Originally Posted by
frappant
Had a horrible experience today on an award SYD-MEL flight.
In fairness, at least 90% of that (if not 100%) appear to be a "you" problem not a Virgin problem...
Which rental car company required you to return to the international terminal? Most (all?) of them have return at the domestic terminal too, although in fairness due to recent construction many of those have moved off-site so you still would have had a delay there.
Originally Posted by
frappant
They said they started strictly enforcing the 8 kg limit for BOTH carryon and personal item this month. I had told her I'd flown Virgin Australia flights several times with exactly this carryon and camera bag and much of the same contents.
The fact you got 2x8kg means that you were given more than most passengers due to your status. Economy gets 1x8kg plus one small personal item. The limit for status passengers (including UA) have not changed significantly if at all with their recent changes. They have always enforced these, although how strictly varies. If you avoid talking to a person and use their automated kiosks then you can generally get away with more (especially if boarding with business, as UA status gets you).
Originally Posted by
frappant
So much for no lithium batteries in the cargo hold.
Just like every other airline, Virgin Australia has no rules or policies disallowing Lithium batteries in the hold when they are installed in devices. Spare batteries and power banks are not allowed, but devices with batteries installed are fine.
Originally Posted by
frappant
But if this is the new normal, how do international passengers who arrive with more generous baggage allowances or enforcement transition to domestic flights?
Either they plan in advance, or they check their carry-on. Over the years connecting UA->VA, I've done both of those things. No, this isn't the "new normal", it's been the case for the past 20 years or more, and is equally the case regardless of whether you connect to Virgin, Qantas, or any other airline. (I've done those connections dozens of times over the years)
Originally Posted by
frappant
My being MP Gold doesn't seem to have had any bearing.
You got a higher carry-on allowance due to your status. You could have used the priority check-in line (where the agents may well have been more flexible), but you chose not to.