Virgin Valet Parking - Sydney - flight delays

[Dec1971]

I put my car in to the Virgin Valet Parking at SYD on Tuesday, just gone for three days, booked online and paid what I think is a very fair $189 (from memory).

Returning on Friday from Launceston we were one of the many thousands of pax impacted by the strong winds and subsequent single runway issue at Sydney. A three hour delay of which two and a half hours were spent on the aircraft as we waited for SYD ATC to give us clearance to depart. In fact twice we were given a slot only to have the slots taken away within two minutes but I digress.

Now, I have to stress the Virgin staff were brilliant in what was a demanding situation, and our crew clearly cared about their role and their passengers.

When I returned to Sydney to collect the car I was advised of a $48 additional payment due to being three hours late. I just want to stress, this is not a moan as such, but I am curious to get other FF's view on this.

I get they have to make their money, and I also understand that the delay was not of Virgin's or any other airlines making. I just thought there might be a little leniency when a flight has been delayed.

No doubt this is all covered in the small print which I rarely read - yes, my fault.

Again, not a moan, just thought it worth raising for some conversation and sharing of views.

 

[hydrabyss]

Not sure if you are aware but parking is based on a per day rate not hourly when you stay overnight. It is always recommended to book till 11.59pm of the day you leave the carpark or 10pm for Virgin valet.This gives you a buffer incase of flight delays and is mentioned on the website from memory to do this.

 

[ozstamps]

Yes one would think they'd be lenient in that case.

I can never get me head around paying $189 for parking.

Unless you drive from Newcastle etc surely a cab each way is cheaper?

 

[henrus]

When I returned to Sydney to collect the car I was advised of a $48 additional payment due to being three hours late. I just want to stress, this is not a moan as such, but I am curious to get other FF's view on this.

I'd be annoyed as well and you've got every right to complain. The main problem is that VA doesn't operate the Valet, it's a 3rd party company (Wilson Parking) who couldn't care less that your flight was delayed.

As a side note - Consider yourself lucky, I know a few VA Platinums who were told the next flight available was 24+ hours away (would be faster to drive). Some just went and found $800 last minute Qantas tickets just to get to their meetings.

 

[Dec1971]

Yes one would think they'd be lenient in that case.

I can never get me head around paying $189 for parking.

Unless you drive from Newcastle etc surely a cab each way is cheaper?

Believe it or not is is about equivalent to a taxi from the North Shore.

 

[Dec1971]

I'd be annoyed as well and you've got every right to complain. The main problem is that VA doesn't operate the Valet, it's a 3rd party company (Wilson Parking) who couldn't care less that your flight was delayed.

As a side note - Consider yourself lucky, I know a few VA Platinums who were told the next flight available was 24+ hours away (would be faster to drive). Some just went and found $800 last minute Qantas tickets just to get to their meetings.

So I heard. There were a few moments where we thought we would be going nowhere that day. Again, credit to the Virgin crew on my flight for keeping everyone upbeat and as informed as possible.

 

[Ausbt]

Just to clarify, did they ping you for overstaying 3 hrs beyond your stated parking departure time or the maximum allowable? If the former that would be harsh. As others have said, I make my maximum the very closing time of the lot. I’ve used the V.valet once or twice if on sale, but once I even used SYD T3 domestic parking when flying out of T1 International for a 3 week trip simply because it was a bargain (far less than 2 cabs). 95% of the time I’m on the train.

 

[williamsf1]

Under the circumstances, I would send something to VA and ask for a refund of the additional . It is a 3rd party company, but they may be able to help if you are a status member or regular user of the service.

 

[odysseus]

I'd be annoyed as well and you've got every right to complain. The main problem is that VA doesn't operate the Valet, it's a 3rd party company (Wilson Parking) who couldn't care less that your flight was delayed.

The thing is that's not a waiver. The owning company is able to add contractual requirements and oversight; it's not a one sided contract where Wilson get to call the shots.

 

[OATEK]

Just be careful with how late you try and make a valet booking. While you can book to 11:59pm for general parking and keep it same day, the Valet staff knock off earlier (around 11pm from memory) and that becomes your latest practical booking time.

 

[farstar]

Yes one would think they'd be lenient in that case.

I can never get me head around paying $189 for parking.

Unless you drive from Newcastle etc surely a cab each way is cheaper?

From my house a Taxi is $100-$130 depending on time of day each way, in a large part of Sydney that is normal. Also we have Taxis not Cabs.

 

[Paulsyd]

Not sure about Virgin but the valet parking is probably outsourced, just like Qantas is to I think Hertz.