[StevePER]

Received the following email today... quite a nice offer and hopefully I'll be able to take advantage of it.


Virgin Blue would like to offer you a complimentary trial of its new Premium Economy seat! To experience Premium Economy simply book a Flexible or Corporate Plus fare between 18 June 2008 and 17 August 2008 for travel within those dates. In additional to the extra personal space, you will also receive benefits including Priority Check-in (at major ports), extra baggage allowance of up to 32kg, complimentary access to The Lounge (Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra, Adelaide and Brisbane domestic airports) and a fully flexible fare.

How to apply for an upgrade:

1. Book your Virgin Blue Flexible or Corporate Plus fare before 17 August 2008: (url removed)

2. Take a note of your reservation number

3. Apply for an upgrade - it'll only take a few minutes: (url removed)

4. Travel between 18 June 2008 and 17 August 2008

Important information

Please note that Premium Economy upgrades are available for one booking (either one-way or the return journey, including formal connections) during the 18 June 2008 to 17 August 2008 promotional period, are subject to availability and are not available on every flight. To apply for an upgrade be sure to register your request at least 12 hours prior to your departure time, and please remember that Premium Economy Seats are limited, so book your flight and request an upgrade now.

[wallacej]

I was actually offered a complimentary upgrade at check in on Monday night (MEL-SYD), however it was then withdrawn when the check in clerk discovered that my travelling partner was not also a Gold member.

I wonder if this invite has been sent only to Gold members? This would make the offer of accessing the lounge a little redundant if this is the case.

I was told at the gate that the upgrade is offered to Gold Members that check in (not online) at least 40 minutes prior to departure.

[StevePER]

Originally Posted by wallacej

I wonder if this invite has been sent only to Gold members? This would make the offer of accessing the lounge a little redundant if this is the case.

No, I'm only Silver.

[Fluid-Flyer]

For those of you that didn't get the email, and might be flying DJ over the next two months -
http://www.velocityrewards.com.au/content/Specials/premiumeconomyregistration/index.htm

I make no guarantee that it will work for you (i.e. results might be somehow tied in to status or email distribution lists), but who knows unless you give it a go?

Thanks for applying for a Premium Economy upgrade.
You'll be notified whether you have been upgraded by email no later than 8 hours before your scheduled departure time.
If you have any queries, or need to advise us of changes to your upgrade application, please email or call Virgin Blue on 136 789 between 8.00am and 8.00pm (E.S.T.) daily and ask for the Priority Assistance Desk.

Certainly an exciting promotion from Virgin Blue!

[Standby]

Probobly deserves its own post but you can now book exit row seats online as part of the DJ booking process...what this shows is how overpriced Premium Y is
eg by buying a readily avail fare of say $120 SYDMEL and adding $35 for the exit row seat + 30 single Lounge entry and $5 for Live TV =$190 you have effectively a product DJ is asking $400 for
no wonder they have to give away the product...the only problem is you still have to buy a fully flex fare at $275 or 30% more than bundling a BFOD and other bits

[codash1099]

This is the second "giveaway" from DJ in a short space of time (the other was discounted lounge membership).

Is something going on or am I paranoid? (It's not paranoia if they really are after you!)

[oz_mark]

Originally Posted by codash1099

This is the second "giveaway" from DJ in a short space of time (the other was discounted lounge membership).

Is something going on or am I paranoid? (It's not paranoia if they really are after you!)

I think its called marketing.

[codash1099]

Originally Posted by oz_mark

I think its called marketing.

Maybe, but to me it indicates that there has not been an overwhelming uptake of either.

[pauly7]

Originally Posted by codash1099

This is the second "giveaway" from DJ in a short space of time (the other was discounted lounge membership).

Is something going on or am I paranoid? (It's not paranoia if they really are after you!)

Its called end of financial year as well!

I wouldn't be too alarmed, but there have been a few critical newspaper reports around.

[StevePER]

I've requested an upgrade for PER-SYD-PER next week. The thing is I have no idea if my booking is eligible. I guess I'll find out soon enough...