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Virgin Australia Resuming Domestic Flights (Limited Schedule) from 17 April to June 7th, One Way Fares from $95

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Virgin Australia Resuming Domestic Flights (Limited Schedule) from 17 April to June 7th, One Way Fares from $95Affiliate
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Associatedbeatthatflight @ Beat That Flight on 16/04/2020 - 20:20 specials.virginaustralia.com (8616 clicks)
Last edited 16/04/2020 - 21:13 by 1 other user
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The limited domestic schedule will include as many as seven flights a week each way between Australia’s major capital cities.

Regional airports including Rockhampton and Mackay will also be serviced.

In an email sent out:

“Virgin Australia is pleased to respond to a request from the Australian Government to resume flying an underwritten, minimal domestic schedule, to transport passengers and keep important freight corridors open during the COVID-19 pandemic,”

“The schedule will commence tomorrow (Friday 17 April 2020) and run for a period of eight weeks, until 7 June 2020.”

From their travel alert:

Supporting Australians to return home updated 16 April 6.45pm

Virgin Australia is pleased to respond to a request from the Federal Government to resume flying a minimal domestic schedule of commercial services commencing tomorrow (Friday 17 April, 2020).

The schedule will operate for a period of eight weeks, until 7 June 2020, and flights will gradually go on sale from today (Thursday 16 April, 2020) through our website.

Guests who wish to rebook their previously cancelled flight are advised to do so online using their Travel Bank credit – this can be done easily at the payment screen. Alternatively, passengers can call the Guest Contact Centre on 13 67 89, between 7am-6pm Mon-Fri and 8am-5pm on weekends, to have their ticket reissued.

Guests who were previously booked to travel between 17-29 April will be given additional flexibility with a new booking, including the ability to rebook their ticket to any day or service within that period, with any applicable fare differences waived.

Passengers who have booked through a travel agent will need to contact them to reissue their tickets.

We will also continue to support the Australian Government with repatriation flights between Los Angeles and Hong Kong to help bring Australians home and maintain important freight links in and out of the country.

The network schedule is available here

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closed Comments

      • lewislardboy on 17/04/2020 - 09:08
        +2

        you're having a shocker on this thread mate. :)

  • Mahogany Granger on 16/04/2020 - 20:44
    +2

    Petri dish in the sky

    • inherentchoice on 17/04/2020 - 04:26

      Diamond Princess is a good example of how the virus behaves in a microcosm.

  • ma77 on 16/04/2020 - 20:45
    +3

    As much as I like VA and don't want to see them go under, I like my money too much to risk booking with an airline in such a precarious situation.
    I think a couple of extra dollars on QF metal might be worth it, if you needed to go somewhere.

    • AussieZed on 16/04/2020 - 20:57

      Impulse Airlines were so much better.

    • Meho2026 on 16/04/2020 - 21:01
      +7

      Post says this 8 week limited service is underwritten by government. Virgin wont go under servicing these routes, the government will cover any losses they incur.

  • tanastra on 16/04/2020 - 20:54

    Time to do Sweden’s

    • dm01 on 16/04/2020 - 22:14
      +2

      …women?

  • phxsun on 16/04/2020 - 20:54
    +4

    Had the idea of transferring my Velocity points to Krisflyer miles a week or so before they shut it down. I got lazy and here we are…

    • nightelves on 16/04/2020 - 21:07

      I was the same. Lucky I did though.

    • Ultraman on 16/04/2020 - 21:07

      I was wondering why BP said bye Velocity, hi QFF ;)

      • annarchon on 16/04/2020 - 21:18
        -1

        QFF?

        I burnt through them all as well.

        It’s not like international or even domestic travel will be on the cards anytime soon. Why risk Qantas going down?

        • JohnHowardsEyebrows on 16/04/2020 - 21:24
          +1

          Domestic travel will be up and running within six months, and likely earlier, given the current trajectory of the virus.

          International, it's likely to be a staggered return (countries like NZ and maybe even Taiwan will open up travel with other well controlled countries).

          • annarchon on 16/04/2020 - 21:56
            -1

            @JohnHowardsEyebrows: But what's the point of using the points on domestic? The best value is upgrading international. The other redemption are all there or there abouts.

            • JohnHowardsEyebrows on 16/04/2020 - 22:06
              +3

              @annarchon: Points on domestic have always been worth it if you wanted the comfort of a full service airline, the flexibility to not have to book months out, and the ability to cancel without a huge penalty.

