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Virgin Australia: Fee-Free Booking Changes for Travel Up To 30 June 2021

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Associatedbeatthatflight @ Beat That Flight on 14/01/2021 - 09:56 newsroom.virginaustralia.com (1010 clicks)
Last edited 11/02/2021 - 13:26 by 1 other user
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Virgin Australia will be the first Australian airline to offer booking flexibility for travel until 30 June 2021, under a revised customer policy announced today.

The extended flexibility, part of Virgin Australia’s ‘Passenger Promise’, will see Australian travellers able to make unlimited date changes to their bookings, without incurring any change fees, for bookings made by 31 March 2021, for travel until 30 June 2021.1

A Virgin Australia Group spokesman said that today’s announcement is about giving customers peace of mind when making new bookings or changing an existing booking.

“We’re committed to our guests during these uncertain times and we’re proud to offer flexibility for travel until 30 June 2021,” he said.

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  • cheekymonkey on 14/01/2021 - 10:08
    +4

    queue Qantas announcement in 3…2…1..

  • friedmaki on 14/01/2021 - 10:13
    +5

    What a load of crap. I am having difficulties using up travel credits from flights that were cancelled in Mar2020. They had set absurd conditions for the usage of travel credits.

    • jv on 14/01/2021 - 10:15
      +2

      this isn't for travel credits.

      • odysseus on 14/01/2021 - 10:21

        Well, you'd expect it also to apply for flights booked with travel credit.

        • ol mate on 14/01/2021 - 10:37
          +12

          Flights cancelled in March 2020 were pre-voluntary administration.

          From a legal point of view, Bain could've told the credit holders (i.e. unsecured creditors) that they'd be getting 10c/$1 and extinguished the liability. The fact that they are giving the credit (albeit restricted) is more than Bain/VA were required to. Yes, it's not ideal, but it's better than losing the lot.

          • [Deactivated] on 14/01/2021 - 15:35

            @ol mate: Well said! They could easily have not honoured any of the credits, it's a different company now, there was/is no obligation to offer any credit. but they have out of their own pockets under the new owners.

          • amorn on 07/02/2021 - 17:04

            @ol mate: what are the restrictions? I didn't realize.

            • ol mate on 07/02/2021 - 17:44
              +1

              @amorn: On pre-VA bookings (I.e. until March or so), they are only offering a selected number of seats on select flights.

              For ones post VA, then no restrictions (this is what the deal is about)

    • darthhasbro on 14/01/2021 - 10:38

      Wrong thread

    • nightelves on 14/01/2021 - 12:09

      Hence if you can make your booking using points. I had all flights fully refunded and it took less than a week.

    • dexx on 14/01/2021 - 12:31
      +1

      I wonder if Virgin will put a longer expiry on travel credits. I cancelled a flight in Mar 2020 and they gave me until Feb 2021 on credit. But with all the lockdowns, i havent been able to use it.

      • [Deactivated] on 14/01/2021 - 15:37

        Have you logged into your Travel Bank to check?

        • dexx on 29/01/2021 - 17:19

          The credit was arranged over the phone last year. They didnt follow up with a letter/email and didnt give a reference number. What is Travel Bank?

  • jv on 14/01/2021 - 10:15
    +2

    Does this apply to all ticket types?

    • darthhasbro on 14/01/2021 - 10:37

      This is a very good question, Getaway fare types are likely excluded or you only get a refund as travel credit

      • jv on 14/01/2021 - 10:44
        -4

        This is a very good question

        Thank you.

      • [Deactivated] on 14/01/2021 - 15:39
        +2

        All fare types can be cancelled and converted to Travel Bank. I've done this several times over the last couple of months.
        I've also changed dates on the cheapest (Getaway) fares online, without charge (You would only pay extra if the new fare is of higher value, which is obvious)

    • BangkokBreakfast on 14/01/2021 - 10:58
      +4

      Yes, can confirm all ticket types. I bought the cheapest fare (Getaway) I was able to cancel my booking voluntarily and get a credit without fees.

      I also changed the date of another booking without fees however I needed to pay the fare difference.

      • timbo83 on 14/01/2021 - 11:23

        Thanks for summarising, will be interested to see how the Rev Mgt team approach things as to whether the flexibility comes at a great premium in terms of fare difference.

