Virgin Australia - Fare Change and Cancellation Policies

Dont Care on 11/09/2017 - 11:41

Booked fares for the family months ago cost around $500. Now unable to go. Still 2 weeks out from booked dates. Virgin's policy is 80 dollars to change a fare and 40 dollars if you do using the virgin booking centre.

I'm sure in the past I was offered a travel credit. 80 dollars to change a fare and then rebook is robbery. I've always paid for the cheapest fares possible but just think a few weeks out from trip it's a bit steep to lose all the money.

I cant think of any other item where refunds are not allowed at all. Anyway just venting.

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Comments

  • NotAMoodle on 11/09/2017 - 11:49
    +2

    Depends on which fare you purchased.

    Gateway fare: Cancel Fee - Not permitted

    Elevate fare: Cancel Fee - Cancellations permitted until midnight prior to scheduled departure with refund available to Travel Bank only ($A50 fee)

    Freedom fare: Cancel Fee - Cancellations permitted prior to scheduled departure with refund available to Travel Bank (no fee) or original form of payment ($A80 fee)

    Did you pay on an Amex with domestic travel insurance included? If so, simply make a claim.

  • Dont Care on 11/09/2017 - 12:08

    Thanks Dazzy. No didn't pay on amex. I'd say it was gateway fare I can't tell from the ticket but if gateway is cheapest yes i would have booked most affordable.

  • Presence on 11/09/2017 - 12:13
    +4

    I cant think of any other item where refunds are not allowed at all. Anyway just venting.

    You are not entitled to a refund for a change of mind for any consumer product. Some businesses might offer it, but it's not a right.

    • cameldownunder on 11/09/2017 - 15:20

      Some full fare economy and business tickets, you can change / refund without penalty.
      Going for cheaper tickets, and you give away your options.
      Booked Etihad, super cheap fares, but now I cannot book seats online.

  • Nutrino on 11/09/2017 - 13:07

    I guess they don't care

    • JimmyF on 11/09/2017 - 14:12

      I think you mean they DO care ;)

  • SBOB on 11/09/2017 - 13:08
    +2

    I cant think of any other item where refunds are not allowed at all.

    pretty much every single purchase where its a change of mind?
    (unless the retailer explicitly has this as their own customer service policy, as its not required)

    • Ocker on 11/09/2017 - 14:04

      Our business does indeed have a "change of mind" refund policy - and we charge a restocking fee of 25%. Pretty much the same basis as Virgin charge a fee - they need to put the seats that were booked/sold back into stock

  • tsunamisurfer on 11/09/2017 - 13:33
    +2

    OP…

    Do you remember when you ticked the box 'I understand and accept the terms and conditions'?

    You did read, understand the conditions right?

    • JimmyF on 11/09/2017 - 14:11
      +1

      clearly no…. But they do remember this

      I've always paid for the cheapest fares possible

  • JimmyF on 11/09/2017 - 14:10
    +1

    I've always paid for the cheapest fares possible

    Hmmmm ok

    80 dollars to change a fare and then rebook is robbery

    So you want it both ways? The CHEAPEST fare and the most flexible fare? Yeah nah…. Doesn't work like that

    I'm sure in the past I was offered a travel credit.

    Nope, unless you buy the more costly fares. Its all spelled out VERY CLEARLY on the website during booking.

    I cant think of any other item where refunds are not allowed at all.

    Swimsuits…. Pretty much ANY cheap/discounted fare/ticket.

    Vending machines buys are pretty hard to return too (but can be done), medications. Food in general can't be 'returned' for a change of mind after ordering and its arrived.

    Remember, you're doing a CHANGE OF MIND on these tickets. There is nothing wrong with the product.

    ACCC says they don't have to offer a refund at all for a change of mind.

    • not be required to provide a remedy if a consumer: simply changes their mind, decides they do not like the purchase or has no use for it

    https://www.accc.gov.au/business/treating-customers-fairly/c…

    80 dollars to change a fare and then rebook is robbery

    Oh BTW you'll find thats $80 per ticket PLUS the fare difference of to the new ticket ;)

    Also listed clearly on the webiste

    https://www.virginaustralia.com/au/en/plan/fees-surcharges/d…

    • cameldownunder on 11/09/2017 - 15:22

      Your ONLY CHANCE is they changed departure time, then you could claim that it does not suit you any more and ask for refund !
      Check if anything has changed

  • Dont Care on 11/09/2017 - 14:20

    Have decided to keep the fares and go as planned. Thanks for the advice but it's all irrelevant to me now.

    • R-Man on 11/09/2017 - 14:30
      +4

      username checks out ;) enjoy the trip mate!

    • JimmyF on 11/09/2017 - 14:55
      +3

      Thanks for the advice but it's all irrelevant to me now.

      Just like this thread…..

      Have fun OP, but we 'Dont care'….. ;)

  • Poolprouk on 11/09/2017 - 16:52

    Go to your docs on your travel date and get a sick note for the kids stating that they are not fit to fly.

    Then apply for travel credit on compassionate grounds.

    Worked for me with Tiger (that was a genuine sickness though so my conscience is clear).

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