marie_scotland

First in a no doubt long list of reviews from our fabbie Oz trip. (thanks to all those that gave input into our plans - you helped a huge amount and made it the best holiday ever!!!).

We used these guys for 10 trips whilst in Oz (including a trip to Fiji) and I cant praise them enough. Every single flight left and arrived on time. Staff were always VERY friendly and helpful. Planes were pristine. Our luggage was about 25kg overweight from the first flight throughout the others and not a word was said by ground staff. We just bought 2 sports bags to spread the load.

So, praise where praise is due!

Promise to do full reviews of our whole trip when time and jetlag allows!

Thanks again!

M
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tropo

Marie, its good to see that you enjoy your holiday & Virgin Blue. I have used Virgin Blue on numerous occasions, and the staff are always courteous & helpful. They seem to be more relaxed and have a down to earth approach with passengers. Also I generally find that Virgin is on time most of the time.
I must say, that a relative of mine with disabilities flew from Sydney to Maroochydore with Jetstar, and the staff were just magnificent, in their assistance they gave to this relative.

Neil_Oz

Good to hear that you had those positive experiences, Marie.

I think Virgin Blue should be patronised as a matter of principle, as they're the only thing standing between us and a monopoly consisting of Qantas and their JetStar offshoot.

pat_woolford

I'll second that, Neil. Remembering back to 2001 when Ansett went belly-up - Qantas fare Cairns-Sydney return was $1500.

marie_scotland

wow!!! the most expensive internal flight we had in Oz was 65 AUD - huge dfference!

heard the hostesses on one of the flights saying virginblue are making their base in Perth rather than Sydney and that they are going to be doing direct routes to Bali from Perth - dunno if that is common knowledge or not. I for one could be 'forced' to do Bali!!!

M
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tropo

Marie, I think Virgin's head office is in Brisbane, not Sydney, however, I could be wrong on this one, just not sure. Anyway, where ever they base themselves, there will discount airfares all around Australia. I guess you know pacific blue flies to NZ, Fiji etc, and I think there will be a new service to Vanuata.
I was in Perth recently, and I couldn't help notice some of the "discounted airfare/accommodation" being offered to Bali from Perth, much cheaper than from Sydney, and it wasn't being offered by Virgin, who doesn't fly there yet.

Neil_Oz

I thought their official base was Brisbane, but I don't know for sure.

And I just read in this morning's paper an accusation that Qantas has slyly changed the basis of its FF points from kilometres to MILES. If true, that's pretty sneaky.

margo_oz

Neil

Yes, it's true. Grrrrr!

And the new FF plan has absolutely no good news, unless you use your points to fly to Melbourne - which is about the only place using fewer points.

Absolutely anything else you may be thinking of doing using QFF points will need more points, be more difficult or you just can't. And don't bother ringing up the FF contact office - that'll cost you too! Upgrades - forget it!

D'ya think bloody Qantas has a monopoly?

puckett

Just flew 4 one way legs. I purchased based on price alone. I flew Qantas 3 times and Virgin 1 time. Virgin is ok, unless your cold and want a blanket or you want a cup of coffee and have to pay for it. I'll take Qantas anytime over Virgin. Blankets, pillows, free food and movies.