  • darthhasbro on 14/01/2021 - 10:39
    +3

    To be fair this should be the case for the rest of the year, this won’t going away anytime soon

  • mrtee on 14/01/2021 - 10:43
    -2

    Booking changes, what about cancelling your booking?

    • FutureTech on 14/01/2021 - 10:53

      Travel credit, probably

    • BangkokBreakfast on 14/01/2021 - 10:59
      +1

      Yes, cancellations (all fare types) they give you a credit for the full purchase amount. No refund though.

      • naira on 14/01/2021 - 11:27

        Can you confirm how long you have to use the travel credit before it expires?

        • Mistredo on 14/01/2021 - 11:30
          +1

          one year

  • juventino on 14/01/2021 - 11:05
    +4

    Meanwhile, qantas is trying to be Australian's top medical advisor

  • ThePriceMatchGuy on 14/01/2021 - 11:41
    -2

    I wonder if this Virgin promo is covered via a third party online booking website i.e. Webjet.

    For Virgin flights booked through that platform..

    • arcticmonkey on 14/01/2021 - 21:36

      What's the advantage of booking through WebJet?

      • ThePriceMatchGuy on 15/01/2021 - 09:49

        Bundling my flights and accomm in one transaction and the best rates I've ever received.

  • pennypincher98 on 14/01/2021 - 11:49

    Forgive my cynicism, but you've still got to pay a fare difference, right? How likely is it that
    a) international travel is allowed by June and
    b) the prices increase after 31st March giving customers no choice but to either cancel their booking (and receive credit) or change and pay the fare increase.

    Either way, seems like Virgin wins?

    • ajole on 14/01/2021 - 12:27
      +1

      Either way, seems like Virgin wins?

      I think that’s the point

    • julesytime on 14/01/2021 - 13:15
      +1

      Virgin only operates domestically now so the first point is irrelevant.
      Considering how fast things change with borders it’s a great initiative. What would the alternative be? No option to change and lose your money?
      There’s still competition with Qantas and Jetstar so they can’t just jack the prices without consequence. I’ve found the prices quite reasonable considering the current climate.

    • odysseus on 14/01/2021 - 14:03

      Can't agree there.

      This is to help the customer - which admittedly also helps their business - have to deal with the uncertainty from the amount of times borders open and close. When borders are open, people want to book - but it removes the risk they'll lose out if borders close again. If Virgin didn't do this, the customer would lose out when the borders suddenly close, as just recently happened again this month. They'd have to pay full fare and lose their original ticket to get back quicker, or if they hadn't left, just lose the fare they'd paid for as they couldn't travel.

      • pennypincher98 on 14/01/2021 - 15:38
        +1

        If it genuinely was to help the customer wouldn't they be able to do it for longer?
        What is it costing them to provide a chance to reschedule really.

        Through basically no direct expense, they've managed to offer something that should be standard in these times and promote it as a reason to choose them. It's genius marketing.
        They're not offering a refund where other companies seem to be. They are just giving credit for future travel. The change on the other hand attracts fee and no discounts, and is only valid until 31 March.

    • [Deactivated] on 14/01/2021 - 15:47

      "Forgive my cynicism, but you've still got to pay a fare difference, right? How likely is it that"

      Highly unlikely, I've changed my flights many times over the last couple of months due to border closures and not paid any difference in the fare. I can't see any huge jump in airfares for this year given the state of the airline/travel industry.

  • hippyhippy on 14/01/2021 - 11:55

    Is this effective immediately? For bookings made previously? Or just new bookings?

    • [Deactivated] on 14/01/2021 - 15:48
      +1

      Is this effective immediately? Yes
      For bookings made previously? Yes
      Or just new bookings? No

  • kooldavid on 14/01/2021 - 11:56

    No thanks! Not worth the potential headaches.

  • Sharp on 14/01/2021 - 11:58
    -8

    So in this world of uncertainty they have the guts to charge me a booking change fee if my flight is originally booked for 1 July 2021? No thanks.

    • Associatedbeatthatflight @ Beat That Flight on 14/01/2021 - 12:00
      +3

      so like every other airline? And frankly odds are they'll extend that date again in a few months.

    • SeaWolf au on 14/01/2021 - 12:09
      +2

      For Qantas they'll charge you the booking change fee if it's from 1 April 2021.

