Qantas' Pain = Virgin's Gain!
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- Опубліковано 11 бер 2023
- I've been a Qantas Platinum Frequent Flyer for about 15 years and pre-covid would average 40-50 flights a year with them. At the end of September this year my membership year rolls over so by then I need to earn enough Status Credits by flying Qantas to ensure I retain Platinum. Every year retaining Platinum was always my first priority when working out what flights to book.
However, this year, for the first time ever, I have no real motivation or desire to even try to requalify for Platinum status.
Sadly I know I’m not the only one feeling this way and it shows the huge underlying problem Qantas is facing as it’s once loyal customers turn their back on what was a great airline.
But what’s the alternative? Can Virgin Australia really compete? Is Qanta’s Pain really Virgin’s Gain? Is it time to swap sides?
Watch this video and let’s find out. On a recent regular trip from Adelaide to Sydney I flew Virgin Australia to see how they compare. In doing so I know I made reattaining Qantas Platinum even harder for myself. But I did save $300 on the return trip so the decision was a no brainer.
This Virgin Australia flight review covers my Boeing 737 flight from Sydney to Adelaide in economy class. It’s a standard business route flown by both business and leisure travellers day in day out. It competes directly with Qantas flying the same aircraft type so the perfect opportunity to see how they compare.
Thanks for taking the time to watch this video. If you liked it please subscribe and check out my channel where my back catalogue includes flights all over the world in economy through to first class suites. There’s a lot more on the way too.
Happy travels
Dennis
#Qantas #Virgin #flightreview
Qantas has been destroyed by its own greedy hands. Great and helpful staff who unfortunately will be feeling the backlash of disappointed Qantas customers. Virgin has been a better option for myself for years.
I'm glad you posted this video as an unbiased comparison of the two airlines. Cheers for the great and always informative videos.
I switched from Qantas to Ansett in the 90's, and then to Virgin, I like pretty much everything about them. They even saved my points and flight credits when they went into administration and were reborn. My brother used to fly Qantas for business from Perth all over Australia, but like yourself, switched to Virgin years ago when they fiddled with the Frequent Flyer scheme. He has never looked back. Virgin is not run by a show pony.
Beautiful views of the Illawarra! Often considered as Australia’s most beautiful region according to my mate Geoff. And I agree with you. I’m also a big QF fanboy but the lack of competition had enabled QF HQ to stop caring. VA are great but the lack of wide bodies, international routes and alliance membership holds them back too. I’d also worry about their ownership being Bain… I share your pessimism about QF’s future and mirroring of BA… 😢
Hi legend
Virgin are looking at re-listing on the asx by the end of the year
VA has codeshares with other airlines e.g. SQ but I'm not sure how much they've been impacted by the pandemic
Sorry the original video uploaded an hour ago had some technical issues with the audio. So this a reupload. Subscribers with the Notification Bell turned on will think they're seeing double :) sorry.
Definitely agree that Virgin is a much better alternative! Reliable and friendly crew with great services!
What a lovely way to start the week - a Dennis Bunnik video! So glad you are back again, I hope all is well!
Absolutely love your reviews mate! Keep them coming
Dennis been watching and enjoying your videos for many years now and never felt the need to make a comment. I am a Qantas Platinum One and have been for more than 5 years now and for the last few years have been saying exactly what you have said in this video about Qantas and how they treat their high end Frequent Flyers and all their customers in general, they just simply don’t care. There is honestly no difference in the level of recognition to a Gold Qantas FF verse a Platinum One Qantas FF. I made the choice a year ago to move over to Virgin and loving the change. I will now probably end up as a Platinum FF with both airlines simply only because Virgin don’t offer the international flights I need, but will always use them on domestic routes over Qantas. It’s a sad time as I’ve been a loyal supporter and FF with Qantas for over 40 years, and only those of us that have flown that long really can see and understand how things have changed for the worse, and it still leaves me with a heavy heart that the current leadership of Qantas has turned this once great airline with fabulous staff and employees into what it is today.
This is the type of feedback the Qantas board need to be listening to. Alan Joyce is making a profit now but is rapidly destroying Qantas and in a few years time I expect they will be paying the price of his ruthless and heartless approach to staff and customers.
