V-Flyer

I'm looking to book the internal flights for the summer jaunt in Oz and would be really grateful for any advice and help.
There doesn't appear to be much difference in the cost of the domestic fares with the cost of the low cost airlines (JQ and DJ) but neither seem to offer multi-passes/journeys on their websites (QF do however, but come out rather pricey).We're looking to travel SYD-CNS-BNE-MEL-SYD over a 3 week period (with the transfer off the VS200 to CNS being the morning we arrive).Any suggestions as to my best options?
Can I book DJ flights via premier and add them to my existing booking with VS ( and if so will I be entitled to the UC baggage allowance on the domestics)? Am I correct that I'll earn zilch miles using DJ (and it won't let me join Travelocity as I'm not a AUS/NZ resident)as it's not currently a FC partner? Will I simply be better off letting Trailfinders sort it out as tell me they can offer good deals on domestics (and accomodation where needed) even though I've purchased the international ticket component direct from VS?
Lots and lots of questions I know, and truely sad that I have nothing better to do on a Friday night.
Thanks
Julie

When I visited Australia, I was on a Star Alliance RTW ticket, and since the demise of Ansett, there isn't any domestic Star Alliance service in Oz.

That meant that I had to book some standalone domestic tickets. I ended up on Qantas every time, usually because their flight times were more convenient than their competitors, or because they were actually cheaper!

The PER-MEL sector on QF was very good for a Coach service. Nice A330, with plenty of space, choice of hot lunch dishes, a beef casserole, which actually looked just fine, or a really nice pasta in a tomato sauce. During the movie (mainscreen only, no AVOD), the really nice, very professional crew, came around with a choice of ice creams.

I was actually very happy with QF's domestic service. The competition from DJ is obviously good for keeping them on their toes.

Cheers,
Mike

Originally posted by DragonLady
I'm looking to book the internal flights for the summer jaunt in Oz and would be really grateful for any advice and help.
There doesn't appear to be much difference in the cost of the domestic fares with the cost of the low cost airlines (JQ and DJ) but neither seem to offer multi-passes/journeys on their websites (QF do however, but come out rather pricey).We're looking to travel SYD-CNS-BNE-MEL-SYD over a 3 week period (with the transfer off the VS200 to CNS being the morning we arrive).Any suggestions as to my best options?
Can I book DJ flights via premier and add them to my existing booking with VS ( and if so will I be entitled to the UC baggage allowance on the domestics)? Am I correct that I'll earn zilch miles using DJ (and it won't let me join Travelocity as I'm not a AUS/NZ resident)as it's not currently a FC partner? Will I simply be better off letting Trailfinders sort it out as tell me they can offer good deals on domestics (and accomodation where needed) even though I've purchased the international ticket component direct from VS?
Lots and lots of questions I know, and truely sad that I have nothing better to do on a Friday night.

My advice is not to do JetStar but instead either QF or DJ. I have been left high and dry by JetStar twice now on SYD connections, once due to a late incoming a/c where I missed the last JetStar flight that day and had no choice but to purchase a new ticket on QF, and another time my 'cheap' ticket cost me an extra $100 on baggage - would have been cheaper on QF in the end. [I had originally selected QF for both trips, but a power far more worthy than myself brow beat me into flying JetStar as part of a cost saving initiative. But ISTR there were no complaints once I'd had to rebook onto QF and we could relax in the QF lounge courtesy of my BA status - is there a smilie for rubbing one's chin?]

I would be very interested to know if DJ/VS interline baggage, and if so if the UC baggage allowance carries through from VS to DJ.

The reality is that QF have far fewer domestic and Australisian routes from five years ago, and those they still run are far far less frequent: the low cost airlines (including their own JetStar) have eaten up the market.

One other thing I've mentioned before on v-flyer is to leave LOTS of time - two hours at the very least - at SYD for transfers to (and from) the domestic terminuses (termini?). There is no free transfer because the Aussies didn't consider there'd be any such thing as transfering pax during the redevelopment of the international terminal for the 2000 Olympics. Doh. I have used the VS UC limos for this before, and it's to be recommended.

Last time I looked there were lots of nice 'upgrade' things you could do on DJ like preferred seating that you can't do on JetStar. There is even an FF points card - it's almost seems like a 'normal' carrier in some respects.

