Full Marks to VB

[dghob]

My wife booked us with Virgin Blue to Mackay & back for the day last Saturday as a Valentine's Day extravagance (it was one on our income anyway). The fares were super cheap and we had an expectation that we would get what we paid for. As a Qantas customer all my life I've tended to stick with them mainly because of the points, the quick check-in queue and the lounge (when you can find a seat these days).

I have to say that Virgin got a big tick from us in every regard. Sure the departure area is a bit like the Roma St bus terminal, but that's the way things are now and old b@rstards like me have to accept that. We thought we'd try the Blue Room in Brisbane and when the young guy on the desk asked if we'd been there before and we said "no" he invited us in as his guests. Having seen the Blue Room we'd say it's good value. The flight was (almost) on time departing, the aircraft was clean, the cabin crew efficient, friendly and unobtrusive (unlike my previous VB experience where they were immature, giggling niusances). The return flight was the same, and I spent some time en route contemplating what a shame it would be if things went downhill for VB.

We'll probably keep flying Qantas for the reasons I gave above, but when the justification is there we'll certainly go with VB. Who knows, if Qantas don't pick up their service game a bit we might even end up VB regulars.

Anyway, seeing the way VB tends to get a bit of a pounding on this forum I thought they deserved a bit of positive feedback.

Cheers
dghob

[Ralph the Bong]

I agree with you on the Blue Room being a winner. VB would be a a reasonable outfit from the consummers point of view if they ditched the in-flight theatrics.

[johnyblack]

So the Blue Room is a winner.(Golden Whingers Lounge)
"ditch the theatrics" ie become proffesional FA's.
Lets see what Corrigan does with DJ.

AN cleaned up. Tasol!!

What says he changes the colours back to blue and gold. Patricks colours?:bored:

[Sunfish]

Blue room in Brisbane gets my vote too.

Going to do some diving up North soon. I'll make the obligatory call to QF to see if I can use up some more FF points, be told "No" and immediately call VB.

[The Enema Bandit]

Scumfish, who will you use if Qantas is cheaper?

Mr EB will be taking a rest from this thread for a bit.:mad: W

Respect.

[cornholeyo]

You gotta admit - a lot of people would probably like to hear the answer.....

[Metro Boy]

"Scumfish". What a pisser. Maybe I'll see you onboard Scumfish.


Likewise you will be taking a rest from this thread for a bit. W
:mad:

[ur2]

I am a bit concerned that what ever VB morphs into it will still not be able to compete, and eventually still struggle playing catch up, as it is now with J*.

Qantas has both ends covered and is a formidable competitor. It will not give up and lay down and allow VB to take away from it's most profitable arm, the bussiness end of the operation.

If they think it"s going to be an easy road they had better think this one out a bit better than they have with the introdution of J*.

There is no Ansett collapse this time round.

[Z Force]

I'm also quite interested as to who Sunfish will use if Qantas are cheaper.

[cornholeyo]

And the silence is deafening................ :rolleyes:

[Sunfish]

Actually I only just saw the question. Here is the answer.

I like to go diving with Mike Ball diving in Cairns. Its one of the worlds best live aboard dive operations and I've been with them four times (including New Guinea- spectacular!).

My modus operandi is simple. Once I know roughly what I'm doing in March I'll simply ring them maybe a week or two in advance. I get a 10% discount for being a repeat customer. I get another 10% for booking at the last minute. Plus I get upgraded accomodation as well.

I'll then ring QF FF and see if they can get me there preferably with half a day or more to spare because the boat leaves whether I am on it or not.

If I can use my FF points I will do so and fly QF saving about $500.

If I cannot use QF FF I will book and fly VB. I'll either do it by internet or get Mike Ball dive to do it. They often put in SSR's for their guests as well, at least for New Guinea..

I will not use J* because my bag includes diving gear and I will be right on the weight limit or perhaps slightly over. Furthermore if something screws up I am stuck in the wilds of Avalon. I can't do a last minute switch if necessary.

In addidition, I suspect the usual "I think I owe you a bit of money mate" when overweight isn't going to work too well with J*, even if I do arrive my usual two hours early and select a male check in person.
:}

The Sunfish domestic travel mode is to take a good book, mobile phone and water bottle. Minimal hand baggage. Get in sit down quickly, do up seat belt and shut up till after landing. If food or drink is offered thats a bonus. If its palatable thats even better.:}

[Z Force]

But you still haven't answered the question. What would you do if Qantas was cheaper than Virgin? Would you pay the extra and forego your your frequent flyer points?

[Spotlight]

I think Sunfish doing his best Noel Coward impression has answered that question.

Hey Sunfish, just out of interest were you one of the middle management that during an after work get together (nice pub, nice meal, lots of red) who while crowing over the carcus of Flight West was told by me that Ansett would be next. Prescient I thought but on the night lead to a larger than me black fellow standing over me jabbing his finger (ground handling manger as I recall).