Now With QF starting full meal service in Business Class is VA starting to offer the same thing? Any news on when the lounges will open? At this stage I'd rather not pay for business class if they're not offering any food and alcohol service.
Good question. If Bain ever wanted to get the attention of loyal VFF, they should start with those paying for Business Class airfares, being fewer in number, open the lounges to J-Class only (for now) and provide their un-equalled F&B service in flight. I wonder if Bain is reading these boards?
Flew SYD-CNS in business today. Catering included a choice of three small, sugar-laden snacks (Do-Good-Labs bars; Cranberry Almond & White Chocolate, Chocolate Coconut & Seeds, Granola Blueberry & Almond) as well as a choice of one varietal of red or white wine, and soft drinks.
I am a Platinum ff of many years and have been fortunate to almost always fly business. However I would certainly not consider the present VA offering represents proportionate value, either by way of cash or points.
Until VA catering gets back on its feet Plat ff's would be far better advised to purchase economy and take advantage of the row 3 seating option, rather than flying business... oh, and self cater.
PS I tried to upload images of said snacks but to no avail.
About a month ago I flew VA -Perth - Melbourne - Brisbane in Business Class .
As vbarberini has said the J class service is almost non existent. The ridiculous snack is not worth eating , I did take my own cold food ,rice paper rolls and ate those.
The only redeeming factor is the small bottles of wine available.
Most certainly no way in the world it is value for money and the economy 3 seating option would be a far better option.
I certainly will not fly Business with them until it is much better and that of course will depend on the Covid-19 pandemic easing which is not happening anytime soon by the look of things.
As a regular business traveller on Virgin, I'm wondering why I should continue, given my recent flight "service"?
I understand there is no lounge, but if Qantas can do it scaled back, why not Virgin, even if it's for top tier and platimum fliers.
To say I was underwhelmed on my recent business flight to Cairns was an understatement.
While I understand we are living in a pandemic, if the airline is still charging full price why are we given a few "lollies" and a couple of cheap small bottles of wine and nothing else?
As I said I understand the limitations, but if a waitress can serve me a seven course degustation menu at my local restaurant, surely a heated quiche or something other than a few sugary "lolly" bars would be possible as the flight staff are wearing masks?
If things don't improve, I'll either be going to Qantas or purchashing a front of house econony seat.
If Bain Cap[ital has deep pockets, it's time to take them out of your coat and provide some decent service to those of us that are forking out big bucks at the top end of the plane.
I checked as I was boarding a flight on Monday and the crew member said he had no idea when they'd resume full service.
If they don't get it together soon, they'll lose their customers at the front of the plane. Why pay for nothing other than a different seat and not much else?
Flew business Adel - Coolangatta return this week and a little disappointed that I was offered a tub of Pringle's or a Kit Kat !!! Long time Platinum and really hope they get back on track with this however it was great to be back in the saddle again so ill wait and see before passing judgment just yet.
Had a look at QF's web site and obtained the following info;
" Business services
In Business, we've re-introduced a selection of main meals, tea and coffee, and a bar service. Pre-ordered special meals are also available. The bar service is available on flights departing after 9am".
Looks like they do offer a Business Class service so why not VA.
Maybe they are never going to do so or can't afford it just now.
It's a shame if they don't reintroduce a Good business Class as they did have the very best Business Class in Australia (particularly on the A300 ) but I guess that's probably all gone now and if anything at all it will just be something like a meat pie and sauce!!!
I had to speak to Virgin Velocity during the week on another matter (TravelBank dollars that 'expired' last week under the 12 month rule). There are a number of regular business operation matters that can't be 'progressed' (or re-introduced) until AFTER the August creditors meeting to formally approve (or quash) the sale to Bain, things which Bain has indicated will get a green light. Technically, if the creditors vote-down the sale to Bain, the Administrators could remain personally liable. I took that to mean that whilst the Administrators remain personally liable, they're not doing ANYTHING unnecessary.
It's one thing for Virgin 2.0 to not chase the large corporate/government accounts better serviced by Qantas (which has a far smarter Business Development team dealing with tenders), but a Virgin 2.0 is doomed if they discard small business owners who are nimble enough to change airlines quickly when they get treated poorly (which won't happen if a staffer in the Department of Silly Walks with Gold/Platinum has to board the plane in line with regular flyers and then, in the comforts of J-Class, doesn't get his/her preferred meal choice, unless he/she was a Department Head or Minister).
So, as a virgin FF, I'm parking expectations until September - then making decisions.
An update on Business class catering... Alcohol now off the menu on some flights too.
I flew CNS-SYD today. As expected no food other than the aforementioned Do-Good-Labs bars. However, there was no wine offered on this flight either. Seems they aren't able to restock at certain places, so if the bar has been drunk dry and you're on a flight late in the day, then expect only water or soft drinks.
It's a pretty grim state of affairs for high yield passengers. Don't know that it's going to do VA any favours if they keep this up until after the creditors meeting later this month.
theflyinggeo
theflyinggeo
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
Member since 19 Mar 2019
Total posts 35
Now With QF starting full meal service in Business Class is VA starting to offer the same thing? Any news on when the lounges will open? At this stage I'd rather not pay for business class if they're not offering any food and alcohol service.
djtech
djtech
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
Member since 02 Sep 2018
Total posts 375
Virgin is still getting its act together. Look for more concrete announcements once Bain succesfully takes control.
Ross
Ross
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
Member since 10 May 2014
Total posts 83
When did QF start full service in business?
theflyinggeo
theflyinggeo
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
Member since 19 Mar 2019
Total posts 35
@Ross full service started 2 weeks ago.
