Virgin Trans Tasman questions

[AdMEL]

Hi all,

I'm flying MEL-CHC this Friday (Feb 21) on VA62 and have a couple of questions:

1. When does the seat selection open up? From what I've read here, I thought it was T-48hrs, but that has passed and nothing has changed! Or is that only for domestic? Or only for status higher than Red?!

2. Is it possible to visit the VA lounge at MEL before heading through security? I'd like to check out what it's like post renovations. Or can I only access the NZ Koru international lounge? I'm Red but have purchased Lounge membership and will have a guest.

Thanks in advance.

 

[markis10]

I have heard reports that the domestic lounge will say no.

 

[drewbles]

I've accessed the domestic lounge in MEL prior to a VA operated tt flight. Shouldn't be a problem.

 

[Intra]

You won't be able to do online check-in for the flight, and with only Red status, I doubt much will open up to you.... Check seat selection within your booking to change your seat, works somewhat as a Seat Selection Pre-flight T-48 - Was great in getting Row 3 in what turned out to be a subbed 737 with J class (aka, Real leg room TT on VA rather than stuck behind the silly PE seats)

Int. Koru Lounge should be available to you if you hold VA Lounge Membership

 

[bass_ke]

Hope that you get Forrest, best Pac Blue CSM ever!

 

[AdMEL]

I've accessed the domestic lounge in MEL prior to a VA operated tt flight. Shouldn't be a problem.

Thanks. Was that recently? How long before your flight did you leave the lounge and head through customs/passport control?

You won't be able to do online check-in for the flight, and with only Red status, I doubt much will open up to you.... Check seat selection within your booking to change your seat, works somewhat as a Seat Selection Pre-flight T-48 - Was great in getting Row 3 in what turned out to be a subbed 737 with J class (aka, Real leg room TT on VA rather than stuck behind the silly PE seats)

Int. Koru Lounge should be available to you if you hold VA Lounge Membership

At T-30, I am unable to select any better seat than I already have (row 16), hence my question. I guess seats only open up at T-48 if you have status.

Hope that you get Forrest, best Pac Blue CSM ever!

Will keep an eye out!

 

[drewbles]

Thanks. Was that recently? How long before your flight did you leave the lounge and head through customs/passport control?

Umm I just called in briefly with a friend who was going somewhere else, so I guested them in, had a drink, then ran off if I recall. I believe you'll have access to the Koru Club as well, which may or may not be nicer, depending how busy (has a better selection of spirits, ie, it has spirits). VA's lounge has arguably better food though.

 

[markis10]

Umm I just called in briefly with a friend who was going somewhere else, so I guested them in, had a drink, then ran off if I recall. I believe you'll have access to the Koru Club as well, which may or may not be nicer, depending how busy (has a better selection of spirits, ie, it has spirits). VA's lounge has arguably better food though.

It might have been someone going to the Pacific islands that tried and was refused, which would make more sense.

 

[drewbles]

It might have been someone going to the Pacific islands that tried and was refused, which would make more sense.

That's the Koru club in AKL yes. There is no access, even as a WP, to Koru club when travelling with VA to the Pacific Islands.

 

[markis10]

That's the Koru club in AKL yes. There is no access, even as a WP, to Koru club when travelling with VA to the Pacific Islands.

I was still think they were told no at the dom MEL lounge, which is what was being recalled and discussed.

 

[serfty]

I have used the T3 VA lounge at MEL before both NZ and VA T-T flights with no issue (but not to any "small" pacific island).

 

[AdMEL]

At T-10.5, seat selection has opened up, but flight looks very full. Guess it might have happened at T-24? I can select row 3, but only middle seat. Only interested if it's an Australian plane with extra leg room, but can't tell. think I'll try for an exit row seat at check-in. Interestingly, aisle seats are available in rows 5,6,7,9, but not middle seats!

 

[TomVexille]

All the Trans Tasman flights are on NZ registered aircraft with NZ based crews.

 

[markis10]

All the Trans Tasman flights are on NZ registered aircraft with NZ based crews.

Not on the route the OP is flying, ie:

22/01/2014 VA62 Melbourne Christchurch VH-VOX B737-800 8J/168Y
23/01/2014 VA62 Melbourne Christchurch VH-VOX B737-800 8J/168Y
29/01/2014 VA62 Melbourne Christchurch VH-VOX B737-800 8J/168Y
30/01/2014 VA62 Melbourne Christchurch VH-VOX B737-800 8J/168Y
31/01/2014 VA62 Melbourne Christchurch VH-VOX B737-800 8J/168Y
01/02/2014 VA62 Melbourne Christchurch VH-VOX B737-800 8J/168Y
02/02/2014 VA9948 Melbourne Christchurch VH-YFG B737-800 8J/168Y

 

[TomVexille]

Not on the route the OP is flying, ie:

22/01/2014 VA62 Melbourne Christchurch VH-VOX B737-800 8J/168Y
23/01/2014 VA62 Melbourne Christchurch VH-VOX B737-800 8J/168Y
29/01/2014 VA62 Melbourne Christchurch VH-VOX B737-800 8J/168Y
30/01/2014 VA62 Melbourne Christchurch VH-VOX B737-800 8J/168Y
31/01/2014 VA62 Melbourne Christchurch VH-VOX B737-800 8J/168Y
01/02/2014 VA62 Melbourne Christchurch VH-VOX B737-800 8J/168Y
02/02/2014 VA9948 Melbourne Christchurch VH-YFG B737-800 8J/168Y

Interesting. I fly that route several times a year and have never had an Australian aircraft/crew.

