VirginBlue to launch a three class configuration ?

Andre H · #1 2nd February 2010, 05:45 PM

Quote:

The airline, which already offers premium economy seats, is looking at adding a new segment between this class and regular economy.
Virgin Blue CEO Brett Godfrey explained that the proposed segment would have a smaller seat pitch to premium economy, but it would have a wider pitch than regular economy.

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NickN · #2 2nd February 2010, 06:54 PM

So Y, Y+ and "Sorta Y+"?

Hmmmmmm.

BradR · #3 2nd February 2010, 07:07 PM

Sounds a bit convoluted for a 737!!!! DJ are still trying to establish their existing Y+ product in the market and adding another class would seem to be a recipe for confusion.

Arthur T · #4 3rd February 2010, 02:53 AM

Perhaps think they are doing something like "Main Cabin Select" as Virgin America.

Currently Virgin Blue is a no-frills airline where if you need to be feed, entertained or luggage carried for free you have to pay $ or pay $$$ for Premium Economy. Think a class in between that you pay $$ and you can get all those 3 things for free is reasonable. If the price is cheap enough I think it will become a huge threat to Qantas, where some passengers looking for a better full service carrier will shift to DJ as it has better service and newer aircraft (DJ's new E190 & B738 compared to those aging B763s running on QF Domestic for some most popular routes)

NickN · #5 3rd February 2010, 08:26 AM

QF full service is fine IMO. And I'd rather the 763 over the 738 any day!

Where you got the notion DJ service is "better" than QF I don't know... perhaps you could share your thoughts? Last I flew QF they went above and beyond to make the trip a great one, the hosties even took some time to talk with my kids and have a laugh.

Or is this a case of the "big bad dangerous poorly maintained 767-300 is a horrible aircraft you are afraid to fly" type comment?

Martin Buzzell · #6 3rd February 2010, 09:00 AM

...and have you been on the 190? The cabin creaks more than the floorboards in my house!!

matthew mcdonald · #7 3rd February 2010, 03:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NickN

Where you got the notion DJ service is "better" than QF I don't know... perhaps you could share your thoughts?

I agree with Anthony 100%. There have been times on Qantas that I have been denied certain things that I have never been denied by Virgin. For example there was one time on a flight from Sydney-Port Maquarie on an E170 that when we landed I asked to visit the cockpit. They not only let me in but offered to let me stay on the plane in the cockpit until the other passengers for the return trip boarded. (That day i was doing Syd-Port-Syd).

On Qantas however, there has only been one time i have ever been alllowed in the cockpit (for a split second) and all the other times I have asked I have been denied. I have even been told countless times when Ive had my camera out to put it away as it is against safety and security regulations.

I am not saying I woudnt fly Qantas becasue I will but Virgin Blue has 10 times better service than Qantas.