What benefits would you like with Velocity?

[thegurio]

Swipe card,get signature etc.

On a per transaction basis it seems slower to me, but then I haven't sat there with a stop watch. Not to mention there are way less transactions on QF.

I am one of those who uses cc on board ... Having said that however i give them the card, they give me the food, then they give the card back - no signature, no waiting, no holdups. I have no idea on how to improve that side of things but yes another cart would work, either that or sit up the front (row 4-7 like i am tonight!) or behind the emergency rows (17 - 20).

For Gold:

• Auto upgrades to PE (when available), maybe in exchange a blocked seat?
• Free L2A
• Free food and drink - mind you this is all taking away from PE i guess
• Guest access for The Lounge
• Reciprocity of lounge access OS

For Silver

• Free L2A
• Welcome drink
• Seat up the front (no idea what to call it but you get the idea)

The only thing stopping me from purchasing lounge access is the lack of a lounge in HBA. I know we arent going to get one soon or if ever but my main destination is ADL and as its at the end of the flight i should be getting on with the reason why im there rather than swanning around in The Lounge. Now that they have stopped the direct flight from HBA - ADL and i either have to go through MEL, SYD or CBR, i am considering getting it, when i get silver, as it will be cheaper and i will use it more. As opposed to now when it is cheaper for me just to pay the $30 every time i use it.

As an aside we are thinking of going to AKL or CHC sometime in the next few weeks - i'd love to show MrsGurio The Lounge etc, so that i'd have more ammo for getting it but like anything, as there isnt a lounge in the international terminal, it is kind of a defeated purpose.

 

[oz_mark]

In terms of benefit, for me the most tangible benefit of my QF gold, is that it gains QF loung access.

So, I would like
a) guest access,
b) more access to partner airlines lounges, (seems to be MH in Syd when flying VA, but what if flying Pacific Blue?)


and other things like
c) points upgrades to PE/Blue Zone

 

[JohnK]

Swipe card,get signature etc.

No need for signature. Place order and hand over credit card and they return with the order, credit card and receipt.

On a per transaction basis it seems slower to me, but then I haven't sat there with a stop watch. Not to mention there are way less transactions on QF.

It appears to me the DJ cabin crew are going through the motions when on cart duty fumbling about with each order. QF cabin crew are very good at what they do and appear to be more professional.

 

[pauly7]

Back ON topic - Do we really think any more changes will be made to the program?

I'm actually very optimistic that they will do a continuos build (certainly) if not a pretty serious overhaul of the program - there are so many gaping holes in it - some of them that seem pretty easy fixes.

There are also other issues like the non-use of PE that could be dovetailed into an improved Velocity really well. I imagine if there was automatic upgrades to PE (if avail) for Gold then alot of people here would get a lot more serious about the program!

 

[wallacej]

I'm actually very optimistic that they will do a continuos build (certainly) if not a pretty serious overhaul of the program - there are so many gaping holes in it - some of them that seem pretty easy fixes.

There are also other issues like the non-use of PE that could be dovetailed into an improved Velocity really well. I imagine if there was automatic upgrades to PE (if avail) for Gold then alot of people here would get a lot more serious about the program!

You are right, this year I have flown on QF around 40% of my flights. This time last year was 100%DJ.

All the Gold benefits seem to be on the ground (save luggage). If there were some benfits gained in the air it would convince me to stay with DJ for the g'teed upgrade to PE, or blocked seat next to me (where availablility allows).

This would be huge against QF. Imagine that as a Gold you were g'teed a blacked out seat or PE upgrade (if available) I would certainly force more business to DJ for that.

 

[dajop]

NoIt appears to me the DJ cabin crew are going through the motions when on cart duty fumbling about with each order. QF cabin crew are very good at what they do and appear to be more professional.

To be fair to the DJ crew, how hard is it to hand out a stack of pre organised trays? With QF - choice limited to tea, coffee, OJ or soft drink and with the odd customer or two paying for beer or soft drink (usually with no receipt). By contrast DJ crew have to manage change, print receipts, often manage a credit card transaction, and deal with a choice of what 20 menu items? It's not a matter of simply picking up the next tray and handing to the passenger. Whether they do it well or not, a fair comparison is not between DJ & QF, but DJ/JQ/TT.

 

[AnonymousCoward]

If there were some benfits gained in the air it would convince me to stay with DJ for the g'teed upgrade to PE, or blocked seat next to me (where availablility allows).

This would be huge against QF. Imagine that as a Gold you were g'teed a blacked out seat or PE upgrade (if available) I would certainly force more business to DJ for that.

Won't this lead to the "americanisation" of DJ? This is the type of benefit that's been periodically available on many US carriers, but has either turned out to be not viable, or has lead to the devaluing of cabins.

Golds will be buying cheap seats, and then getting an expensive PE one. Or if you want two seats, then just pay for two cheap seats...

As for "in the air" benefits - you get more miles per dollar spent as a Gold. What "in the air" benefits do QFF Plats get? Not much other than extra miles.