I just flew from Melbourne to London, stopping midway to Singapore to refuel. I bought first class tickets on qantas for the way back and business class tickets for the way there. Total $16,500. On the way back in FIrst class. Singapore to Sydney the First class seat broke. It wouldn't recline nor move. My compensation from Qantas. 10,000 Qantas points... I can't even fly Melbourne to Sydney on those points. Huge let down.
Update. This was my response from Qantas after posting a complaint at the minimal compensation. - "Dear Andrew
Thank you for your recent correspondence and taking the time to follow up.
We are sorry that you remain unhappy with our response to concerns you raised. We have once again reviewed your case and having considered all the circumstances carefully, we feel that the response was appropriate on this occasion.
While we understand that this is not the response that you had anticipated, we regret that we cannot take any further action. We are sorry that this outcome cannot be more favorable and trust that you will understand our position on this issue.
Thank you again for taking the time to write to us.
Kind Regards
Caroline
Qantas Customer Care Team"
@@wolvwwc That reads like someone is punching you in the face while apologising for doing it. Yeah sorry mate - to pay what you did and have a seat that belongs on a low cost carrier budget flight is mind boggling.
That would be a deal breaker for me. Premium price should equal flawless service.
@@GlasgowCelticBhoy thanks. It certainly has me questioning keeping Gold status...
That’s really awful, the service and the recovery, or lack thereof.
Your lucky. There was an incident a few years ago when a qantas plane broke down in, I think Singapore or Bangkok,can't remember. Anyhow another plane was coming in behind it. A passenger in first class on the second plane got kicked of so as a passenger on the first plane could take his seat. Who was that passenger from the first plane? Alan Joyce. The man has no shame.
Hi Dennis - great review. One small input, Ansett actually redeveloped that whole terminal about a year before they closed so one can probably credit them for this - they invested heavily in much of what you see today, although I must say the addition of shops and restaurants since has been credit to Sydney Airport.
Your buddy Jeb Brooks mentioned you a couple of times so I decided to check out your channel. I find it quite interesting and easy to watch. You're doing a great job.
Nice one Dennis.
I don't fly Qantas often, but when I do, I'm reminded why I prefer Virgin. Virgin have always been great; friendly and engaging staff and don't seem to take the punter for granted as much as how I'm left feeling after a Qantas experience.
Its the same on international flights. Qantas really need to step up their game if they want to prevent a BA repeat as you fear.
Usual brilliant review Dennis. I have been a loyal VA fan for a long time now. The experience you've described flying with Virgin is not new & they have always been a fantastic airline in my opinion. Looking forward to seeing you in the VA Lounge once you've collected enough points!
Been flying VA for some years now. My last experience with Qantas left me very underwhelmed.
I do hope Qantas can turn around, but Jetstar seem to be the albatross around their neck.
Good video, mate.
perhaps Qantas needs to go into administration for something to change.
Yesss! I’m so glad you finally tried us Denis! I’m a big admirer! Our Virgin crew are a friendly bunch! Inflight internet has been installed on many of our aircraft and it will continue to grow. I hope to serve you onboard one of my flights some day! I’ll keep an eye out for you, and I’ll definitely look after you!
My brother made the switch several years back after being a decades long card-carrying Qantas fanatic, and never looked back. Even his daughter became a Virgin flight attendant and loves working with them. No show-pony nut jobs in charge of course
Thanks Dennis. I'm a Pomm over in WA at the moment catching up with friends from my time working here last century. Just spent a week over in Tasi flying there and back with Virgin and I couldn't agree more with your assessment of their product. Sadly I also have to out my hands up and agree with your take on my national flag carrier. I'll be flying home with SQ!!! Love your work and always look forward to your videos
Great review as usual Dennis. We took the hop over to Adelaide back in October on Virgin while visiting family. Due to our Air Canada status we were able to access the Virgin lounge in Sydney. I must say it was good visit after a 15+ hour flight down, lots of seating and plenty of snack and drink choices. Staff at Virgin were very pleasant to deal with. Sadly on leaving Adelaide we did not have time to visit the lounge as security was overwhelmed and slow. Maybe next time we will get to try it.
We swapped to Virgin 2 years ago. We got thoroughly sick of Qantas and its appalling telephone service. We're now very happy Virgin Gold FFs and have had some great business class flights with them.
