Virgin Network Changes

It's interesting how one article headlines it as "Virgin cuts routes" whilst another exclaims "Virgin expands routes"

Glass half what?

It's interesting how one article headlines it as "Virgin cuts routes" whilst another exclaims "Virgin expands routes"

Glass half what?

Maybe "Virgin Polarises Routes" is more appropriate here though. Fine if you're westward bound (from the UK at least), less so if you need to go in a lot more directions.

"Glass half"... full of Aberfeldy, since you ask, or it will be on my JFK flight this saturday...

I wonder if the decision would have been made if Delta weren't pulling the strings. I can't believe for one minute that Detroit would have been considered. I consider this to be the continual decline of VS as we know and love it. I can see the club houses being enhanced eventually so they are more like other airline lounges and how many more years will it be before the bean counters realise how many extra seats could be fitted if they removed the on board bar.

As for the BA scheme it may fall down sometimes as everyone always seems to want the same destinations and in the peak periods, but at least you can fly east or west and enjoy the ability to fly first.

Their wording on the Newark changes makes me wonder if both flights will be overnight? As the VS 2 is already overnight and they say "This service will be retired to operate as an overnight flight from Newark" perhaps we will get lucky.

I've spoken to a rep on the number given and they can't do a straightforward swap booking to a partner airline like they could if it was a revenue booking. Instead they have to cancel and refund both money and miles and then rebook. Not keen to be backed into making a snap decision I asked about availability of reward upgrades on ANA and after checking was told they have to start a booking and then request the upgrade and it takes approx 24 hrs to come back with availability.

Strange as my booking was a G upgrade and the VS rep changed my booking then and there whilst I was on the telephone. I was put through to "Premium Services". Is that who you spoke to Bretty?

Whilst the initial news filled me with dread (I have been planning the trip for months and would be devastated if it had to be cancelled), now I have new bookings on the same day (and to a better airport IMO) I am not too bothered. It is a shame we will miss visiting the CH but I have no strong brand loyalty and will be interested to experience the ANA service. My experience of Far Eastern airlines has consistently demonstrated excellent products and services.

As expected and posted (wish I could find my prediction in an old post...).. DL assimilation
Expect further dumbing down of offerings, US asset stripping begins. Once VS's usefulness reduces and it's been bled dry, they will be resold, likely on their hands and knees with a couple of transpacific routes to shout about....,2-3 years?

Their wording on the Newark changes makes me wonder if both flights will be overnight? As the VS 2 is already overnight and they say "This service will be retired to operate as an overnight flight from Newark" perhaps we will get lucky.

I hope not as I like the day flight from EWR

hi.all
i like bretty cant rebook either.
first vs rep said we could go via BA or ANA tomorrow so we said we would think about it.
in true VS style when we called back we were told we couldnt go with BA and wouldnt definitelt be able to go with ANA either but should call back tomorrow.
while i half understand the reasons i am a bit suspect given i have never been on an even half empty flight to NRT but have read a few TRs suggesting near empty UC on USA flights.
plus detroit? more busy a route than Tokyo? really?
i think this has more to do with delta.
well i hope i can rebook with either BA or ANA and then I will be signing off from VS. I have only 40k airmiles wasted.
thanks for nothing VS.

hi.all
i like bretty cant rebook either.
first vs rep said we could go via BA or ANA tomorrow so we said we would think about it.
in true VS style when we called back we were told we couldnt go with BA and wouldnt definitelt be able to go with ANA either but should call back tomorrow.
while i half understand the reasons i am a bit suspect given i have never been on an even half empty flight to NRT but have read a few TRs suggesting near empty UC on USA flights.
plus detroit? more busy a route than Tokyo? really?
i think this has more to do with delta.
well i hope i can rebook with either BA or ANA and then I will be signing off from VS. I have only 40k airmiles wasted.
thanks for nothing VS.

My first thoughts after I read the email was for you and bretty! I hope you get it sorted and don't lose out!
I'd be furious!

I believe using your miles is going to get really hard now, not easy to get three or more UC or Premium to the US lately.

I have five in my family that are Gold members. Will probably use all our miles now, and defect to BA or Emirates, as they cover more routes.

Also, I believe Emirates will status match, or were.

Flights held for us with ANA on same dates. Tickets can't be issued until tomorrow, but seats held for us.

thanks darren
im annoyed also because you would have thought that VS would have made the announcement but then said but dont worry we have made arrangements please contact us to rebook.instead as is usual they have made the announcement with no fixed plan in place. and as is also usual you get different information depending on who you talk too. thats the reason i also had to use my amex miles instead of my wifes VS miles grrrr

There are people posting on this thread who haven't flown VS for years. Is there one post about anyone paying actual money for their UC seat?

