Travelling Internationally with Virgin. Seating Arrangements?

Ridiculous Panda on 07/12/2023 - 15:19
Last edited 07/12/2023 - 21:07

Hi..
Before you ask, I did ask them but I didn’t exactly trust the young lady who answered the phone as she seemed hesitant at first then possibly gave me the answer I wanted to hear.

So, travelling internationally with 2 kids 5 and 11..
We didn’t want to fork out $34 each to reserve seats.
1) how long before take off can we check in with Virgin at Brisbane airport? I heard 2 hours and 3 hours from Virgin and couldn’t find a definite answer. We would like to be first in line if possible.
2) worst case scenario if no 2 adjacent seats available at the time of check in, surely they will just change someone’s seat on the system so the 5 year old is not by himself right? But how about the 11 year old?

PS: I don’t mind sitting far away with my noise cancelling headphones on if I have to.. which would be unfortunate but I will buy a few beers to make myself feel better.

Edit: forgot to add that Virgin, for some reason, have no online check in for international flights at the moment!

Edit: (from Virgin website credit to Spackbace)
You and your children will always be seated together

At time of booking we will show you the available seats to choose from, including within preferred zones if you are a Status member of our Velocity program.

If you are travelling in a booking of 3 or more, we will assign you the best seats from those remaining 48 hours before your flight time.
Selecting seats during check-in, which is available 48 hours prior to departure.
If you can't all be seated together, we’ll ensure each child (under 12) is seated with an adult from your group.
Unfortunately, we are unable to offer the above for guests who have purchased tickets in separate bookings. For the best seats that suit the whole family, ensure you select your seats either via Manage Your Booking prior to your flight or during Check-in.

If you are flying with infants, please note that bassinets are unavailable onboard our aircrafts.

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Comments

  • jv on 07/12/2023 - 15:28
    +5

    Travelling internationally with Virgin.. seating arrangements?

    Not too close…

    • HeWhoKnows on 08/12/2023 - 07:59
      +7

      If OP is too skimpy to pay for seat allocation online then you get what's left.
      Thats all there is too it.
      Getting there early wont necessarily get you the seats you want.
      Only a selection of whats not allocated.
      And do you really want to be standing around for an hour to wait for the Check-in counter to open?
      Then another 2 1/2 hours waiting to get onto the plane????
      And still find your family is scattered all over the plane.
      And your partner blasting you all the way to your destination saying "I told you so"

      Just pay the price and guarantee your seat selection now.

      • jv on 08/12/2023 - 09:09

        And your partner blasting you all the way to your destination saying "I told you so"

        ↑↑↑↑↑

        This….

        ↑↑↑↑↑

  • jv on 07/12/2023 - 15:30
    +12

    surely they will just change someone’s seat on the system so the 5 year old is not by himself right?

    Not if the other customers paid and selected their seats…

    We've already paid and selected ours and there aren't that many left that are together from what I can see…

    • Ridiculous Panda on 07/12/2023 - 15:33

      Why are assuming we are travelling on the same flight?! I sure hope not..!

      I was just looking at it from a safety standpoint. Who is going to worry about the kid in case on an emergency?

      • jv on 07/12/2023 - 15:33
        +1

        Who is going to worry about the kid in case on an emergency?

        The airline staff.

        • Ridiculous Panda on 07/12/2023 - 15:35
          -8

          I thought they had to be seated on their jump seats while the plane is crashing? Anyway thanks for your help.. i’ll wait for someone else to respond.

          • jv on 07/12/2023 - 15:35
            +1

            @Ridiculous Panda:

            I thought they had to be seated on their jump seats

            Only staff are allowed in the cockpit these days.

      • morse on 07/12/2023 - 20:52
        +2

        You - you need to take responsibility for your child.

  • scrimshaw on 07/12/2023 - 15:36
    +3

    https://flytrippers.com/never-pay-select-seats/

    Flew with Scoot last year and we checked in 4 hours before the flight. The staff at the desk assigned us seats on the same row and we didn't need to pay a cent

    • jv on 07/12/2023 - 15:37

      and what if seats in the same row are not available?

      I checked our return flight in Jan and hardly anything available other than single seats.

      • scrimshaw on 07/12/2023 - 15:39
        +1

        Not sure. I flew during peak F1 season and the plane was booked to capacity but somehow managed to get all 3 seats together (this is economy) .