I am a Virgin frequent flyer and I love the airline to bits so it’s great to see you give them a go. You were probably better off in the terminal as the lounge in Sydney leaves a lot to be desired. You certainly got the best views where you were!
I mentioned on your insta I was thinking of jumping because QF just does not cut it anymore. I'm fl JQ a lot and max my fare. Of late, I'm constantly chasing after them to credit my QFF and I'm still chasing after flights from last year! I'm gold now with VA and I didn't even have to try that hard. Just wish their international reach was a lot bigger! That's what's holding me back.
Kia Ora, Dennis, from a wet and windy Christchurch. I am flying Qantas from Brisbane to Singapore on my way home to the UK in two weeks. I don't know if I'm looking forward to it or not after what you had to say in your great video. I love Virgin Australia after flying them a few times domestic in 2020 just as COVID struck and once last week Mel to Zqn. My all-time is Virgin Atlantic, having flown several different airlines. Their personal attention to guests is extremely good. I don't know about economy as I always fly them Upperclass. For me, they can't be beaten. Fabulous video as usual. Keep up the great reports. I always look forward to watching them.
Sad to hear that QF are going the way of BA. Nice review as usual Dennis, thank you and keep them coming!
Great vieo as always, Dennis. and i'm sure many of your viewers would also like seeing your face as much as we do the additional footage :)
Wonderful trip report. Thank you. I hope to fly Virgin when I'm next in Australia.
Bravo !!!! Watching it now in my hotel room I’m Melbourne hope to see you soon king
great video! couldn't help but notice the reunion in the back @ 8:40 haha
Hi Dennis. I got VA to match my QF platnium status by emailing them. I was outside the recent match promo dates
Great Video Dennis! I will be considering fly with Virgin from Adelaide to Melbourne!
I am in the process of using up all my Qantas FF points after last three shocking flights on Qantas. After using the points I will look at other airlines other than Qantas. Excellent review Dennis.
Good luck trying to get rid of them :)
Qantas lost me when we were abused by ground staff at Sydney International-Domestic transfer desk. Our Fijian Air flight was delayed into Sydney so we hurried as fast as we could through customs and the terminal. The staff member was absolutely horrible demanding to know why we were late. I put in a complaint and some weeks later was told our complaint had been forwarded to Canberra Airport for action and we never heard anything again.
Flew Virgin Australia a few weeks ago from MEL to SYD in Business. We picked Business mainly because of the amount of Luggage we had (Flying J to and from the UK for our holiday we had lots of bags). Great short flight, great lounge and significantly cheaper than Qantas
Excellent review Dennis!
Just had the pleasure of going through Melbourne on our honeymoon to New Zealand - we now know that airport really well! Flew Virgin Australia back from Queenstown to Melbourne for an overnight layover, overall fine as what seems a budget option but wasn't a patch on the Air New Zealand flight we took for the same route on the outbound flight.
I hear you Dennis. I'll still make Lifetime Gold with Qantas through my FIFO work. But for personal flights going forward, I think it's time to fly Virgin. Heck, I'll even give Bonza a try!
Great video. On Boxing Day we were at the same terminal in Sydney flying with them to Perth
Great flight with them today from Sydney to Adelaide VA424.First flight with virgin in an number of years no issues.The cabin crew were very nice both legs from ADL to Syd and back again.
I last flew on Qantas way back before Covid,from Christchurch (NZ) to Brisbane back then the flight/service/food & drink was absolute awesome.,in economy.Have not flown on Qantas since Covid,but have heard too much about Qantas as to put me right off.,sadly its the head CEO attitude that goes against them but the ground and onnboard staff do a awesome job👍
Am I only one who notices that they ( the crew) don't say thanks for flying qantas, they just say thanks for flying. Anyway I love the way this comment section that's supposed to be praising virgin has deteriorated into a slag fest on qantas. God help qantas if Sir Richard Branson ever gets more involved.
I like Virgin, vibrant cabin interior love the headrest colours. Great review :D
Great video, the video quality has gone up a notch!