              When it comes to flight redemptions, the value comparison is like this:

              Premium international > Any domestic >>>>>>> economy international

          • letmethefuqin on 17/04/2020 - 00:10
            +1

            @JohnHowardsEyebrows: I suspect this to be true, although we won’t have Flights back at full pace for another year

    • ash2000 on 16/04/2020 - 21:08
      +2

      Damn, forgot all about my velocity points… Virgin took back control of velocity last year, which likely means the points my could be in jeopardy.

      When Ansett went belly up, the points went too.

      • voteoften on 16/04/2020 - 22:37
        +1

        I lost with Ansett. That’s why, a month ago I spent 286,000 points on an iPhone and the rest on gift cards that have yet to arrive. It killed me to use the points that way, but I felt I had no choice.

        • WillKillfor5Cents on 16/04/2020 - 22:58

          omg… a month and gift cards haven't arrived? Don't tell me the gift card providers are doing a runner too… I'm nervous now… I've been cleaning out my Velocity points for gift cards too!

          • freestyle18 on 17/04/2020 - 05:11

            @WillKillfor5Cents: don't count your chickens. QF and VA aren't idiots. your order may be there but except it to take forever to arrive

        • ash2000 on 17/04/2020 - 06:31

          It killed me to use the points that way, but I felt I had no choice.

          I would have been in tears after that conversion, but, probably the only prudent thing to do, all things considered.

          To lose it all in a month or two would be far worse.

          Looks like they are quite busy….

          Due to high demand we are limiting the number of Gift Card redemptions to 1 per day for each member. We appreciate your understanding.

    • lainey13 on 17/04/2020 - 14:32
      +1

      I'm also freaking out about the loss of my points (320k).

  • thriftyozzie on 16/04/2020 - 20:55
    -3

    I think they are raising the much needed funds here. Hope they survive. On the flip side if they go under then all who have booked flights can kiss their bucks good bye.

    • INFIDEL on 16/04/2020 - 21:07
      +2

      Read the Deal Description.
      These flights are underwritten by Commonwealth Government.

      "Virgin Australia is pleased to respond to a request from the Australian Government to resume flying an underwritten, minimal domestic schedule"

      • callum9999 on 16/04/2020 - 22:01

        I'm not sure many of you are understanding what the word "underwritten" means.

        It doesn't mean that they'll bankroll VA throughout the period, it means that if (well, when) those routes lose money the government will make up the shortfall. It also doesn't mean that the government will refund passengers.

        They absolutely can go under before they finish these routes - the rest of the business is still losing tonnes of money.

        • INFIDEL on 16/04/2020 - 22:20

          Yes, that's what underwritten means. It's far safer than Virgin bankrolling these flights by themselves.

          There are no government guarantees for customers over this limited flight period.

          But my guess is the Government would want those buying these flights - for those tickets to be honoured, even if Qantas or the Air Force moves the remaining passengers.

          • callum9999 on 16/04/2020 - 22:54

            @INFIDEL: Then what exactly was your point about the flights being underwritten then? And given its a drop in the ocean in comparison to the vast sums they're currently losing, I don't see it being "far safer".

            I also don't see why the government would buy you new tickets if Virgin go bust? Though presumably you'll be safe if you pay by credit card.

    • nightelves on 16/04/2020 - 21:08

      I hope not I have flights to Perth and Sydney near the end of the year 😭😭😭

    • MasterScythe on 16/04/2020 - 21:09

      Nah, those particular routes are gov backed.

    • AussieZed on 16/04/2020 - 21:09
      -8

      Of course they'll survive. Richard Branson is very rich. I don't think he has to worry about a little hiccup in his business.

      • INFIDEL on 16/04/2020 - 21:11
        +7

        Again, you information is so out of date.
        A Branson airline owns a minimal stake. He sold out of VA long ago.

        • AussieZed on 16/04/2020 - 21:12

          Hmm, wasn't he in one of the commercials not too long ago?

        • ma77 on 16/04/2020 - 21:56
          +1

          Not to mention, Branson really only does branding,
          He rarely if ever puts his hand into his own pocket mainly taking a stake and letting someone else foot the bill and he doesn't have a great record of businesses making money either having a similar track record to Donald Trump in businesses being shut down.

  • Levathian on 16/04/2020 - 21:08
    +1

    Good to see some domestic flights going. Apparently some people were on a cruise which docked in Perth, quarantined for two weeks then found themselves unable to get back to the east coast because everything was cancelled!