        The trick is to just check in as early as possible and make sure you ask at the counter for adjacent seats.

      • sumyungguy on 07/12/2023 - 20:54
        +1

        As far as I know the seat assignments that appear to be unavailable may not have been purchased by actual passengers - they're blocked out by VA so they can be assigned to customers with special needs, paxing crew members, among others.

        • Clear on 08/12/2023 - 10:45

          I encountered that last week. All 3 rows going back 4 seats weren't able to be booked but didn't have anyone sitting in them.

          The plane however had to be delayed due to medical equipment being put onboard, so I suspect it was more of a weight issue.

      • Clear on 08/12/2023 - 10:43
        -1

        Are you off to Bali?

        • jv on 08/12/2023 - 11:02

          Do they allow e-scooters there?

          • Clear on 08/12/2023 - 11:06

            @jv: Yes. I can hook you up with a mate.

    • Ridiculous Panda on 07/12/2023 - 15:41
      -1

      Yeah they’ll always happily sit a family as close to each other as possible. I just looked at the seating map and only the front few rows are available at the moment and everything else is reserved aside from a few middle seats. (Only the front rows cost $34 to reserve even on the flexi tickets.. most seats at the back are free to reserve)

  • upended on 07/12/2023 - 15:38
    +7

    Surely if you really want to sit together, $34 per pax is not a lot. The question is whether you are prepared to take the chance when there is a possibility that you don't get consecutive seats or pay $102 to secure your seats in advance.

    • Ridiculous Panda on 07/12/2023 - 15:43
      -1

      We don’t want to pay $102 and don’t really need to sit together besides the kids next to an adult.. so 3 seats.
      That is why i am asking.. if they legally have to sit the kids next to an accompanied adult then we’ll save the $100.. if not, we will pay it so the kids don’t hate us.

      • jv on 07/12/2023 - 17:33
        +1

        if they legally have to sit the kids next to an accompanied adult

        which law says that?

        if that was true, you'd just get bumped off the flight if only single seats remained.

  • spackbace on 07/12/2023 - 15:55
    +8

    I mean, it's $34 each and saves a ton of headaches just to preselect seats next to each other…

    How many news articles do you need to read about people who failed to get seats next to each other and went full Karen?

    If they can't get you seated together, they'll bump you to another flight… is that worth the $34 each headache?

    • Dollar General on 07/12/2023 - 16:47
      -2

      There’s no guarantee when you pay the $34 you don’t get bumped to another seat or another flight. The T&C’s are stacked against you.

      Let’s not forget the ACCC is dragging Qantas to court for selling & accepting money for fake flights

      • jv on 07/12/2023 - 17:35

        There’s no guarantee when you pay the $34 you don’t get bumped to another seat

        not much chance of them doing that when you've paid for exactly that…

        Let’s not forget the ACCC is dragging Qantas

        exactly……

  • djkelly69 on 07/12/2023 - 15:56

    We flew Virgin internationally (to Fiji) earlier this year and were able to pick seats prior to check-in. I can't recall exactly, but looking at the ticket emails it looks like we picked them at booking almost a year prior to the flights.

    They also had online check-in 24 hours prior, so not sure what has changed.

    Where are you flying to?

  • ifyareckon on 07/12/2023 - 16:11
    +7

    Get to the airport, no seating next to each other. Check in agent can't assign seats until they can move other passengers. Your standing there trying to keep kids occupied while they sort out the mess for you. In the end they move other passenger to accommodate you. Meanwhile those passengers are pissed because they were organised enough to sort out their seating earlier but now have to move to accommodate you, possibly in a worse seat.

    So not only have you had the stress of dealing with this at the start of your trip, but you have annoyed others who have been looking forward to their holidays. It's a lose lose situation, just so you can try and save a few $$$. If you can afford an overseas holiday with kids, you can afford to pay the few $$$ extra for seat selection.

  • sam-1966 on 07/12/2023 - 16:23
    +3

    If you feel comfortable with the idea of the three of you being separated and your kids each sitting next to a total stranger (esp a 5 year old), go for it.

    • Dollar General on 07/12/2023 - 16:44

      No chance they let a 5 year old sit without a parent next to them. Just because they charge you to select your seats prior to the flight, doesn’t mean they don’t have a legal obligation when a minor is involved.

