Thinking about flying Virgin Australia CNS>SYD
Sep 3, 2018, 11:03 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2016
Posts: 350
Thinking about flying Virgin Australia CNS>SYD
So thinking about going from CNS>SYD, the prices finally came down today and business is roughly 2x the price as economy. On a relatively short flight like this one, do you guys think it is worth it or should I save the money for a nice dinner after. How are the cattle class seats on their 737? Thanks
Are seat selections free in both cattle and business, any extra points earning opportunity that I should factor into my calculation?
Thanks!
Are seat selections free in both cattle and business, any extra points earning opportunity that I should factor into my calculation?
Thanks!
Sep 4, 2018, 12:32 am
#2
Join Date: May 2006
Location: GA
Programs: VA-PLT, QF-GLD, DL-GM, UA-ex1K, AA-exPLT, HH-DM, IHG-PLT, MR-GLD
Posts: 8,242
What program do you plan on earning points in?
CNS-SYD I would call a medium length flight, so I think J is nice and reasonable to consider. It's hard to tell someone else how much value to put on an airline upgrade. I probably wouldn't pay the difference but I can understand why some would. VA J is quite good in both food and service; the seat isn't too special but decent room.
Seat selection is free except for the first few rows of extra-legroom economy (called EconomyX). I find EconomyX very spacious especially if you can get Row 3. I'd definitely consider buying an Economy X seat if you don't go with business.
CNS-SYD I would call a medium length flight, so I think J is nice and reasonable to consider. It's hard to tell someone else how much value to put on an airline upgrade. I probably wouldn't pay the difference but I can understand why some would. VA J is quite good in both food and service; the seat isn't too special but decent room.
Seat selection is free except for the first few rows of extra-legroom economy (called EconomyX). I find EconomyX very spacious especially if you can get Row 3. I'd definitely consider buying an Economy X seat if you don't go with business.
Sep 4, 2018, 2:48 am
#3
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2016
Posts: 350
Isn't Economy X the same seat except you get lucky and maybe get a bulkhead? I think they charge 50 to do that, so my difference is about 200AUD factor that in. That might be the route I ultimately go to as the ticket sale price for business is only good for one ticket 
I need 3
I don't really earn points on any of their partners, I guess Singapore would be where I put the miles. I am guessing at hte most i get like 150%, which is not a whole lot for a short flight like this.
I need 3I don't really earn points on any of their partners, I guess Singapore would be where I put the miles. I am guessing at hte most i get like 150%, which is not a whole lot for a short flight like this.
Sep 5, 2018, 7:36 am
#6
Join Date: Jun 2015
Posts: 32
Sep 6, 2018, 4:38 am
#11
Join Date: May 2006
Location: GA
Programs: VA-PLT, QF-GLD, DL-GM, UA-ex1K, AA-exPLT, HH-DM, IHG-PLT, MR-GLD
Posts: 8,242
EconomyX is a typical 'Economy Space' product, like UA, DL, AA have. Yes, it is the same seat, but there is more legroom (pitch). I think it is pretty good improvement myself on these aircraft. Although, I get it for free domestically as a VA Plat.
I would not expect an award to open up during the summer/xmas season. In fact, J & EconomyX might even sell out.
I would not expect an award to open up during the summer/xmas season. In fact, J & EconomyX might even sell out.
Sep 6, 2018, 12:11 pm
#12
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2016
Posts: 350
The biz ticket went up, the cattle ticket is still there. I am thinking about just booking cattle and upgrade the Economy X. I think the only award seat that opened up is the earlier flight, I need the later flight so I have time to go visit the Koala bears
Sep 9, 2018, 6:27 am
#13
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2012
Location: Sydney Australia
Programs: No programs & No Points!!!
Posts: 14,222
Just did SYD to OOL. Hated it. No leg room and I'm only 165 cm tall. Our row was to board at rear of plane via stairs on tarmac. I told the check ticket girls I prefer not to do that due to leg injury and she had this look of disdain on her face. I then said we are also carrying a baby and were only 2 rows difference from the front boarding area. The sigh under her breath and the oh okay spoke volumes.
Sep 9, 2018, 12:49 pm
#14
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: SYD, Australia
Programs: VA Silver, QF FF, Priority Club
Posts: 923
Legroom on a QF 737-800 is worse by 1 inch. JQ worse by 2 inches. On a JQ A321 it’s 3 inches worse.
Check in at 48 hours prior often means there are seats in rows 6-12 available if you check in right on the 48 hours.
Food service on VA is decidedly low rent though.
Check in at 48 hours prior often means there are seats in rows 6-12 available if you check in right on the 48 hours.
Food service on VA is decidedly low rent though.
Sep 9, 2018, 2:19 pm
#15
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Melbourne
Programs: ►QFWP/LTG►VA WP►HyattExpl.►HiltonGold►ALL Silver
Posts: 21,994
So is that of Qantas these days:
See here from AFF: This is Dinner on CNS-SYD | Australian Frequent Flyer
3 x small 'buns' (one eaten)
See here from AFF: This is Dinner on CNS-SYD | Australian Frequent Flyer
3 x small 'buns' (one eaten)