Comparing QF and VA Mel to Syd
 

I've recently had the chance to obtain Platinum status with VA, which has given a chance to directly compare the benefits with QF, flying with premium status on both airlines. I do the MEL - SYD route weekly.

I'd appreciate other thoughts of other frequent flyers when choosing between the two.

In summary there is no clear winner, which makes it either a price or rack up your points game on your preferred airline.

QF
- Slightly nicer lounge in MEL
- Premium security lines at all time of the day
- Internet access (most flights) is free
- Lifetime accrual of status points

VA
- Slightly smaller queues when boarding
- Less walking
- Better food in lounge
- Security much quicker when going before 10
- Access to Economy X when booking - not quite premium economy but almost
- No Internet access :-(

Noting both Sydney lounges are often overcrowded, I wouldn't recommend either of them.

Welcome to FT
Have you considered REX business class?

Thanks for the warm welcome.
Good question... and something I have thought about. But their rewards program is very narrow, so it's not something which suits me.

I have both QF Plat and VA Plat, and on domestic hops I will usually pick VA for a few reasons:

• Fly Ahead on any fare. If your employer isn't forking out for a flex fare (mine doesn't) this is a major benefit and if I can finish early (usually the case as I like to build in a buffer) it means getting home 1-2 hours earlier - something I value highly. I check loads on EF and call the VA service centre to move forward to an earlier flight before heading to the airport.
• EconomyX as you've mentioned - as a tall person this is a significant benefit
• VA Plats do get free wifi on enabled aircraft
• If I upgrade to J, I find the J meal quality slightly better on VA

QF Plat is handy for any international travel, and easy access to redemptions for leisure travel (although I do churn for both programs)

Deleted.

First time flying VA, and I am curious about "better food in lounge". There was nothing, just periperi chicken wrap and same salad. Does that mean QF doesn't even have that?

As for wifi, it's available on my MEal-CNS flight for business and platinum. Maybe it has changed since you posted this TR.
Do you need QF account to use the wifi or any OW will do?

Easy to find about wifi with VA & QF (~google)
VA---> https://www.virginaustralia.com/au/e...-connectivity/
QF---> https://www.qantas.com/au/en/qantas-...ard/wi-fi.html
Flying VA yet asking about access with QF-OW is a tad unusual. :confused:

The whole thread is about comparing QF and VA. So I aksed about OF flight. What's wrong with that?