Boeing-Tragic
Boeing-Tragic
Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards
Member since 24 Jan 2018
Total posts 53
Good question. If Bain ever wanted to get the attention of loyal VFF, they should start with those paying for Business Class airfares, being fewer in number, open the lounges to J-Class only (for now) and provide their un-equalled F&B service in flight. I wonder if Bain is reading these boards?
vbarberini
vbarberini
Member since 16 Oct 2012
Total posts 41
Flew SYD-CNS in business today. Catering included a choice of three small, sugar-laden snacks (Do-Good-Labs bars; Cranberry Almond & White Chocolate, Chocolate Coconut & Seeds, Granola Blueberry & Almond) as well as a choice of one varietal of red or white wine, and soft drinks.
I am a Platinum ff of many years and have been fortunate to almost always fly business. However I would certainly not consider the present VA offering represents proportionate value, either by way of cash or points.
Until VA catering gets back on its feet Plat ff's would be far better advised to purchase economy and take advantage of the row 3 seating option, rather than flying business... oh, and self cater.
PS I tried to upload images of said snacks but to no avail.
Rod H
Rod H
Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards
Member since 06 Mar 2015
Total posts 274
About a month ago I flew VA -Perth - Melbourne - Brisbane in Business Class .
As vbarberini has said the J class service is almost non existent. The ridiculous snack is not worth eating , I did take my own cold food ,rice paper rolls and ate those.
The only redeeming factor is the small bottles of wine available.
Most certainly no way in the world it is value for money and the economy 3 seating option would be a far better option.
I certainly will not fly Business with them until it is much better and that of course will depend on the Covid-19 pandemic easing which is not happening anytime soon by the look of things.
Ted Douglas
Ted Douglas
Member since 23 Jul 2020
Total posts 23
As a regular business traveller on Virgin, I'm wondering why I should continue, given my recent flight "service"?
I understand there is no lounge, but if Qantas can do it scaled back, why not Virgin, even if it's for top tier and platimum fliers.
To say I was underwhelmed on my recent business flight to Cairns was an understatement.
While I understand we are living in a pandemic, if the airline is still charging full price why are we given a few "lollies" and a couple of cheap small bottles of wine and nothing else?
As I said I understand the limitations, but if a waitress can serve me a seven course degustation menu at my local restaurant, surely a heated quiche or something other than a few sugary "lolly" bars would be possible as the flight staff are wearing masks?
If things don't improve, I'll either be going to Qantas or purchashing a front of house econony seat.
If Bain Cap[ital has deep pockets, it's time to take them out of your coat and provide some decent service to those of us that are forking out big bucks at the top end of the plane.
QLD David
QLD David
Member since 06 Sep 2019
Total posts 9
I checked as I was boarding a flight on Monday and the crew member said he had no idea when they'd resume full service.
Ted Douglas
Ted Douglas
Member since 23 Jul 2020
Total posts 23
Originally Posted by QLD David
I checked as I was boarding a flight on Monday and the crew member said he had no idea when they'd resume full service.
lmz
lmz
Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards
Member since 09 Jul 2017
Total posts 1
Flew business Adel - Coolangatta return this week and a little disappointed that I was offered a tub of Pringle's or a Kit Kat !!! Long time Platinum and really hope they get back on track with this however it was great to be back in the saddle again so ill wait and see before passing judgment just yet.
Rod H
Rod H
Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards
Member since 06 Mar 2015
Total posts 274
Does anyone know if QF do offer a full Business Class service?
If they do then why does VA not offer it?
Rod H
Rod H
Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards
Member since 06 Mar 2015
Total posts 274
Had a look at QF's web site and obtained the following info;
" Business services
In Business, we've re-introduced a selection of main meals, tea and coffee, and a bar service. Pre-ordered special meals are also available. The bar service is available on flights departing after 9am".
Looks like they do offer a Business Class service so why not VA.
Maybe they are never going to do so or can't afford it just now.
It's a shame if they don't reintroduce a Good business Class as they did have the very best Business Class in Australia (particularly on the A300 ) but I guess that's probably all gone now and if anything at all it will just be something like a meat pie and sauce!!!
Boeing-Tragic
Boeing-Tragic
Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards
Member since 24 Jan 2018
Total posts 53
I had to speak to Virgin Velocity during the week on another matter (TravelBank dollars that 'expired' last week under the 12 month rule). There are a number of regular business operation matters that can't be 'progressed' (or re-introduced) until AFTER the August creditors meeting to formally approve (or quash) the sale to Bain, things which Bain has indicated will get a green light. Technically, if the creditors vote-down the sale to Bain, the Administrators could remain personally liable. I took that to mean that whilst the Administrators remain personally liable, they're not doing ANYTHING unnecessary.
It's one thing for Virgin 2.0 to not chase the large corporate/government accounts better serviced by Qantas (which has a far smarter Business Development team dealing with tenders), but a Virgin 2.0 is doomed if they discard small business owners who are nimble enough to change airlines quickly when they get treated poorly (which won't happen if a staffer in the Department of Silly Walks with Gold/Platinum has to board the plane in line with regular flyers and then, in the comforts of J-Class, doesn't get his/her preferred meal choice, unless he/she was a Department Head or Minister).
So, as a virgin FF, I'm parking expectations until September - then making decisions.
vbarberini
vbarberini
Member since 16 Oct 2012
Total posts 41
An update on Business class catering... Alcohol now off the menu on some flights too.
I flew CNS-SYD today. As expected no food other than the aforementioned Do-Good-Labs bars. However, there was no wine offered on this flight either. Seems they aren't able to restock at certain places, so if the bar has been drunk dry and you're on a flight late in the day, then expect only water or soft drinks.
It's a pretty grim state of affairs for high yield passengers. Don't know that it's going to do VA any favours if they keep this up until after the creditors meeting later this month.