Originally Posted by
nwflyboy
Yah, that is my concern. VA appears to be one of those airlines whose business model places an emphasis on the nickel-and-diming of customers.
That's true to some extent, though they've been moving away from that model a bit in the last year or two in an effort to compete more directly with Qantas.
I just don't want there to be an expensive "surprise" when I show up to check in.
For sure. I would call Virgin, not Delta, to ask for clarification. That said, I
suspect that the rules are the same for Delta-booked VA-coded award tickets as for VA-booked VA-coded award tickets. It is a little difficult because, until recently, US airlines have generally had the operator's checked bag rules apply, while Australian/NZ airlines have generally had the marketing airline's rules apply for check bag allowances. That means they each tend to point you to the other in this case. However, an award ticket will be VA-coded, not DL-coded, so the VA rules should apply.
I believe the relatively small fees for buying an extra bag are the prices when you pay for the bag when you book the ticket. I believe the price for an extra bag escalates - dramatically - if it's a last minute addition. Thus my interest in certainty.
That is the fare difference between a "Saver Lite" fare (which does not include baggage) and a "Saver" fare (which now does include 1 checked bag). The difference is not a fixed amount like a fee would be. On some flights, the Saver Lite fares are sold out, while on others, they aren't. Try booking, say, SYD-MEL (paid) on virginaustralia.com for some day not far in the future (like next Monday) to see what I mean.
ETA: A further note: On Saver Lite fares, you
cannot purchase additional luggage before arriving at the airport (at which point you must pay the $40 fee to check a bag). I can't imagine VA doesn't allow partner award bookings any checked bags except at the airport.