    • thestig on 14/01/2021 - 12:13
      +5

      So what's your reason for a neg? Is there a better deal out there with another airline?

  • richmond12 on 14/01/2021 - 12:08
    +1

    I had a trip melb to syd in Dec that I had to return early from due the lockdown. Website didnt work to change flights and so I had to buy a separate one way back. Gave them a call in Dec, they said I would give refund but nothing ever came through. Every time I ring now it says busy and hangs up..

  • noodlefan on 14/01/2021 - 12:11

    Both of my Jan flights been cancelled by airline.
    Jetstar refund my money in 2 weeks, I applied online; Virgin automatic put me on a non-direct second day flight also websites says cannot cancel it online so rang them and be told only ring us 3 days before your flight.

  • punk on 14/01/2021 - 12:11

    It's okay but I've been burnt twice with borders closing. I'd feel confident booking if this was until the end of 2021.
    My flights were already on the more expensive side and when re-booking with credit it has to be the same or higher.

    I'd rather get a full refund.

  • jecec on 14/01/2021 - 12:40
    +3

    I think the title is really misleading.
    Check out this small print.

    [1] Changes must be made before the travel date or before 31 March 2021 (whichever is sooner). Change fees waived for bookings made on or before 31 March 2021, for travel up to 30 June 2021. Fare differences may apply. See virginaustralia.com for full terms and conditions.

    • Associatedbeatthatflight @ Beat That Flight on 14/01/2021 - 14:10

      valid, updated

  • lainey13 on 14/01/2021 - 12:44

    Please note if you book a reward seat using points, you will only be able to change it to another available reward seat. No reward seats, tough luck with changing your flight, you will just have to cancel.

  • lazybones1987 on 14/01/2021 - 13:08

    As jecec pointed out above, the title is misleading. Any changes to the booking have to be made before 31 March 2021.

    • Associatedbeatthatflight @ Beat That Flight on 14/01/2021 - 14:10

      valid, updated

  • BetterClickQuick on 14/01/2021 - 13:18
    +3

    Be aware that it’s not quite as good as it seems though, if you go to change your flight, they won’t give you as cheap a price as if you were booking on the website afresh right then. they may not charge you a change fee but they don’t also give you access to current sales pricing. I know this from experience!

    • [Deactivated] on 14/01/2021 - 15:56

      Not sure why you have experienced this.

      I've moved my flights many times now for obvious reasons and I have been able to get current promotional pricing still.

      I'll test this in a few minutes when Happy Hour begins :)

      **Updated - tested this now for my flight Melbourne to Adelaide and I can see the promotional pricing and can change the flight online without any fees.
      Alternatively, if that doesn't work for you, cancel the flight, get the Travel Bank credit and then search for your new flight and you'll definitely see the promo fares to book with your Travel Bank.

      • lunchbox99 on 14/01/2021 - 20:07

        Recently I checked into my return flight 48hrs from departure then had to change it when restrictions changed in between. Because I had already checked in I could not change the flight online and had to call them.

        After being on hold for 2 hrs the only flight available required me to pay a fare difference that was higher than just booking a new on-way flight with Jetstar, which I did.

        So virgin can kiss my arse. It will be a long time before I fly with them again.

  • Ryk on 14/01/2021 - 14:32

    but why, why would you?

  • DingoBilly on 14/01/2021 - 14:44
    +1

    This is great.

    I had to change my flights during Christmas last year due to concerns around COVID (wanted to get out of Brisbane early which was lucky I did). Was easy to change and no change fees. Kind of wish I always paid for the more expensive tickets as it really is nice just booking a flight and then changing it any time you want.

  • 28kb on 14/01/2021 - 15:55

    Doesn't help you can't change your flight online, and need to call. Also you can only call if your flight is within 72 hours of departure. So techinically only option is to cancel and rebook and you prob lose out

    • [Deactivated] on 14/01/2021 - 15:58

      You don't need to call them at all, it's very simple to change flights online if you booked directly with VA.

      • lunchbox99 on 14/01/2021 - 20:10

        Not if you have already checked in. I checked in 48hrs out then the govt changed restrictions so I had to change. It required me to call them and wait on hold for 2 hrs. The fare difference was higher than booking a new flight on Jetstar.