  • Taegukgi on 16/04/2020 - 21:12
    +1

    QANTAS and Jetstar will also be increasing the number of flights.

    • dm01 on 16/04/2020 - 22:16

      Best book some tickets then and make use of your hard-earned taxes!

    • UberIsCool on 16/04/2020 - 22:31

      People have to get home, do you suggest they walk?

      • beeeej on 16/04/2020 - 22:53
        +1

        I heard UberIsCool…

    • inherentchoice on 17/04/2020 - 04:30

      Perhaps not a complete waste, as we can't have a Qantas monopoly.

  • DU99 on 16/04/2020 - 21:29

    After the get a bail out from the goverment

  • capslock on 16/04/2020 - 21:39
    +7

    VA needs Australia's support more than ever. Just pay with a credit card. Even if they do go under you will get your money back through a chargeback.

  • amanda89 on 16/04/2020 - 21:45
    +1

    Im Still waiting for a refund from them for my tiger flights. Don't want to fly now I shouldnt be forced to with travel credit

    • followmeya on 16/04/2020 - 22:33

      i don't like tiger airline….. they've cancelled my flights 2 times.

  • followmeya on 16/04/2020 - 22:32
    -1

    does it mean everyone can go back to work in a couple of weeks??? People have not received jobkeeper payment yet……
    a bit confused…

    • umoddbro on 17/04/2020 - 07:51

      Don't worry the government is confused also

  • matust on 16/04/2020 - 22:53
    +3

    The last thing Australia needs is a Qantas/Jetstar monopoly. Pay with your cc if concerned about them staying around so you can do a charge back if needed

    • letmethefuqin on 17/04/2020 - 00:22
      -2

      That’s what will happen,
      However the injection of other airlines will come in to take that spot

      Emirates has invested in some of our airports this year
      And with the removal of virgin company’s like air Asia etc could come back through

      Virgin/tiger have been struggling for a long time
      And tiger actually shut down most of their bases before the virus popped its head up

      I would suspect the nail in the coffin is already delt and virgin are just trying their luck at getting a bail out
      Which I also suspect they won’t get as if there is to be a a bail out it will be for the industry, and qantas group is still in a good financial position, including recently securing a 1billion dollar private loan

      Let’s see what happens :)

      • matust on 17/04/2020 - 05:25
        +2

        I've flown on Air Asia and its nothing to hope for. It will be extremely hard for a new entrant to get established in Australia. Unlike when Virgin started, there was room in the market for a low cost carrier since Jetstar didn't exist. Now whoever tries to move in will get hammered from all sides by Alan Joyces monopoly. Get ready for higher prices and less frequency of flights.

        Although Qantas says they don't need government help, I guarantee you they will have their hand out once there is no more competition. Qantas have a large international fleet that won't be doing any significant work for a long time. It wasn't that long ago that Alan Joyce was walking the halls of Canberra looking for government money as well.

      • tunzafun001 on 17/04/2020 - 10:30
        -1

        Replacing Virgin with AirAsia… The analogy to this is what happened in America with it's President!

  • FBI on 16/04/2020 - 23:09

    Dont bother please!! They cancelled on me 3 times. The last cancellation was 3 hours after I booked a flight from Brisbane to Melbourne. And then they ofge4d me "travel" credit. Don't bother booking unless you want a stoush with them in getting your money back.

    • dm01 on 17/04/2020 - 07:48
      +4

      And then they ofge4d me

      That's the worst feeling.

  • Starcraftmazter on 17/04/2020 - 00:20

    We can't legally go anywhere though right ?

    • kerfuffle on 17/04/2020 - 06:43

      Only to Victoria, NSW or the ACT without having to self-isolate for two weeks but yeah you do need a valid reason (holiday isn't going to cut it haha)

  • Make it so on 17/04/2020 - 00:48
    +1

    In Perth we can't even leave metro or drive anywhere without a reason. Not sure how this would work. But hopefully this will solve delivery delays for my online shopping.

    • Buckshot on 17/04/2020 - 13:30

      Hey? We can leave the Metro area. You can go as far as Mandurah or within the bounds of the Peel region last time I checked.

      • Make it so on 17/04/2020 - 13:33

        Sorry, I meant "greater metropolitan region".

  • SeVeN11 on 17/04/2020 - 02:12
    +2

    Just thought of a bigger bargain…
    Someone could pay $200 for a return ticket, get 28 nights free accommodation (14nights at destination, 14nights back at home state) with full board (breakfast, lunch and dinner), with utilities, light entertainment, free internet.