Are you using the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra?? 😊
Great and timely review, Dennis! It's a pity you didn't get to enjoy the Virgin Lounge. Let me assure you that it is a much better offering than the Qantas Club (if not also the Qantas Business Lounge). Having abandoned Qantas international many years ago, I have now also given up chasing status with Qantas domestic, and find Virgin a much better option on all levels. Even better now with their tie-ups with Qatar and Singapore Air. Hopefully Velocity points will prove far more usable than Qantas points!
Great video. I noticed the tray table hadn't been cleaned. Andrew
Dennis, I’m so glad you gave Virgin AU a go. While your service may not have had any glitz or glamour, I hope it has wet your palate and you continue to endeavour into Virgin’s service. I myself had a difficult decision between Qantas and Virgin AU (from an employment aspect). I must say, 6 months in, I think I made the right call with Virgin AU. I hope to see you around at Adelaide Airport and to check you in onto one of our flights.
Happy travels
6:07 Free coffee, tea and water on flights is perfectly acceptable.
especially if you save 280
@@cooldood37 Exactly if you can bring your own snacks it would be very similar in terms of experiences. Flying and only drinking tea or coffee is not a problem for me. The price difference more than makes up for it.
Buy something in the terminal.I mean what's buying say a sandwich or muffin from Muffin Break in Adelaide to use an example for a Virgin domestic flight somewhere or some Sushi in Sydney with drink or something from Hungry Jack's in Cairns(food only buy your bottle of drink elsewhere)or whatever Brisbane offers.the price difference VA versus QF in the absence of special meal options can get one decent grub on Virgin.
Hi Dennis I’m a Qantas Gold and Virgin silver member. I have had nothing but excellent service from Qantas ground and air staff. The same with the Virgin team as well. The problem with Qantas is the CEO and his senior management. The senior management direction recently (3 years) has been terrible and some directives illegal according to the latest court cases. Without the service of the Qantas hands on team my frequent Flyer membership would be Virgin gold Qantas in the bin. Great service on your part as always.
Flew Virgin Hobart to Sydney via Melbourne. Had an exit seat booked right through but getting back on in Melbourne someone grabbed my seat and refused to move. Ready to depart the crew asked if I could sit down the back. After take off they came straight to me with the drinks cart and told me to go crazy on the house. Yes I like Virgin
Hope to see you on board one of my VA flights soon!
Lachy -CM SYDNEY
I tried the virgin Switch-A-Roo... earned gold and never would fly again unless there was no other choice.
Hey Dennis - Am I mistaken or is this video missing the customary hand on the airframe whilst boarding!? I'm with you, also have lost any motivation to worry about maintaining status with Qantas.
Since COVID I'm travelling about once per month. Mostly for work, Perth -> Sydney and Perth -> Wellington. So I'm not some big air traveller, but I'm doing enough of it to have some preferences. And my preference within Australia is definitely Virgin. Overall, its just a more "cheerful" experience. Staff don't seem to be as stressed, overall the flights are close to being on time, its less crowded.
And I have scored some cheap business class upgrades through their upgrade "auction". Last flight I got a Sydney to Perth business class upgrade for $250.
My advice if you have regular travel with Virgin ... always bid for an upgrade at the lowest possible price. Sure you miss out a _lot_ of the time but when you do score an upgrade for $250 or $300, its a nice bonus!
Great review mate! I just recently swapped from being a Qantas fanboy (Platinum pre-covid) to now flying Virgin/SQ exclusively. Just hit VFF Gold and should be Platinum by the end of the year. Qantas has really dropped the ball on service and upper management has created a system where the customer is gouged for money at every turn but nothing is given back and staff can't do anything about it. So far loving everything about VA and SQ although the Flybuys/Velocity programs have a few bugs that you need to keep chasing up points (never had issues getting them but just a pain to chase them up all the time). With more and more people realising Qantas aren't as wonderful as they used to be, it'll be interesting to see what happens moving forward (especially with a new CEO coming in).