If you do go JetStar, don't do what the sheep do and take the first available row of three. Instead head for the middle of the plane where the emergency exit rows are where you'll find plenty of space.

Aufedersein from Frankfurt,
Howard

Thanks for the words of wisdom chaps.I'm going to ring premier and see what they have to say anyway regarding price and interlining bags and compare to the prices that the websites come up with as a total.Travelocity (DJs FF scheme) is open only to Aus/NZ residents which is a bit of a shame.
QF flight times actually seem better and more convenient.
Cheers again.
Julie

I normally tend to choose QF over DJ because I can earn miles in the QF FFP although I do occasionally choose DJ, if the price is right. More often than not though, I find QF cheaper - well, at least on the MEL-SYD route. And I do appreciate the complimentary refreshments QF provide.

I also find the Economy class checked luggage policy more generous with QF. On domestic flights within Australia the entitlement is one piece up to 32kg. The charge for any additional pieces is AU$20 (about £8) but QF has always waived this fee for me (and I'm only a lowly Bronze member). With DJ the allowance is only 20kg (or 32kg if flying on a Corporate fare) and excess baggage fees are higher.

I tend to book my internal flights directly on the airlines' sites. Obviously you can choose to book through a UK travel agent but I tend to find this often works out dearer.

As far as I'm aware, since I last inquired, VS are currently unable to book DJ flights, including through fares from LHR and HKG, directly through their own reservations system.

Having flown with all three there is very little to distinguish them apart - with the exception that QF offer a full service. Both DJ and JQ have the usual onboard shop.

Pricewise again not much difference if you book far enough in advance. Don't forget to mix and match airlines. We, whilst trying to earn Velocity points, still go for the cheapest fare.

Again as already stated we always book direct on the websites.

One thing to note if you do use JetStar is that they operate out of two airports in Melbourne - Tullamarine (international, DJ and QF)the main one and Avalon which is out at Geelong and only used by JQ bit of a hike from the city. When booking with them it states either Melbourne Tullarmarine or Melbourne Avalon. On the plus side you can reserve seats at time of reservation.

FC don't earn miles with DJ and you are correct you cannot join Velocity (DJ ff scheme) unless you are a resident in Aus/NZ.

Hope that is of help.

DJ is good, but you kind of get tired hearing the FA's saying how 'fabulous' they are. QF is good if you can get a nice price. Never tried jetstar becuase like Ryan air they tend to land in the obscure airports in places like melbourne...

Belfast- JQ dont really land in obscure places. In Melbourne they operate into both Avalon and Tullamarine (the proper one). The reason for SYD, BNE and PER being at Avalon is slot related and also to provide a better and quicker service- quieter airport etc etc. All other destinations they fly to are the proper airports.

Howard- Not sure if they do interline. I think you can interline on the VS codeshare services to SYD from MEL and BNE but thats it. Certainly on arrival in Australia you will need to have your bags with you for MAF and Customs.


I would go with DJ- flew them alot when living in NZ and they were always fantastic- had the virgin flare and were very hip and cool. QF come across as rather stuffy and boring. JQ and DJ are pretty much identical- but seeing as your a VS fan I would recomend DJ.

The biggest problem will be baggage (weight of it) and no doubt the cases will be bulging with things acquired in HKG. JQ has been virtually discounted because of their excess baggage fares.Looks like we'll be using QF or DJ (QF have superior free baggage allowance but DJs excess fees aren't too hefty).Premier have advised that I will have to book any DJ flights as stand alones as ticket from HKG has already been issued by VS.If we booked DJ from SYD to BNE (ie transitting) would there be any perks (like free access to the DJ lounge) as we're in UC? I'm pretty peeved that Velocity members earn miles whilst flying on VS metal but the scheme isn't reciprocated for FC members whilst they're flying on DJ metal.Seems a tad unfair.

Originally posted by DragonLady
The biggest problem will be baggage (weight of it) and no doubt the cases will be bulging with things acquired in HKG. JQ has been virtually discounted because of their excess baggage fares.Looks like we'll be using QF or DJ (QF have superior free baggage allowance but DJs excess fees aren't too hefty).Premier have advised that I will have to book any DJ flights as stand alones as ticket from HKG has already been issued by VS.If we booked DJ from SYD to BNE (ie transitting) would there be any perks (like free access to the DJ lounge) as we're in UC? I'm pretty peeved that Velocity members earn miles whilst flying on VS metal but the scheme isn't reciprocated for FC members whilst they're flying on DJ metal.Seems a tad unfair.