Perhaps the ability to upgrade to PE using Velocity points would be a more viable option.

 

[777]

Long time listener first time caller!

I joined velocity in October last year. I'm silver already and 4/5 of the way to gold. Should get there in the next month or two. I fly MEL to Brisbane and/or Sydney and/or Newcastle for work an average of once or twice a week plus a few other random trips (NZ, Adelaide, Perth). I also fly O/S for work probably twice a year on average. All my travel is in economy and can either be price sensitive (if i'm paying for it) or full fare (if someone else is).

I'll start with what i like about Velocity:

Credits for Every Flight -- this was probably the biggest factor that got me to join velocity. I have been flying MEL-NTL a lot and after QF abandoned the route to JQ there was no opportunity to earn even a small number of credits without paying over the odds (full fare - which is usually several times the discount fare) for the flight.

Priority Line -- Since i clocked silver, this is great. I usually fly hand luggage only but have found the line to be great every time i've used it. Staff a very helpful, seating requests are usually well handled etc. One of the few things about status that really feels like it's worth having achieved.

The Lounge -- Joined early this year. Not sure how (why?) i ever travelled without it. Was a QC member years ago but find the lounge to be pretty damn good in comparison.

What i would like to see for SILVER or GOLD velocity members...

Upgrades -- It has been mentioned several times in this thread already but it is slightly crazy that the PE seats sit empty on most flights. There are various ways to do this but surely gold members could be bumped up the front on occasions? I'd be happy to pay for an upgrade with points or the priority line staff or The Lounge staff could be given the capacity to bump people up every x numbers of flights at their discretion?

Bizarrely one of the reasons i switched all my fying to DJ and joined Velocity is that i took several flights last year (before i joined) where they bumped me up to the front when the flight was full - i think it has only happened once since i joined velocity and never since i clocked to silver. Made me feel like they really wanted me - which may have been a totally random mistake in hindsight.

Live to Air, in flight service credits -- I understand that DJ's business model is not about loading up on the extras BUT i do find it slightly annoying that i don't earn any points with all the extra stuff i buy from them. It isn't uncommon for me to buy two beers, a snack and L2A on a late night MEL-BRIS flight. That's an extra $20-$25 per flight that i'm not earning any points for. I recognise it might be administratively a little tricky, but surely there is some way to recognise this?

Perhaps we could put "velocity credits" on our velocity cards to use for purchases of in flight services and to earn points accordingly. I'd happily put $100 on my velocity account and/or link it to my credit card if i could use it to buy in flight food, services, etc if i could earn points for it at the usual rates. Probably a little tricky from a software point of view but the same feature could be used to provide credits to FF status holders for things like a free drink, etc?

Free L2A -- I think it would be great for Gold members in particular to get free L2A. Could be done via upgrades to PE, by swiping the velocity card, etc. It's something to aim for. I'm already silver, a lounge member, etc so i don't really get very much at all extra when i hit gold.

Reciprocal Benefits -- I second all the people here who have asked for some sort recognition of status on partner airlines. I want to be able to use a lounge when flying with a partner airline. Again, thinking laterally there are a few ways to do this. Obviously you could negotiate one on one with partner airlines, you could join an alliance, or perhaps even try and negotiate with someone like Priority Pass to provide international lounge access. I know they already have a relationship with DJ. Perhaps DJ could provide free or heavily discounted PP membership with Velocity Gold and a mildly discounted one with velocity silver. That would make a lot of sense in terms of beefing up international relationships on the cheap?

Alliance membership -- Yes. Yes. Yes. please. Star Alliance would be great (i am a former ansett FF and Singapore Krisflyer Silver member) but skyteam would be passable. At the very least, the Virgins could get together globally and provide access to each other's facilities and reciprocal status credits.

Go easy on me. First time!

 

[Flashback]

Welcome to AFF 777!

 

[JohnK]

To be fair to the DJ crew, how hard is it to hand out a stack of pre organised trays? With QF - choice limited to tea, coffee, OJ or soft drink and with the odd customer or two paying for beer or soft drink (usually with no receipt). By contrast DJ crew have to manage change, print receipts, often manage a credit card transaction, and deal with a choice of what 20 menu items? It's not a matter of simply picking up the next tray and handing to the passenger. Whether they do it well or not, a fair comparison is not between DJ & QF, but DJ/JQ/TT.

I think you are right and I was being a bit harsh.

I was on DJ last flight of the night SYD-BNE last night and there was 2 carts in operation, one from the front and one from the middle. Did not appear to be much take-up from passengers of what was on offer. I was in exit row and I ordered a VB and it was processed rather quickly and efficiently. By the time the 1st cart had finished and they were about to pack up I ordered another VB which was processed just as quickly and efficiently.

On another note I used web check-in and allocated myself 12D for the flight. Original allocation was for 28F and I can't understand why I keep getting window seats allocated. Anyway when I checked in at the airport I was askied if I was interested in exit row. I said yes but only if aisle seat available. No problem given boarding pass for 15C and ended with spare seat next to me.