      People seem to just accept corporations ripping consumers off.

      Why can’t I charge the airline when I check myself in? Why are these things always a one way obligation placed onto consumers?

  • bobbified on 07/12/2023 - 16:27
    +7

    We didn’t want to fork out $34 each to reserve seats.

    Why would you pay this when you can just be a 'Karen" and ask people to swap seats! And make sure you get angry and cause a scene if someone says 'no'! 😁

  • geek001 on 07/12/2023 - 16:33
    +2

    I personally do not have the best experience asking to be seated together at the check-in counter. The usual reply is "Did you pay for seat selection?".

  • DashCam AKA Rolts on 07/12/2023 - 16:35
    +1

    So, travelling internationally with 2 kids 5 and 11..
    We didn’t want to fork out $34 each to reserve seats.

    You wot?

  • Drakesy on 07/12/2023 - 16:36

    If you're on the same ticket by default they should put you all together.

  • Dollar General on 07/12/2023 - 16:40

    Haven’t flown Virgin but other airlines I have flown and didn’t pay the extra but we were seated together. I reckon the system registers minors are travelling and allocates seats for the family.

  • o53djz7qTPY4der on 07/12/2023 - 16:42
    +3

    I paid for seat selection so that I didn't have to worry about sitting with my family. Is there a reason you don't want to pay other than just being cheap?

    • Ridiculous Panda on 07/12/2023 - 17:23
      -1

      Not really.. but what if they start charging $109 each next year? Where does it change from ‘just pay it’ to ‘wait a minute.. this is ridiculous’?
      I don’t mind paying if the kids will end up sitting separately but that is exactly why i am asking the question.

  • Typical16-bitEnjoyer on 07/12/2023 - 16:51
    +1

    Odds are you'll get put in the too hard basket and bumped off the flight.

  • JimB on 07/12/2023 - 16:56
    +4

    lol.. what a cheapskate!!!

    I hope you don't expect other people who paid for their seats to swap seats with you so your family can sit together.

    • Ridiculous Panda on 07/12/2023 - 17:24
      -5

      People who’ve paid for tickets have been dragged off planes before.. they’ll surely just drag someone to another seat lol

      • DashCam AKA Rolts on 07/12/2023 - 17:43
        +7

        they’ll surely just drag someone to another seat lol

        Consider a username change. Ridiculous Entitled Panda

  • Stewardo on 07/12/2023 - 17:11

    Virgin doesn’t have a plane with 4 seats in a row. Some one will have to be across the aisle, where are you flying to? Bali? Is it a codeshare?

    • Muzeeb on 07/12/2023 - 17:27
      +3

      Sounds like Bali to me. $34 is a lot of Bintang.

  • Purley23 on 07/12/2023 - 17:12
    +1

    I don't think legally they can seat any children under 12 away from a parent in case of emergency as you are required to help them and it could cause an issue as you would be trying to get to your child. Is it 3 of you travelling or 2 parents and 2 kids? They will make sure a parent is with both kids, if only one parent travelling, you should be seated next to both. if two parents, you may get split up but still one parent and one kid together though.

    • Ridiculous Panda on 07/12/2023 - 17:26
      +1

      Yeah two parents and two kids.. yeah just need one parent next to them.. we can ‘survive’ being away for a few hours. Thanks for the reply champ.

      • Muzeeb on 07/12/2023 - 17:30

        few hours

        Noumea?

    • sam-1966 on 08/12/2023 - 12:59

      We got split up on one flight after I'd try to on-line check in (was at a library, and the librarian decided to HELP me… she ended up hitting the button that said I was carrying dangerous goods and it couldn't be undone).

      One adult was with one child, other child and adult separated. She would have been about 9, I think. Luckily the man she was put beside was more than happy to swap seats (my husband did approach him very gently and explained what had happened and didn't start with the full-on entitlement).

  • brendanm on 07/12/2023 - 17:42
    +14

    I hope you are all split up, other people who paid for seat assignments shouldn't have to move for tightarses like you.

    • Dollar General on 07/12/2023 - 17:46
      -5

      lol. Thanks karen

      • brendanm on 07/12/2023 - 17:46
        +4

        I think you'll find the vast majority of people will agree with this. If you don't want to choose seats, that's your problem, not anyone else's.