We were told that only VS UC/Au members had free access to the lounge only if they were arriving on VS200 and departing later that day. I was seriously miffed that I was not allowed access as a Gold [:(!]

I must admit I do find it obsurd that VS FC members cant earn miles on Virgin/Pacific/Poly Blue but then again despite a common first name the carriers are not really that close. SRB owns less than 25% in DJ so therefore any decisons do lie with Toll (DJ's major shareholder). SRB has asked for a larger increase but of course Toll have told him to do one!!

How on earth VS ever agreed to allow DJ Velocity members to earn miles on VS services but not the other way round I do not know.

And btw the Lounge or Bluelounge as it use to be called isnt really worth the bother....

OK, I'm shifting ever so slightly off-topic but every time I read the title of this thread I have a different and much more eye-watering thought in my mind [:0][:I]

Honey Lamb that thought had not entered my head until now - and now I can't get it out [:0] of my mind!

How on earth VS ever agreed to allow DJ Velocity members to earn miles on VS services but not the other way round I do not know.

I guess its a marketing ploy - to try and get people to try the VS experience. Any how they only have one route in and out of Australia so for most people in the other major cities a jaunt to SYD to pick up a flight to HKG or LHR results in a longer trip and probably more expensive too. Also the domestic to international connection is a bit of a hassle -well so I am informed. Unless like us you are cashing in FC miles to fly with VS.

Originally posted by willd
Belfast- JQ dont really land in obscure places. In Melbourne they operate into both Avalon and Tullamarine (the proper one). The reason for SYD, BNE and PER being at Avalon is slot related and also to provide a better and quicker service- quieter airport etc etc. All other destinations they fly to are the proper airports.

Matter of opinion I guess. It was to far out for me, and for the sake of an extra $20 with Virgin Blue i got to land in the main airport.

Originally posted by honey lamb

Originally posted by DragonLady
The biggest problem will be baggage (weight of it) and no doubt the cases will be bulging with things acquired in HKG. JQ has been virtually discounted because of their excess baggage fares.Looks like we'll be using QF or DJ (QF have superior free baggage allowance but DJs excess fees aren't too hefty).Premier have advised that I will have to book any DJ flights as stand alones as ticket from HKG has already been issued by VS.If we booked DJ from SYD to BNE (ie transitting) would there be any perks (like free access to the DJ lounge) as we're in UC? I'm pretty peeved that Velocity members earn miles whilst flying on VS metal but the scheme isn't reciprocated for FC members whilst they're flying on DJ metal.Seems a tad unfair.

We were told that only VS UC/Au members had free access to the lounge only if they were arriving on VS200 and departing later that day. I was seriously miffed that I was not allowed access as a Gold [:(!]

So I guess this would be OK for us then as we'd be arriving on the VS200 and then connecting the same morning?

We were told that only VS UC/Au members had free access to the lounge only if they were arriving on VS200 and departing later that day

I have been in contact with FC here in Australia and my response to the question 'please can you advise me if I can check through from Virgin Blue, use the Virgin Blue lounges in both directions' was

You would need to speak to VirginBlue regarding the use of there lounges as we have no agreement with them

so we will have to see what happens in August.[ii]

Originally posted by RobL

We were told that only VS UC/Au members had free access to the lounge only if they were arriving on VS200 and departing later that day

I have been in contact with FC here in Australia and my response to the question 'please can you advise me if I can check through from Virgin Blue, use the Virgin Blue lounges in both directions' was

You would need to speak to VirginBlue regarding the use of there lounges as we have no agreement with them

so we will have to see what happens in August.[ii]

Thanks for this Rob. Looks like we'll see what happens when we arrive then. I have mailed DJ customer service so we'll see if i get a response from them too.

Just had an e mail back fro Virgin Blue - their response is VS is a "separate airline" and therefore no "complimentary" entry for VS UC/Au passengers when transitting unless they pay $30 on the day.If we've loads of time to kill (and do go with DJ as opposed to QF)I might do this but it depends how much time we've got to kill after clearing immigration.