        • [Deactivated] on 15/01/2021 - 08:57

          Of course, because you'd "checked-in" - the same applies to Qantas and Jetstar for changes after you've checked in.

          Buying flights last minute is more expensive with ALL airlines, the cheapest seats are sold well in advance, then prices move up as each flight fills seats, eg first 50 seats at X price, next 50 seats at XX price, etc.
          It's how airlines (try) to make money.
          If you booked with Jetstar, then they are probably the best airline for all your flights, because generally, they will be cheaper than Qantas or Virgin being a budget airline (they are for price-conscious flyers).

          • lunchbox99 on 15/01/2021 - 09:03

            @[Deactivated]: Well you didn't qualify your statement. You said you don't need to call. I simply pointed out that in many circumstances related to covid changes, you do.

            And tell me what Virgin Australia flights offer over JetStar? The are both budget airlines. In any case, my JetStar flight was cancelled due to BNE lockdown killing travel numbers and I flew on Qantas.

            • [Deactivated] on 15/01/2021 - 09:33

              @lunchbox99: In 1 case (not many) you need to call them, and that is once you have checked-in, the same with all airlines in Australia.
              I am gold with Qantas and platinum with Virgin, so their lounges (including guest entry), free economy X, priority boarding, additional FF points, Hertz Gold, business class seats etc. so for me both Virgin and Qantas offer a lot that Jetstar doesn't - it all comes down to what works best for you.
              So no, Virgin isn't a budget airline, it's a mid-market airline, which is what most of the full-service airlines are becoming now since COVID, as it's hard to make money any other way.
              Qantas has shut down its customer service desks at airports and cut the number of the flight crew on each flight now also, they all need to monitor their costs now more than ever and it'll be like this for a long time to come thanks to COVID.

              • lunchbox99 on 15/01/2021 - 09:47

                @[Deactivated]: wtf, is this some kind of weird humble brag. I have airline memberships. I can and do fly business class for work.

                My comment is specifically in reference to the fact that this is a "good deal". it's a fake deal where VA wave a $40 rebooking fee then stiff you on the rebooking cost. Don't use this as the basis for choosing VA.

                In my case the flight was direct and not for business. Like what kind of loser goes down to the airport early for a single hop domestic non-work flight to hang out at the lounge. Lol.

                I don't think the major regional city I was flying out of even has a lounge.

                • [Deactivated] on 15/01/2021 - 09:50

                  @lunchbox99: You asked me what the difference was and claimed Virgin is a budget airline, which is factually incorrect.
                  If you change flights last-minute with Qantas, the change fee is also waived but you have to pay extra for the higher priced airfare, because a last minute flight booking/change will be higher, that's also a fact.
                  Most people I know use the lounge before their flight, along with tens of thousands of Australians, is that's not for you so be it (I am sure you have used it if you have flown Business, as it's complmentary) lol
                  By the way, it's "waive" not "wave".
                  Stick with Jetstar, it's your best bet!

                  • lunchbox99 on 15/01/2021 - 09:57

                    @[Deactivated]: Virgin only has lounges in Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Perth and GC currently operating. I did not fly between these cities so there was no lounge. Talk about dim.

                    And since you seem to be a slow learner… I flew on Qantas, not Jetstar.

                    • [Deactivated] on 15/01/2021 - 10:00

                      @lunchbox99: Congratulations! You should still stick with Jetstar because you don't like hanging out in lounges, it's for %$#@ ;)
                      Next time check-in with Qantas, then try changing your flight last minute and see what happens.
                      It's exactly the same for both!

                      • lunchbox99 on 15/01/2021 - 10:03

                        @[Deactivated]: You probably won't have to worry about your beloved Virgin much longer. If the recent Four Corners is any indication they will be broke before covid ends anyway.

                        • [Deactivated] on 15/01/2021 - 10:06

                          @lunchbox99: Yeah, Bain, the owner of Virgin Australia is about to go broke, they are cashed up to the hilt, so in a safer position now than ever to see this through. Either way, why would you want any business to fail? What a bizarre and sad way to look at the world.
                          I wish Qantas, Virgin, Rex and Alliance all the best through the pandemic, I'd hate to see any of them fail, it's good for jobs, the economy, the tourism industry and customers of all airlines.

