[Dave Noble]

Originally Posted by smh

Virgin Blue have announced that from Monday they will charge passengers $20 if they fail to pay new baggage fees before they get to the airport.

Customers on discount fares will pay a minimum of $8 for checked luggage for each one-way flight, but those who fail to pay the new charge before they reach the departure gate will be forced to pay $20 at the check-in desk,

Article at Virgin Blue announce new baggage prices - Breaking News - National - Breaking News and http://www.smh.com.au/news/news/budg...307310335.html

Dave

[beardoc]

Virgin have detailed the charges at Virgin Blue > News and Press Releases

Virgin Blue will introduce a new “pay for weight” baggage policy which will apply to Virgin Blue and Pacific Blue domestic flights for fares booked from Monday 18 August on flights departing from Monday 1 September 2008. This policy replaces the current allowance of up to 20kg of free checked baggage.

A flat fee of $8 will apply for an increased allowance of 23 kgs of checked baggage for Guests travelling on all discount fares including new “Go Fares!” and “Blue Saver” fares when purchased online or through Virgin Blue’s Guest Contact Centre as part of the booking process. If the checked baggage allowance has not been pre-purchased, a $20 charge for up to 23kgs will apply at airport check-in.

The new baggage policy will include:
Increased baggage allowances and exemptions for families, with infant equipment (such as prams, portable cots and car seats) to be carried free of charge
For Guests with special needs, mobility aids (such as wheelchairs and special medical equipment and similar) will continue to be carried free of charge.
Guests travelling with sporting equipment (such as bikes, surfboards, skis and tennis bags) are also eligible for an extra 5kg of baggage.
No fees will apply for baggage up to 23kgs for Velocity Silver Members and Guests travelling on “Flexible Fares”.
No fees will apply for baggage up to 32kgs for Velocity Gold Members and Guests travelling on “Corporate Plus” and “Premium Economy” fares.

Only a matter of time before QANTAS starts doing the same, I guess.

[oz_mark]

Previously reported here: http://www.frequentflyer.com.au/comm...ees-13890.html (Virgin Blue New Baggage Fees & Fare Reductions)

Only took the media a month to notice

[serfty]

Hmmm, interesting introductory difference between DJ's "Go Fare" and JQ's "Light Fare":

• The introduction of "light" fares saw carryon limit increased to 10kg; GO fare still only allow for 7Kg &
• JQ light fares are $20 less than Blue Saver; JQ's were $10 less

[dot]

I am surprised that DJ have elected to do this. They are trying to position themselves as more competitive with QF than JQ - especially for the business market. Charging extra for checked luggage reaks of cut price airlines.

If QF have any brains, they will use this in their marketing - "Free newspaper in the morning, beer in the afternoon and we wont charge extra for your checked luggage"

my 2c worth...

[tuapekastar]

Originally Posted by oz_mark

Previously reported here: http://www.frequentflyer.com.au/comm...ees-13890.html (Virgin Blue New Baggage Fees & Fare Reductions)

Only took the media a month to notice

I think their attention was firmly focused on all (bad) things QF...

[brissyflyer]

Originally Posted by dot

I am surprised that DJ have elected to do this. They are trying to position themselves as more competitive with QF than JQ - especially for the business market. Charging extra for checked luggage reaks of cut price airlines.

If QF have any brains, they will use this in their marketing - "Free newspaper in the morning, beer in the afternoon and we wont charge extra for your checked luggage"

my 2c worth...

Although considering that Silver & Gold Velocity get free baggage I guess that most of the higher yield passengers would be unaffected anyway.

And lead in fares on DJ are cheaper than QF and on some routes by well over $100!

[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....

[Dave Noble]

Originally Posted by JohnK

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....

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

Dave

[dot]

Originally Posted by brissyflyer

Although considering that Silver & Gold Velocity get free baggage I guess that most of the higher yield passengers would be unaffected anyway.

And lead in fares on DJ are cheaper than QF and on some routes by well over $100!

I concede that this is the case often, but marketing is about perception, not facts...