Great video Dennis! I especially loved that gorgeous view of downtown Sydney at 0:08 🎉 Wow! I’m so sad to hear that QANTAS 🇦🇺 hasn’t been doing so well in terms of operations and cost (Mainly Domestically)but I am happy to see that Virgin Australia still looks like a pretty great airline and much much nicer than I was expecting to see! 🎉 😃 I especially love the 737 and any 737 I’ve ever flown on has been great! I wish VA the best of luck 🍀 with their recovery Auzzie market! I hope they get back to some international markets soon too as any competition is good especially for us consumers! 😂🎉 When I visit Australia someday I will have to check them out, especially since hopefully soon they will have their new fleet of 737 MAX aircraft! (8,9 & 10 soon)
Also, talking of 737 operators in Australia do you have any trips in the future to try and fly with Bonza? If not, you should definitely try to book a flight on them. I’d love to see a review of that and I’m sure other people would like to see you review Bonza as well. 😊Especially on their B737 MAX 8 as it’s so controversial especially in Australia 🇦🇺
When a QF Lifetime GOLD Frequent Flyer switches to Virgin, you know it’s a bad situation with Qantas! Shame to see that they’re following the footsteps of the mother monarch (British Airways). Shame that Qantas is slowly turning into the management style of Boeing.
I totally agree with you. As soon as Virgin offer another promotion to recognise my status (and points would be great) with Qantas, I will be switching to Virgin. Just using up my Qantas point first, but I had had enough of Qantas. Only our last trip they may 7 mistakes, yet when I made one mistake they charged us over $5000 to rebook the same ticket. They don’t respond to complaints you subject even though they will. I don’t blame the staff, I blame the executives and leadership from the CEO down.
Dennis, I laughed at your British Airways comment - you're 100% right; they're shocking! They're let me down on every trip I've taken with them in the last four years. I mean 100% failure. Their management couldn't organise a party in a brewery. Lovely staff though, just let down by appalling management decisions during, and after the pandemic. I'm now one transatlantic flight off gold with Virgin Atlantic. Now they're in Sky Team life is about to get so much easier for me with Virgin, Delta and KLM in the same programme. I've not flown Virgin Australia in more than 10 years as I've not been down under in such a long time. I used them all the time when I worked in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Adelaide; and they were always pretty good in my opinion. BTW - their lounge in Adelaide used to be very good if my memory serves me right. Loving your videos - keep up the awesome work. Graeme in the UK with a BA hate relationship.
Hi Dennis - long time follower here and that was a great video! Random idea for a video - From Adelaide is it cheaper to do Europe via SE Asia or Middle East - ie cheaper to go with Qatar or Singapore/Malaysia as the stopover route. Cheers
Absolutely agree with your view on Qantas. I first flew with Qantas long haul in 2013 and that was a fantastic experience. Then in 2017, I flew on the same route and felt a slight decrease of quality. Then at the end of last year I flew to Auckland with Qantas (B738) and it was a shocking experience. One of the two options for the hot meal was actually a cold salad, the entertainment system was very slow with limited option, and the seat pocket was disgusting as I found a boarding pass of a flight 5 days ago. Not going to fly Qantas until the senior management realises that customers are more important than cutting costs and making money for themselves.
The salad is almost always a better option than the slop in a box.
Glad you came across Dennis. QF senior mgmt are very on the nose I agree. High fares, arrogance, and who wants to do Perth-London in a tin can? When you fly internationally with VA partners it’d be good to see what you think 🎉
Great video Dennis. Its about time Qantas was held accountable for the gulf between high prices and bad service. Australians deserve better and Virgin seems to be one good alternative.
I'm about to fly Virgin Australia to the Gold Coast on my 51st Birthday. Flying Economy there and flying Business Class back to Sydney
You've finally seen the light! I look forward to seeing you on the planes. And if you see me in the airport and you don't have lounge access yet, let me know and I'll get you in ;)
Dennis, you should see the efficiency of Indigo in India.
They have a ramp instead of stairs so you can tow your luggage instead of lifting it which speeds boarding and deboarding.
Plus, all airlines in India raise the middle armrests to speed up boarding.
$300 savings is good motivation Dennis
No lounge ? But Dennis unare UA-cam celebrity !
Great vlog as always sir
Hi Dennis, looking sharp mate. Could you tell me what brand your glasses are please?? Are they Christopher Cloose?
It's really interesting what people in the comments say about Qantas. I just had my first Qantas flight from Melbourne to Sydney last week and thought the experience was flawless and miles ahead of what I'm used to in Europe (mainly Lufthansa).