 

[markis10]

Interesting. I fly that route several times a year and have never had an Australian aricraft/crew.

Aother route that gets the mix:




Date Flight No From Via To Registration Type Configuration
19/01/2014 VA66 Brisbane Wellington VH-VOX B737-800 8J/168Y
19/01/2014 VA68 Brisbane Wellington VH-VOX B737-800 8J/168Y
20/01/2014 VA66 Brisbane Wellington VH-VOX B737-800 8J/168Y
20/01/2014 VA68 Brisbane Wellington VH-VOX B737-800 8J/168Y
21/01/2014 VA66 Brisbane Wellington VH-VOX B737-800 8J/168Y
21/01/2014 VA68 Brisbane Wellington VH-VOX B737-800 8J/168Y
24/01/2014 VA66 Brisbane Wellington VH-VOX B737-800 8J/168Y
24/01/2014 VA68 Brisbane Wellington VH-VOX B737-800 8J/168Y
27/01/2014 VA66 Brisbane Wellington VH-VOX B737-800 8J/168Y
27/01/2014 VA68 Brisbane Wellington VH-VOX B737-800 8J/168Y
28/01/2014 VA66 Brisbane Wellington VH-VOX B737-800 8J/168Y
28/01/2014 VA68 Brisbane Wellington VH-VOX B737-800 8J/168Y
17/02/2014 VA66 Brisbane Wellington VH-VUY B737-800 8J/168Y
17/02/2014 VA68 Brisbane Wellington VH-VUY B737-800 8J/168Y
18/02/2014 VA66 Brisbane Wellington VH-VUY B737-800 8J/168Y
18/02/2014 VA68 Brisbane Wellington VH-VUY B737-800 8J/168Y
19/02/2014 VA66 Brisbane Wellington VH-VUY B737-800 8J/168Y

 

[TomVexille]

Aother route that gets the mix:




Date Flight No From Via To Registration Type Configuration
19/01/2014 VA66 Brisbane Wellington VH-VOX B737-800 8J/168Y
19/01/2014 VA68 Brisbane Wellington VH-VOX B737-800 8J/168Y
20/01/2014 VA66 Brisbane Wellington VH-VOX B737-800 8J/168Y
20/01/2014 VA68 Brisbane Wellington VH-VOX B737-800 8J/168Y
21/01/2014 VA66 Brisbane Wellington VH-VOX B737-800 8J/168Y
21/01/2014 VA68 Brisbane Wellington VH-VOX B737-800 8J/168Y
24/01/2014 VA66 Brisbane Wellington VH-VOX B737-800 8J/168Y
24/01/2014 VA68 Brisbane Wellington VH-VOX B737-800 8J/168Y
27/01/2014 VA66 Brisbane Wellington VH-VOX B737-800 8J/168Y
27/01/2014 VA68 Brisbane Wellington VH-VOX B737-800 8J/168Y
28/01/2014 VA66 Brisbane Wellington VH-VOX B737-800 8J/168Y
28/01/2014 VA68 Brisbane Wellington VH-VOX B737-800 8J/168Y
17/02/2014 VA66 Brisbane Wellington VH-VUY B737-800 8J/168Y
17/02/2014 VA68 Brisbane Wellington VH-VUY B737-800 8J/168Y
18/02/2014 VA66 Brisbane Wellington VH-VUY B737-800 8J/168Y
18/02/2014 VA68 Brisbane Wellington VH-VUY B737-800 8J/168Y
19/02/2014 VA66 Brisbane Wellington VH-VUY B737-800 8J/168Y

Aircraft substitutions? Because both routes are sold on the VA website as operated by Virgin Australia NZ.

 

[markis10]

Aircraft substituions? Because both routes are sold on the VA website as operated by Virgin Australia NZ.

Does not mean they wont use Aus aircraft from time to time, just like jetconnect services often have VH aircraft.

 

[bass_ke]

Interesting, answers my question as to how they do so many routes with relatively few ZK aircraft.

 

[TomVexille]

Does not mean they wont use Aus aircraft from time to time, just like jetconnect services often have VH aircraft.

That makes more sense. I assume the crews would still be NZ based?