[JohnK]

Originally Posted by Dave Noble

meh; so just consider the fare to be $8 higher. Seems a fair approach...rather than charge everyone extra through fares/charges , charge for optional facilities

Sure I will take into consideration the extra $8 when looking at DJ airfares. The point I was trying to make is at this point in time there is very little difference between QF airfares and DJ airfares. This new charge is going to bring the airfares much closer, if not actually tip the DJ airfare higher than the QF airfare, and for that miniscule difference I would choose QF everytime....

[Driver]

Originally Posted by JohnK

Sure I will take into consideration the extra $8 when looking at DJ airfares. The point I was trying to make is at this point in time there is very little difference between QF airfares and DJ airfares. This new charge is going to bring the airfares much closer, if not actually tip the DJ airfare higher than the QF airfare, and for that miniscule difference I would choose QF everytime....

Very little difference already? Last minute flight booked Bris/Canberra last week - who was cheapest? Qantas.

[beardoc]

Originally Posted by Driver

Very little difference already? Last minute flight booked Bris/Canberra last week - who was cheapest? Qantas.

Single points sadly aren't the best indicator. Just a quick look at flights SYD/BNE tomorrow (arrive before 10am) show DJ $220 cheapest, QF $341.

My point here is that there will be all sorts of different prices for individual routes, dates and times. What we need is some data on average prices, with a broad sample.

[Blackswan]

So by paying the extra $8 checked baggage fee, does this mean that Virgin will go to greater lengths to ensure that my luggage is put on the correct flight (a problem which I find often occurs flying out of Perth - perhaps due to the fact baggage handling is outsourced to contractors?), and ensure that my suitcases are not left sitting in the rain on the tarmac in Sydney?

I'm all for low cost carriers to introduce ancillary charges. But I don't appreciate the fact they're trying to fool me with advertising in The Australian and Fin Review that they are a serious business competitor to QF.

[Mal]

This will be a bit messy for some corporate's with their BFOD policies. Often in this case a non-flexible fare (ie Blue Saver) is purchased on the way out, and a flexible ticket purchased on the way back home.

Obviously DJ have taken inspiration from other carriers in Australia and overseas, so good luck to them. If it's the right decision, it will stay, if not then they'll back away from it or implement a new fare class that is both cheap and includes baggage.

IMHO, the various trials around the world of separating out costs from the base airfare (eg charging catering/baggage/seat selection etc) has only been a success for the airlines - not general passengers.

[rwatts]

Originally Posted by Mal

This will be a bit messy for some corporate's with their BFOD policies.

Fortunately my government department while having a BFOD policy insists on fully flexible, refundable fares. For DJ that means Corporate Plus with 32kg baggage included (as well as lounge access ).

Richard.

[oz_mark]

Originally Posted by JohnK

Got the email yesterday. Not going to make their flights very competitive if they are going to compete against QF. The only time I will use their service is when I need/want to get back from BNE a little earlier on Friday afternoons as QF only offers red e-deals on flights after 7:45pm.

Sorry Virgin, but I am not impressed with this sort of change, I have checked luggage most flights, even though it may have been inevitable....

To some extent Virgin are just adjusting to changes in the costs of processing things. With all the alleged security related improvements it is costing more to process baggage than to process the passenger that has the baggage. So why not charge those that use it. The downside is that it encourages carry-on.

[pauly7]

Originally Posted by oz_mark

To some extent Virgin are just adjusting to changes in the costs of processing things. With all the alleged security related improvements it is costing more to process baggage than to process the passenger that has the baggage. So why not charge those that use it. The downside is that it encourages carry-on.

This is actually my main concern.

I postively hate flying the 737s - (both Virgin and QF's) for this reason - the overheads get COMPLETELY packed with about half the plane loaded. Then people jam the single aisle looking for places to stash their bags, no one can find room and the FA's have to squeeze up and down to help...

Virgin's overheads are already packed out, now all the people who travel on the cheapies will be stuffing their stuff in along with the business PAX!

For this reason I actively book the 767's wherever possible. Heaps more room and I swear they are actually faster to get on and off of - for PAX... I might time my next trip!

My biggest fear is actually that QF with the delays on the 787, may order more 73H's instead.... please no!!!!!!!

[dajop]

Originally Posted by pauly7

Virgin's overheads are already packed out,

I dispute this. It depends on route. One reason why I prefer CBR-MEL on DJ is that I have never had a problem finding o/h locker space, yet on QF at same time of day, I often have to sit my computer on the floor on front of my because of all the "kitchen sinks" packed in the o/h lockers. I do suspect that this will change with the new DJ charges

[JohnK]

Originally Posted by oz_mark

The downside is that it encourages carry-on.

Yes and limited to 7kgs although I have not seen anyone with scales weighing hand luggage. How long before they strictly enforce this as well?