I think DL has just made VS wake up, really.

VS is returning to its routes. Increasing flights to US to feed DL is hardly assimilating.

Although I moved to BA after the SYD withdrawal - sad to see more non transatlantic flights go. Tokyo was the 3rd long haul destination I think. Wonder how SRB really feels about the loss of it plus Syd. As many have said not really the Virgin of old now, but can't underestimate the impact of Emirates for other airlines when looking at destinations going east.

As expected and posted (wish I could find my prediction in an old post...).. DL assimilation
Expect further dumbing down of offerings, US asset stripping begins. Once VS's usefulness reduces and it's been bled dry, they will be resold, likely on their hands and knees with a couple of transpacific routes to shout about....,2-3 years?

i also expressed my disappointment about VS becoming DLs puppies and can not agree more with what you said.
fingers crossed we can.all get our flights sorted and will be signing up to BAEC asap.

There are people posting on this thread who haven't flown VS for years. Is there one post about anyone paying actual money for their UC seat?

I think DL has just made VS wake up, really.

VS is returning to its routes. Increasing flights to US to feed DL is hardly assimilating.

i have paid for a z fare before but i think.you make a strong point.

Sealink, I am defiantly a paying customer, with DXB, NYC and LAS already paid for, for this year with a mix of UC and Premium.

I am just upset that when I take my family to the the US (which is most of the time), I can never use my miles for the same routes and have to normally rely on the DXB or NRT for a free UC seat for all. Now with NRT going, I feel the miles have become less useful.

Flights held for us with ANA on same dates. Tickets can't be issued until tomorrow, but seats held for us.

hmm making me think about trying VS again tonight and try my luck.

I am just upset that when I take my family to the the US (which is most of the time), I can never use my miles for the same routes and have to normally rely on the DXB or NRT for a free UC seat for all. Now with NRT going, I feel the miles have become less useful.

Perhaps an indication that the NRT route was not performing but the US routes are?

I am sure they have run the numbers.... know they will lose some pax, but gain many more - overall a positive for the business.

Have they got it right? I guess time will tell.

Although I moved to BA after the SYD withdrawal - sad to see more non transatlantic flights go. Tokyo was the 3rd long haul destination I think. Wonder how SRB really feels about the loss of it plus Syd. As many have said not really the Virgin of old now, but can't underestimate the impact of Emirates for other airlines when looking at destinations going east.

I suspect sentiment didn't come into the equation.

Interesting raft of changes announced today, some of which I didn't see coming if I'm honest. Time will tell whether they are successful, though with the swap of DL's MAN-ATL route to VS and DL re-launching (I use that word as they operated that route up until a few years ago) MAN-JFK, it's a sign that MAN's future on the VS network is safe. Next question is whether the ATL route will use A330s or 787s, as surely a 'leisure' 744 or an A340 will be too big and DL currently uses 763s having used 764s and A330-200s in the past.

Flights held for us with ANA on same dates. Tickets can't be issued until tomorrow, but seats held for us.

Good news

Flights held for us with ANA on same dates. Tickets can't be issued until tomorrow, but seats held for us.

hmm making me think about trying VS again tonight and try my luck.

I would.

The first VS rep I spoke to told me to call back in 2 weeks

Glad I ignored her and called back in 2 hours

Early bird catches the worm- and it is a 24/7 service after all.

Personally, I am in the "This is for the better" camp.

My own thought patterns have always tended to think of VS as being what it says on the tin, Atlantic, and when I've been considering heading East to Dubai or Sydney, Emirates or Quantas have always appealed more.

I appreciate that a lot of people will be disappointed, and I do sympathise, but surely, for the airline itself, this is what they are good at, known for and will make money on?

I think the seats are not actually confirmed until you get a ticket - but it's the best we can get until tomorrow

Personally, I am in the "This is for the better" camp.

My own thought patterns have always tended to think of VS as being what it says on the tin, Atlantic, and when I've been considering heading East to Dubai or Sydney, Emirates or Quantas have always appealed more.

I appreciate that a lot of people will be disappointed, and I do sympathise, but surely, for the airline itself, this is what they are good at, known for and will make money on?

Although I feel sorry for some of our friends on here like Bretty and gfonk who are affected by this I do agree with colord that it's better the airline concentrate on routes that turn a profit ensuring VS is hopefully here in another 30 yrs time so we can enjoy it on transatlantic routes rather than no routes at all