I live in Sydney and worked FIFO 2 -2 in Karratha for 10 years. Started flying with Qantas and got to gold. A couple of years in, work started flying us to work with Virgin who gave us gold right off and home on Qantas so was gold with both. Virgin lounges don't have spirits and I'm a spirits drinker but otherwise quite nice. A couple of years into Virgin, I became aware that Qantas has lifetime gold whereas virgin does not. I asked to be put back onto Qantas for the trip to work and made platinum. Made lifetime gold. Now retired three years, two of which was zombie apocalypse and I've only flown a couple of times since, on Jetstar and Qantas. They were both OK. Planning a trip to Spain this November and will probably go with Emerates to revisit the first class lounge in Dubai (everyone needs to see it at least once in their lifetime) as I'm still a platinum until July 2024. I have 1.5m points to use and when they're all gone, I'll fly with whichever airline looks the best on the day. Lounge access is nice but as you say, if the Qantas fare is way higher than Virgin, the free food and drinks aren't free.
Loved Virgin when I was a fifo. Always liked the wee club sandwich served on long flights. 😊
I flew in economy x in October 2022. Mum and I were in seat row 3. But getting to the loo for her was a no go. Too far to go back and business loo was out. They may have helped if asked. Extra $29 each seat both of us up and back Mel to Syd. Bit rich. The drama of the new disabled loo in Melbourne. getting out after being stuck for two hours the door short circuit. She does not want to fly any more. She's 83. Cheers.
Well as I am a virgin flyer preferred I don’t like flying with Qantas. Which is a real shame. It used to be an excellent flight, but as stated not so much anymore. Virgin is value for money, plus the customer service is above and beyond for me. In all classes. I love their sister companies also. Australia let go of a reputable company in Qantas which is a shame. It always had the highest standards. Plus converting flybuys to frequent flyer is awesome.. great perks and they add up real quick. Thanks for the review and glad you enjoyed it. I love flying virgin airlines.. ❤❤
I gave up Qantas 12 months ago...Jetstar as well I now use Virgin and have saved bulk dollars
You can also buy a lounge membership and once you do get the status just like qantas the hotel offers are great and car here opportunities
Such a pity, you just missed Virgin’s “Switch-A-Roo” promo, where they status matched you! I am now gold with Virgin too, after having met criteria by flying eligible flights in the 3-month window you get before they offer 12-months status match. Amazing.
I'm currently a gold FF with VA doing 3-4 OS trips every yr. My experience with Qantas as only a Bronze member at least domestically has been faultless, & Virgin have been superb as well. Maybe I've been lucky
Excellent pitch for VA to do a personalised status match.
Let us know if they come through.
I love flying with Virgin ❤️. Pity they stopped international flights. We used to fly to the USA with them and they were excellent, especially with my disabled children. We travelled there in both economy and business class and they were great.
Always have a good experience with Qantas. Besides I feel as if I’m still in Australia, when on a Qantas aircraft, familiarity makes one feel at home.
The experience at T2 is much better than T3 in terms of food outlets and overall vibe in my opinion. The only drawbacks are the volume of passengers and baggage screening.
Not enough real gluten free options in the food hall
I couldn't believe when Alan Joyce, with a big smile on his face, admitted prices on QANTAS were high due to lack of competition. I think the term is gouging. Come on Virgin, bring back those beautiful 777's and A330's and restart international routes. It's the only way QANTAS will pull the finger out. Yes, we can book partner airlines but those not in the know will go the easy option and go QANTAS. Last year I had a return flight from Sydney to Darwin. It cost $2,200 in ECONOMY. No wonder Mr Joyce is filthy rich.
It’ll happen, they need the majority domestic market (they are certainly getting there) and IPO first and then they will think about international. Baby steps first, then they will kill qantas
I’ve been flying Virgin for the past 8 years ever since a horrible service onboard a Qantas flight from Adelaide to Brisbane. No complaints from Virgin from flying exclusively with them domestically
I WILL NOT CLICK ON EVERY BLOODY LINK. IF YOU CANT TELL US HOW MUCH OF EACH INGREDIENT TO USE, THEN DONT BOTHER WITH THE VIDEOS.
