New VA Fare Structure

[blackcat20]

Some not so good changes, including seat selection fees for status pax.
Domestic https://static.cdn.responsys.net/i5/responsysimages/content/virginaus/Domestic - Retail.pdf
Trans Tas https://static.cdn.responsys.net/i5/responsysimages/content/virginaus/Trans Tasman - Retail.pdf
International long haul https://static.cdn.responsys.net/i5...irginaus/International Long Haul - Retail.pdf

 

[Kendall Roy]

Some not so good changes, including seat selection fees for status pax.

Is that a gee-up from VA?

 

[Mattg]

Interesting!

I wonder if this has anything to do with the new credit card fee structure being implemented in September.

Certainly looks like VA is trying to copy the likes of BA in terms of removing benefits for passengers booked on the cheapest tickets. For example, Fly Ahead appears to be no longer available to status flyers on "Getaway" tickets. Kind of undermines VA's drive to become a "full service" airline, IMHO.

 

[Buzzard]

First thing I thought too Mattg, recovering lost CC fees.

 

[Ansett]

VA's Simpler and Fairer?

 

[HeavyElectricity]

Interesting that for the first time I've seen, some of these ticket options allow name changes (for a fee) - I think it was always forbidden before, even on the most flexible tickets?

 

[a330j]

Trans Tasman looks like VA is trying to copy Air NZ.
Lets hope the SC earn isn't also "enhanced" in future to reflect Air NZ where the cheapest fare classes don't earn SC at all.

 

[Denali]

Domestic:
No bonus tier points for on cheapest Y fare?

And J check in luggage down from 3 x 32kgs to 2 x 32kgs?

Getaway, Elevate, Freedom, Go, GoPlus... I feel dumb just reading it

 

[yohy?!]

looks like Space+ is coming to domestic, wonder if this will require a reconfig of seating - no sign its free for elites either

 

[Virgin Bart]

Fees may apply for fly ahead?

 

[eastwest101]

Domestic:
No bonus tier points for on cheapest Y fare?

Yep - that stood out to me as the big change ("up yours") to the VA status flyers in the domestic fare restructure to me - higher status Velocity status members stripped of the bonus tier Velocity points earn.

The cheapest domestic economy fares having the advance seat preference fare will be interesting when the corporate travel agent booked/other peoples money customers start coming through to select seats - who will pay the seat selection fee? When that doesn't work whom will pay the assistance fee to do it over the phone?

Note also that the Velocity UpgradeMe Premium bid seems to imply more $$ and Velocity points required to bid - presumably that could already be in place now as we have seen differing success and failure rates for Upgrademe Premium bids in the relevant AFF thread.

As others have said - loss of revenue from credit card fees may be a part but don't forget that new guys in charge at Virgin now with Borghetti off doing deals in China and elsewhere.

 

[Mattg]

looks like Space+ is coming to domestic, wonder if this will require a reconfig of seating - no sign its free for elites either

I suspect this would just use the exit rows and the existing row 3 seats on the 737s.

 

[Princess Fiona]

Very poor changes.
I can't see VA Plat as worth holding onto now.
I also wonder what will happen to row 3 ?
Might be open for anyone who pays for seat selection?

Not happy Jan

 

[Blackswan]

Fees may apply for fly ahead?

Not even allowed on "Getaway"

I'll be "getting away" from VA, and likely switch back from VA SG to QF SG.

 

[andye]

Wonder where reward seats will fit in terms of benefits
Fee for flyahead removes one of the few advantages of VA over QF. No points bonus on cheapest flights is a bit of a kick in the teeth
I suppose there is still family pooling and functional priority boarding

 

[MH_fan]

Wow. Just...wow. There really is not much benefit to WP now. And VA's fares are pretty much the same as QF.

 

[samh004]

Getaway, Elevate, Freedom, Go, GoPlus... I feel dumb just reading it

That's how I felt, seems like an incredibly stupid decision, but something I've come to realise happens a lot at VA. I can only hope QF doesn't follow suit, but seeks to differentiate itself by going more upmarket, however they might do that.

Considering they're bleeding money now, I can't see how upsetting your FF's is the smart choice. But we'll have a look back at this in a year or so and see what has changed.

 

[Muppet501st]

Some sort of April fools joke,
If WPs loose the row 3 and fly ahead, then wow, that's all I can say.

 

[Mattg]

Considering they're bleeding money now, I can't see how upsetting your FF's is the smart choice. But we'll have a look back at this in a year or so and see what has changed.

There seems to be a trend these days where supposedly full-service airlines respond to competition from low-cost airlines by removing benefits and cutting costs - but not airfares. British Airways has been the market leader in this area, but other airlines (the major US airlines, Airberlin just last week and various others come to mind) are doing the same thing.

I don't understand how removing benefits while airfares remain constant/increase will do anything but lose you customers. Using a European example, I would previously choose to pay a little bit more to fly British Airways within Europe as I believed I would be getting a better service than on Easyjet or Ryanair. But now, British Airways has done so much cost-cutting that I don't consider the price premium worth paying.

It's a similar thing with VA. They've done so much cost-cutting, while at the same time increasing airfares. Why would I fly with them? I can get most of the same benefits for a lower price on Jetstar or Tiger. And if I want the benefits of a full service airline, I can fly Qantas for virtually the same price as Virgin.

I think Virgin need to take a good hard look at their strategy (assuming they do actually have one!). If they aren't going to compete on price, they need to try a lot harder to compete with Qantas by offering superior service and greater benefits to their frequent flyers. This doesn't even need to cost money - things like seat selection (not to mention, friendly service) cost the airline nothing!

 

[Milefest]

Penny pinching from status pax is a spit in the face to my loyalty.