealand - no quarantine at either end.

Yes that was a raging success.

Any future bubbles need a lot more commitment on both ends to make it work…

 

[antycbr]

Fiji need the revenue and have their act together on vaccination.

They need to move on and if they want tourism from Australia (their primary source) and to get FJ working again to the US etc, then they have no choice. They can't sit in splendid isolation in the South Pacific.

 

[MooTime]

Fiji need the revenue and have their act together on vaccination.

They need to move on and if they want tourism from Australia (their primary source) and to get FJ working again to the US etc, then they have no choice. They can't sit in splendid isolation in the South Pacific.

I heard Fiji had very high vax rates, but searching now I see their at a similar rate to us.

I cancelled my Perth trip in Feb & booked Fiji in Feb using Qantas reward seats. flying Fiji Airways. Free cancellation, same as accomodation.

Might change the return leg it with VA if they bring in reward seats in J. family trip so pay cash 1 & grab 2 rewards if available.

I don't see any issue with us flying to Fiji as other specific countries in 2022. C'mon, VA get out the reward seats.
Maybe they hoping few buy tickets with cash firstly.

I don't get access to lounge in Nadi, Fiji as requirement for entry for QF Gold is it must be a QF ticket no flight, I opted & preferred Fiji airlines so no lounge for me.

 

[MooTime]

Question.....I booked a QF reward seat & as it's on FIJI metal, the ticket is regarded as a FJxx_.
I notice if you purchase a cash ticket on QF website on FIJI metal it's regarded as a QF number.

I haven't come across this as not regular QF flyer.

The difference this gives is that I don't think I'll gain lounge access on departing Aus as I have FJ ticket.
FJ flyers don't have access to QF lounges even if they are QF status holders do they?

Thanks in advance.

 

[henrus]

The difference this gives is that I don't think I'll gain lounge access on departing Aus as I have FJ ticket.

Correct. No lounge access on FJ flight number but yes on QF flight number.

 

[MooTime]

Correct. No lounge access on FJ flight number but yes on QF flight number.

Correct, thanks mate.
I did also call QF & they confirmed it, no lounge access on QF reward bookings on FIJI Airways.
Fiji Airways are One World Connect, some sort of hybrid One World partner.

Will probably cancel & save the credit for a QF flight. Book with VA when they release reward seats.