Economy X [Domestic free for Platinum] - May 2017

[HeavyElectricity]

Just read over on AusBT:

Virgin Australia will offer economy class passengers more legroom, priority boarding and exclusive access to overhead locker space as part of its new Economy X service launching on domestic flights from May 2017. Other perks will include the same noise-cancelling headphones as used in the business class cabin as well as a 'guaranteed first meal choice' on flights where a full meal is served.

However, Velocity Platinum frequent flyers will be able to pre-select Economy X seats free of charge when making their booking or any time before check-in.

 

[HeavyElectricity]

Interesting comment about the noise-cancelling headphones - I wonder if this will only be offered on the 777/A330, as of right now business passengers in the 737 don't get noise-cancelling headphones anyway..... unless of course new business class in 737 at the same time? (getting a bit optimistic here haha!)

 

[TheInsider]

I reckon it will be harder to get the Row 3 seat now!

 

[andyhui01]

At least something to differentiate WP and SG and actually make me try to qualify for WP.

But are they going to keep the same number of rows? Doesn't that mean the rest of the plane will get less legroom?

 

[samh004]

Tell me again how these are the actions of a full service carrier not penny pinching? At least their Platinum members are safe... for now! What a joke

I see they note that on a 737 the first 3 rows will gain a minimum 3 extra inches of legroom... where will this be taken from?

 

[blackcat20]

Definitely no point trying to keep Gold then if I can just buy the seat I want...

 

[TheInsider]

I see they note that on a 737 the first 3 rows will gain a minimum 3 extra inches of legroom... where will this be taken from?

How much leg room from row 3 to row 2?

Probably going to reduce that leg room, while increasing the other 2 rows.

 

[Pleb Status]

It would appear that exit rows should now be free for VA WP if Space+ is being replaced. That would be a very nice bonus for WP. The ability to select at time of booking is very good as well.

Having to compete with everybody else for row 3 access is a negative however. Rows 4 and 5 will not be as cramped so there is some compensation there.

I await the official announcement from VA to see all of the T&C.

Looks like there will be some more differentiation between WP and SG which is what people have been asking for.

 

[kamchatsky]

Makes sense that WPs get these for free. The current benefit jump from SG to WP is not much compare to the SCs required.

 

[grubbidok]

When I read this all I can see is that they're probably going to clamp down on people like my wife (SG) and I (WP) sitting together in Row 3 when we're on the same booking.

Previously they've allowed this over the phone - can't see them doing it now there's revenue at stake. If they do it essentially takes away yet another benefit of a whole family trying to be loyal to the same airline.

 

[Jet L]

Does this mean that row 3 can be bought? If so it devalues WP in a way as you can have NRs sitting in row 3

 

[andyhui01]

Does this mean that row 3 can be bought? If so it devalues WP in a way as you can have NRs sitting in row 3

Row 3 isn't exclusive to WP. I see no status pax in the middle all the time. (dead giveaway when they don't put their laptop/handbags in the overhead and the FA has to do it for them)

 

[oz_mark]

Tell me again how these are the actions of a full service carrier not penny pinching? At least their Platinum members are safe... for now! What a joke

Plenty of the so called full service carriers have been adding fees for things over the last few years. Heck Qantas even sell passes to the lounge, have seat selection fees on international flights, and so on and so forth...

I see they note that on a 737 the first 3 rows will gain a minimum 3 extra inches of legroom... where will this be taken from?

They may have already started work on this. I was on a VA flight a few weeks back and did think that the amount of legroom seems unusually large!

 

[Jet L]

I have a theory that they are taking some space off of row 3 for the extra room: https://twitter.com/VirginAustralia/status/847310835391225860/photo/1 this photo makes row 3 look a little bit smaller

 

[andyhui01]

They may have already started work on this. I was on a VA flight a few weeks back and did think that the amount of legroom seems unusually large!

Thinking back, I did notice that on Row 5 2 weeks ago and just thought it was odd but didn't think much of it.

 

[HeavyElectricity]

Now on the Virgin Australia website:
https://www.virginaustralia.com/au/en/experience/on-board-the-flight/seat-selection/#Economy-X

Press release:
VIRGIN AUSTRALIA BRINGS ITS X-FACTOR TO THE SKIES | Virgin Australia Newsroom

 

[Bagpuss]

Now on the Virgin Australia website:
https://www.virginaustralia.com/au/en/experience/on-board-the-flight/seat-selection/#Economy-X

Press release:
VIRGIN AUSTRALIA BRINGS ITS X-FACTOR TO THE SKIES | Virgin Australia Newsroom

View attachment 94701

Interesting the press release mentions F70. I assume this must be when Alliance equipment is utilized.

 

[Pleb Status]

Interesting note on the FF page with regards to a possible WP shadow.

https://www.virginaustralia.com/au/en/experience/on-board-the-flight/seat-selection/#frequent-flyers

For our members we have key timings below to assist you to always get the best seats.

• Time of booking – we reserve specific zones that are only available for selection for members within the relevant Velocity tiers.
• 48hrs to departure – we release most of the unused seats in the preferred zones for others members and guests.
• 12hrs to departure - we release all unused seats in the preferred zones and, were we can, endeavour to provide a spare seat beside our Platinum Velocity members*.

Also note that Long haul is excluded for WP free access to YX seating.

 

[Jet L]

Interesting note on the FF page with regards to a possible WP shadow.

https://www.virginaustralia.com/au/en/experience/on-board-the-flight/seat-selection/#frequent-flyers

For our members we have key timings below to assist you to always get the best seats.

• Time of booking – we reserve specific zones that are only available for selection for members within the relevant Velocity tiers.
• 48hrs to departure – we release most of the unused seats in the preferred zones for others members and guests.
• 12hrs to departure - we release all unused seats in the preferred zones and, were we can, endeavour to provide a spare seat beside our Platinum Velocity members*.

That has always been there... It has never been followed

 

[DavidFlynn]

They may have already started work on this. I was on a VA flight a few weeks back and did think that the amount of legroom seems unusually large!

Quite so... many of the 737s already done, but Virgin Australia says they tried to keep them off the triangle as much as possible because they figured somebody on the triangle would notice, post photos to social media and word would get out before VA was ready!