                      • lunchbox99 on 15/01/2021 - 10:07

                        @[Deactivated]: Mate I flew out from Cairns. Go to Cairns and hangout in the Virgin Australia lounge. See how you go. Be sure to report back here.

                        • [Deactivated] on 15/01/2021 - 10:08

                          @lunchbox99: Never been to Cairns, and if I do, I'll fly with Qantas and hang out in their lounge ;)
                          PS: not sure why you think I don't like Qantas, I fly with them a lot.

                          • lunchbox99 on 15/01/2021 - 10:13

                            @[Deactivated]: I never said you don't like Qantas and I never said I wish VA fails. Talk about projection.

                            • [Deactivated] on 15/01/2021 - 10:18

                              @lunchbox99: You were clearly conveying your wish for them to fail because of a TV report lol
                              You don't need to be a psychologist to understand why one would point this out when this wasn't even mentioned and had no relevance to the above topic of conversation.
                              I know Virgin no longer has a lounge at Cairns, no big deal, that's why it's good to have airline options.

                              • lunchbox99 on 15/01/2021 - 10:30

                                @[Deactivated]: Whatever. I have actual work to do that is a far more productive use of my time than talking to a random who seems far too engrossed in airline operations.

                                Enjoy hanging out in airport lounges.

  • Seaword on 14/01/2021 - 16:18
    -2

    Make it December 2022 and we can talk.

  • Gaz1 on 14/01/2021 - 16:42

    Anyone heard anything about being able to book Singapore Airlines flights with Velocity points again? Or transfer velocity to Krisflyer again?

  • Christnanto on 14/01/2021 - 17:11
    +1

    What a nightmare I had with Virgin Airline last month. I ordered my ticket 2 days before the second Covid outbreak in NSW. I tried to cancel it as Govt announce the travel restriction and VA's call centre closed 2 hours before their closing operating hours. After I called them the next morning and waiting for more than an hour (I understand they got lot of call due to the news and that's not the issue), they told me that they only serve a reservation made directly to VA and I have to call the agent I've booked with.

    To make things worse the credit only last till 31/01/2021. I have to double check with the agent and fortunately the agent have better call center and than VA. They told me that VA have extended it to the end of 2021 but any booking made after March will cost $90 per person (The flight credit valued 2 x ~$140) and the credit can only be use with the same agent (Not sure if this is VA's policy or the agent's policy)

    I never thought I will have better experience with JetStar. JetStar gave me flight credit right away even though I booked from third-party agent and lasted for a year.

    Sorry for the rant just would like to let people know that the process will be easy only if you order directly from VA.

    • Dadidalol on 14/01/2021 - 22:20
      +2

      I don't quite understand why people would use travel agents unless it's a corporate mandated agent. The couple of times I've flown domestic over the last few years it's always been same or cheaper to book directly with the airline. You might save a little bit on international flights but is the risk (travel agent going under, unresponsive, can't get refunds etc) really worth it? It seems like I've only ever heard horror stories about travel agents.

      • lunchbox99 on 15/01/2021 - 09:15

        When I recently booked flights the pricing available on flight centre/webjet was lower than visible direct on the airline websites. A ticket for that price was simply not presented as being available to the public. We are talking the exact same flight, on the same airline, on the same date and at the same time.

        After I booked, I was surprised that the airline booking indicated the agent paid the airline HALF what I paid the agent, which was already cheaper than what I could get direct from the airline.

        I don't know if this is a covid specific thing to try to fill planes because I have never seen this before.

        • Dadidalol on 15/01/2021 - 21:09

          Wow, you were in luck! Can't say I've ever seen this before. Previously my experience was sometimes the fare showing on webjet/flightcentre is slightly cheaper but once you factor in the $50 something booking fee and x% card fees, booking directly via the airline was generally the better deal. However this doesn't apply to international flights with different legs/multiple stopovers.

  • dealmaker on 14/01/2021 - 21:20
    +2

    Seems to be an upbeat fake news ploy by virgin.
    I had a domestic gold coast flight today, which I couldn't get on because of not wanting to quarantine, called them and they said they won't charge the cancellation fee but I will have to pay fare differences. Seemed ok (even though I didn't expect that), until the fare difference turned out to be $200+ … the difference was effectively the cost of a new flight!

    • lunchbox99 on 15/01/2021 - 09:09
      +1

      Exactly my experience.

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