I too have been a QANTAS fanboy my whole life but ever since Covid started, I'm finding it harder to defend them and also justify flying with them. The past year I've had about 8-10 Virgin flights, and only 2 QANTAS flights. Reason is simple, Virgin has just been the best value, and because of this I'm now a silver velocity member, which in turn motivates me even more to keep flying Virgin. It's a shame because I still do love QANTAS but I can't justify their prices for domestic routes, and it's shame how their upper management is running the airline. I hope it can return to the QANTAS we know and love soon. The only thing that I wish Virgin would do, is include complimentary beer/wine on their flights. That is one simple step that would really make me say I love Virgin!
I note that our company pivoted away from OneWorld to Star Alliance as a preferred carrier. I must say that the product is at least on par, and at least you know you have 50k miles to fly to get lounge access rather than having to work out status credits.
Can you please review Rex Airlines 737 services.
I'm amused that they blamed the delay on something that happened in Melbourne. In Sydney they tend to blame anything that goes wrong on poor Melbourne.
Safety and reliability are the most important hallmarks of a great airline. No airline should put profits above safety and reliable operations.
Guess what tho Dennis, I’m planning on maintaining my lifetime bronze!
What happen to the hand on the airframe when boarding??
I made the switch 2 July and haven’t gone back…! Warm staff and a good business class option for the price
Honestly a bit shocked when Qantas got rid of their in-house ramp operations and contracted it all out to Swissport system wide. I hope in the future they re-establish ground operations in-house, that being said idk how many people would return. I personally feel that would be a step in the right direction.
Why would they return when they are more than happy with Virgin?
CEO Qantas stuffed Qantas
Virgin is so much better than Qantas i will fly them any day over Qantas the cabin crew on virgin are my favourite for domestic flights
I really wish the new VA would bring back a widebody to the USA and some regional centres in Asia (with bar for J class)
I have over 500,000 QFF points but Virgin is my ‘go to’ airline now. Much better value than QF and wouldn’t fly JQ unless it was at a steep discount. Awful systems, limited connectivity to Qantas and poor value.
My wife and I are platinum QF, we both left the airline at the start of this year as we were discriminated against without reason.
More details?
I hope Virgin can regain there pre-covid legs. When I see the price of Qantas tickets with no competition it's scary. Our airlines in the states are FAR from perfect and sometimes good but the prices aren't that bad. Great video though!!!!
I think they have definitely regained their legs to be honest. Their hard business product is the same as qantas virtually but their soft product is leaps and bounds better
With VA it's baby steps. Having gone into administration before, they are steadily building the business back up without throwing out the silverware.
Please review Rex
Great video mate! Virgin all the way!!
Been a long time view of your channel Dennis and honestly don’t understand why you never fly Virgin domestically. I routines fly both; averaging 3 domestic flights each week between business and economy, and most of the time it’s hard to justify Qantas. I am Platinum Virgin and about to go Platinum with Qantas next month. Last week from Canberra to Brisbane (one way Business) it was $499 Virgin and $1,800 Qantas.
Just sad you didn’t do a review of the Virgin Australia 777 flights to LA. One of my favorites…
I switched to Virgin a long time ago and have only used Qantas domestically a handful of times(in 2007,2019,2020)in the last 15 to 16 years.being on a crap income means I have to fly to a budget and want something better than a bus or train trip from hell.I have just booked a Adelaide-Sydney with Qantas over but doing Virgin coming home later this year $544 the lot.I could have waited and got it for $460 but was worried I had not at the time locked in any flights for a Christmas Cruise.
They are rolling out wifi on planes - was on one the aircraft with Wifi on my flight to ADL earlier this year - free for J class pax - was good to use.
Surprised you won’t in business class. So much better than the Qantas domestic business class
Why do you fly economy? Nice video
I have to be honest I fly more virgin then Qantas
Prettige dag
Qantas Frequent Flyer points are so worthless now, experiencing points inflation. No motivation with getting my Qantas status, instead joining BA for One World status works much better. I have not flown with Qantas post-Covid, but had several trips with Virgin. I have to say Virgin offers much (not marginally) better prices than Qantas. I used to work in the airline industry and knows some QF staff, they will give me a list of problems, especially with the management at Qantas.
Hi Dennis,
I see you did reviews on TG, SQ, MH, CX, JL, NH, KE and a number of Chinese carriers. Perhaps give Eva Air and China Airlines a go next time? :) Happy travels.