[wallacej]

I also sent through the request, and got an email back saying that I was not booked on the correct fare.

When I checked in however I was offered an upgrade... I am Gold and note you are on Silver.

It would be worthwhile playing dumb when checking in, saying that you have filled in the form but have not seen your emails yet to see if it was confirmed... as always, smile and see what you can get.

[StevePER]

Originally Posted by wallacej

I also sent through the request, and got an email back saying that I was not booked on the correct fare.

When I checked in however I was offered an upgrade... I am Gold and note you are on Silver.

It would be worthwhile playing dumb when checking in, saying that you have filled in the form but have not seen your emails yet to see if it was confirmed... as always, smile and see what you can get.

How long did it take them to get the email back to you?

The email from our incompetent corporate travel agent showed the fare basis as QOX, which is odd since the PER-SYD flight has been showing nothing lower than flexible since mid-last week (Qantas was $340 cheaper but for once I want to fly Virgin so I'm not pointing it out to anyone). I suspect I'm booked flexible PER-SYD and cheapest available SYD-PER (QOX) which doesn't make a lot of sense but nothing surprises me anymore.

What were your thoughts on Premium Economy?

[wallacej]

Originally Posted by StevePER

How long did it take them to get the email back to you?

The email from our incompetent corporate travel agent showed the fare basis as QOX, which is odd since the PER-SYD flight has been showing nothing lower than flexible since mid-last week (Qantas was $340 cheaper but for once I want to fly Virgin so I'm not pointing it out to anyone). I suspect I'm booked flexible PER-SYD and cheapest available SYD-PER (QOX) which doesn't make a lot of sense but nothing surprises me anymore.

What were your thoughts on Premium Economy?

The email took less than 24 hours to get back.

In terms of the seat, seriously, if you can get a blocked seat next to you, and you haven't got a wide load, then there is not much benefit.

As Gold I already get lounge access, additional check in weight. In essence for a Gold member to pay the extra is kind of a waste. Still have to pay for food, drinks and TV. Now if this was included in the premium economy it would give it the extra value that could almost justify the expense.

If I was going to Perth, and I knew that the flight was full and I was not likely to get a blocked seat next to me, then I would probably upgrade at checkin to premium economy (assuming seats are available)... otherwise I would take the cheaper option.

Hope this makes sense... as for premium economy on any of the many 1hr flights we have in this country, nice to get for free, but probably not bother paying for it...(would probably burn points on an upgrade or 2 if the points price was right)

[StevePER]

Success! I'll be sampling Premium Economy on Tuesday.

Thank you for accepting our invitation to experience Virgin Blue's Premium Economy product as part of the exclusive Virgin Blue and Velocity Upgrade Promotion running between 18Jun-17Aug08.
Your request has been successful, we have upgraded your flight and look forward to welcoming you onboard. Because you purchased Blue Zone seating on both flights we have given you a credit for $45 for the Blue Zone fee for the flight we upgraded you to Premium Economy. Please make sure you quote the original reservation number to use the credit.

Originally Posted by wallacej

In terms of the seat, seriously, if you can get a blocked seat next to you, and you haven't got a wide load, then there is not much benefit.

Interesting, I won't expect much then... they seem to have started to market Premium Economy more on TV recently, but I really don't expect there will be many customers who will be happy paying $939 to fly PER-SYD and then still have to pay an extra $3 for a bottle of water. And we still don't have a lounge in PER! For the price, I think something a little more premium might be justified.

Steve

[docjames]

I hadnt realised until this thread that you have to pay extras - that's just madness. Surely if you want ot charge $3 for water just build it into the price.

[oz_mark]

Originally Posted by docjames

I hadnt realised until this thread that you have to pay extras - that's just madness. Surely if you want ot charge $3 for water just build it into the price.

While I agree, it does reflect the business model that Virgin Blue started with. I would like to see more bundling, but the industry seems to be going the other way

[thegurio]

I just rang the cal centre and the lady said that it was sent out to members who bought corporate plus most of the time...

So i said that "we" recieved it (the royal we after all we are one AFF!) and she said it was also airport specific so ask when your next on and see what they say.

[StevePER]

Well that was quite a good flight. The plane was nearly full but there were only two of us in the 12 premium economy seats. The service was better too - up the front they call you by your name when trying to sell you stuff.

[pauly7]

Originally Posted by StevePER

Well that was quite a good flight. The plane was nearly full but there were only two of us in the 12 premium economy seats. The service was better too - up the front they call you by your name when trying to sell you stuff.

Haha, so would you like some chips, coke and a hot dog?, Steve?

Glad it was a good flight, you must have had 3 seats to stretch out over, bargain!!

[ishkaban]

Originally Posted by docjames

I hadnt realised until this thread that you have to pay extras - that's just madness. Surely if you want ot charge $3 for water just build it into the price.

Its actually $2 for a bottle of water