Interesting to note Live to Air was on for the duration of the flight as I could flick through the channels without any of them blocked out. Did not have earphones and was not interested in paying attention to anything anyway.

Nice flight with friendly crew and without the pressure and expectation of a QF flight for a change.

 

[crazydave98]

Folks, thanks for the suggestions - they are all noted, and welcome 777.

I have mentioned before that technology is the single biggest constraint on us being able to provide the sort of recognition we would like to, as our reservations system was designed for true LCCs such as Tiger and Ryanair. However we are upgrading to a more flexible system which will allow for significant improvement and allow us to deliver benefits seamlessly. We recognise especially the importance of reciprocity (earn/burn on partner airlines, lounge access, status recognition), and being able to upgrade with points.

cheers

CrazyDave98

 

[docjames]

Long time listener first time caller!

Go easy on me. First time!

Welcome and FANTASTIC first post 777! You summed up nicely most of the prime "enhancements" (airlines love that word!) needed.

CrazyDave is listenting, I just hope DJ can hurry the process of the IT upgrade!!

 

[Flashback]

Welcome and FANTASTIC first post 777! You summed up nicely most of the prime "enhancements" (airlines love that word!) needed.

CrazyDave is listenting, I just hope DJ can hurry the process of the IT upgrade!!

I do know someone working on this, and believe me they're putting their all into it

 

[scibo10]

After reading 777's post, did anyone else want 777 to run for PM?

I agree with everything that was written. Great suggestions that should drive short and long term benefits for Virgin Blue, albeit with some initial costs.

 

[777]

After reading 777's post, did anyone else want 777 to run for PM?

Kevin777? I like the sound of that.

Seriously, thanks for all the positive feedback guys and thanks to CrazyDave for taking the suggestions on board to the powers that be. Very good to hear these things are being worked through. Any idea of the timeline?

 

[anat0l]

If it's anything like what we've known from DJ/Velocity through a couple of AFF Dos, changes get implemented piecewise with a lot of "testing" and evaluation.

From a distance that's actually not a bad strategy as it always looks like Velocity have got something good consistently a lot of the time where as when QF push out a new lot of benefits it just looks like a one hit wonder and pretty lame.

Pollies do it all the time, especially near elections.

 

[clare_s_]

Kevin777? I like the sound of that.

Seriously, thanks for all the positive feedback guys and thanks to CrazyDave for taking the suggestions on board to the powers that be. Very good to hear these things are being worked through. Any idea of the timeline?

Well, upgrading to Premium Economy using points is here:
Velocity Homepage > Specials tab > Want a Premium Economy taste test?

There are also some new Special Offers for Premium Economy flyers:
Velocity Homepage > Specials tab > A Premium Economy bonus on the Ground!

 

[wallacej]

Well, upgrading to Premium Economy using points is here:
Velocity Homepage > Specials tab > Want a Premium Economy taste test?

There are also some new Special Offers for Premium Economy flyers:
Velocity Homepage > Specials tab > A Premium Economy bonus on the Ground!

Good move, but unfortunately will leave me out as we never purchase fully flex or Corp Plus fares.

It certainly is a step in the right direction. Price seems right too

Premium Economy Taster Upgrade is valid on Virgin Blue domestic flights between 28 April and 27 July 2009 for Guests travelling on Corporate Plus or Flexible Fares. Offer is subject to Premium Economy fare availability and may not be available on all flights and routes.

It is interesting that Gold Members are noted in a seperate box as being able to purchase via credit card - I am not sure what the difference is, or why Gold Members are even given a seperate mention. I wonder if the price is cheaper, or by calling as a gold member you might be swing a freebie???

 

[alien]

Maybe a way to improve this would be to hand out a menu card during safety briefing for people to order so they can have 1 person in the galley organising the hot food and the others processing the rest more efficiently....

An automated menu ordering system from the back tv screen could do the trick or maybe try pre-ordering from the web when people check in online.

 

[alien]

Long time listener first time caller!

What i would like to see for SILVER or GOLD velocity members...

Upgrades -- .......There are various ways to do this but surely gold members could be bumped up the front on occasions? ..........The Lounge staff could be given the capacity to bump people up every x numbers of flights at their discretion?

This would be great. I can also say that i used to get an upgrade so to speak by being placed up the front when they could but since being silver since inception have never been offered any seat within the first 3 rows even though they remain empty of most flights i'm on........

Live to Air, in flight service credits -- I understand that DJ's business model is not about loading up on the extras BUT i do find it slightly annoying that i don't earn any points with all the extra stuff i buy from them. It isn't uncommon for me to buy two beers, a snack and L2A on a late night MEL-BRIS flight. That's an extra $20-$25 per flight that i'm not earning any points for. I recognise it might be administratively a little tricky, but surely there is some way to recognise this?

I'd really like to see points earned on flight purchases maybe extra status points??