    That works out to be 50pw in rent which on the $550 job seeker.

    You just need a good excuse…

    Shakes head at state of the country and economy while trying to figure out why my tenant thinks it's reasonable for them to offer me $0 rent while collecting the job seeker because they don't want to cut back on their other expenses.

    end rant

    • [Deactivated] on 17/04/2020 - 03:26
      +3

      14 day funded is more for international arrivals

      Domestically they likely just won't let you travel

      • Levathian on 17/04/2020 - 03:57

        Yeah Qld won't let non-residents enter at all unless you meet very stringent Criteria eg. Essential health care worker, The NT will let you in but will charge you $2500pp for the privilege of quarantine. No idea about the other states.

  • [Deactivated] on 17/04/2020 - 03:24
    +1

    OzAnnouncement

  • inherentchoice on 17/04/2020 - 04:34
    +1

    Nothing for Sunshine Coast. Airport here still CLOSED when normally it has 10 flights a day.

  • ozy on 17/04/2020 - 08:39
    -3

    Considering we are paying for the bailout in taxes previous and future, these flights should be free.
    Their parent investors should be footing the bill.
    Virgin are a joke

  • [Deactivated] on 17/04/2020 - 09:24
    +2

    Is this to celebrate their new taxpayer lounge?

  • Pedro123 on 17/04/2020 - 11:56
    -4

    Virgin should be allowed to crash and burn .. not literally

    In the post covid crunch we only need 1 ( gov. controlled ) airline .

    Any taxpayer money can be put into Jetstar Qantas ownership , fixed fares and ride out whats coming ….

    • sauce2k6 on 17/04/2020 - 12:32

      How much would flights be if Virgin throw in the towel and our only airline is Qantas?

      Fixed fares when Qantas are the only airline? Lolol ok

  • sauce2k6 on 17/04/2020 - 12:31
    +1

    How much would flights be if Virgin throw in the towel and our only airline is Qantas?

    • inherentchoice on 17/04/2020 - 17:58

      Someone would surely start a new carrier?

      • dm01 on 17/04/2020 - 20:01
        +1

        OzBargain Air

      • freestyle18 on 22/04/2020 - 09:40

        great time to start an airline..

        • inherentchoice on 22/04/2020 - 13:09

          After restrictions are lifted and if Virgin dies, there would surely be no better time?

          • freestyle18 on 22/04/2020 - 14:56

            @inherentchoice: travel and tourism is sadly going to be the slowest to recover. in a recession people don't just throw money at recreational travel

  • phxsun on 17/04/2020 - 15:37

    Is it just me or is the Velocity points store down ?

  • dynaflow on 17/04/2020 - 15:44
    -1

    While Branson spends billions indulging his space craft fantasies,his company has been walking a fine line for many years.NZ saw the writing and got out,leaving Emirates and other suckers holding the baby…..now the Feds are funding his business with tax payer funds? At least Qantas is our national airline.

    • dm01 on 17/04/2020 - 20:11

      While Branson spends billions indulging his space craft fantasies,his company has been walking a fine line for many years

      Branson has only a 10% stake in Virgin Australia - it's no longer his company.

  • Froot Loops on 17/04/2020 - 23:45

    I do wish them the best, but have little hope for a future. I'm losing around 30,000 points and my Silver status and $1900 and the fact they refuse to cancel flights and refund me, when I have spent $5k+ in the last 12 months with them, has left me salty. I really don't think I could trust them and hope at least, if the government doesn't bail them out, the government at least covers a part refund of airfares. I just feel bad for anyone who has alot more money in it and their shareholders. Would love to see the government do a deal with the administrations (when it happens), to buy the airline at equality value and float it as an Australian public company for a few years, as a sole QANTAS controlled market is a terrifying possibility.

  • Gomo on 20/04/2020 - 18:07
    -1

    Virgin Australia has collapsed after the debt-laden carrier failed to find a rescuer.

  • ts13 on 21/04/2020 - 03:35
    -4

    no longer a deal if the airline doesn't exist… looks like virgin has reached the end of the line.

    • John Dough on 21/04/2020 - 10:38
      +2

      If you had cared to research and not assume, you would know that they are still flying and plan to long into the future.

  • coolsteps on 21/04/2020 - 13:00

    dam points cant be redeemed now for at least 4 weeks.

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