        • Dollar General on 07/12/2023 - 18:05
          +4

          They don’t put minors with strangers. They are put with their parents regardless if they pay for seat selection or not. Seat selection is a scam they invented to get more money from people.

          Same as how now car manufacturers are charging subscriptions for basics like air conditioning. Dummies will pay it too

          • Ridiculous Panda on 07/12/2023 - 18:10

            @Dollar General: Thank you.. finally a wise answer!

            • spackbace on 07/12/2023 - 18:16
              +13

              @Ridiculous Panda: Ah yes, that confirmation bias you were seeking… It's almost like you weren't even asking for a discussion…

              • Ridiculous Panda on 07/12/2023 - 18:33

                @spackbace: All i wanted to know was whether they were legally allowed to sit kids by themselves and how early we can check in..
                that was one of few relevant replies.
                I was never really after a discussion or opinions about Virgin or seat selection practice at all but I understand this is the internet.

                • spackbace on 07/12/2023 - 18:47
                  +2

                  @Ridiculous Panda: Amazing what searching can find…

                  https://www.virginaustralia.com/au/en/travel-info/onboard-ex…

                  You and your children will always be seated together

                  At time of booking we will show you the available seats to choose from, including within preferred zones if you are a Status member of our Velocity program.

                  • If you are travelling in a booking of 3 or more, we will assign you the best seats from those remaining 48 hours before your flight time.
                    Selecting seats during check-in, which is available 48 hours prior to departure.
                  • If you can't all be seated together, we’ll ensure each child (under 12) is seated with an adult from your group.

                  Unfortunately, we are unable to offer the above for guests who have purchased tickets in separate bookings. For the best seats that suit the whole family, ensure you select your seats either via Manage Your Booking prior to your flight or during Check-in.

                  If you are flying with infants, please note that bassinets are unavailable onboard our aircrafts.

          • spackbace on 07/12/2023 - 18:15

            @Dollar General:

            They don’t put minors with strangers.

            Actually, they do if you sign off on it… Ages 5 and up can travel alone

  • thatonethere on 07/12/2023 - 17:50

    We did Virgin trip to US. Was a real pain with 2 kids as we were scattered throughout the plane. Didnt help it was though Expedia either. Worse was they transfered us to Delta on the way back which was worse

  • SmiTTy on 07/12/2023 - 18:03

    If u don't want to pay 102, would u be willing to pay 68? Maybe do seat selection for 2 so at least the 2 kids can sit together, or u can sit with the younger one. Ask the 3rd to be sit close by based on availability

    • Ridiculous Panda on 07/12/2023 - 18:41

      Nah if I am paying $68 i might as well add another $34 so the older kid doesn’t get upset.
      I was just asking if that fee can be avoided at all, if airlines legally require kids to be seated with their guardian which would make a lot of sense.
      I mean who would put on their oxygen mask if they need it?
      Why pay airlines more money than i need to right?

  • Tech5 on 07/12/2023 - 18:03
    +6

    Hope you don't plan on asking people to move if they are seated apart.

    Personally, I would not move from my picked seat :)

  • AustriaBargain on 07/12/2023 - 18:35
    +2

    You can't care that much about your kids sitting next to strangers if you wouldn't pay the $34 fee.

    • Ridiculous Panda on 07/12/2023 - 18:37
      -8

      You can’t really comprehend that if I didn’t care, then I would not be asking the question? Just don’t want to pay hard earned cash unnecessarily.. IF IT IS NECESSARY I WILL PAY HENCE WHY I AM ASKING ABOUT THE POSSIBILITIES

      • AustriaBargain on 07/12/2023 - 18:59
        +5

        You accepted the risk of your children sitting next to strangers to save $34. If it really bothered you then you would have just paid.

        • Dollar General on 07/12/2023 - 19:18

          There’s no risk

          Paying the extra is what suckers do. That’s why corporations get away with exploiting consumers

          • AustriaBargain on 07/12/2023 - 19:20
            +1

            @Dollar General: If OP felt there was no risk, why is he here asking about this in the first place?

            • Dollar General on 07/12/2023 - 19:23

              @AustriaBargain: Because OP’s first time and asking for feedback but of course majority go for the jugular and make OP to feel like a pathetic parent. The way of the world now. Sit back and judge everyone else’s actions but their own

        • Ridiculous Panda on 07/12/2023 - 21:04

          You must be really special.. no i did not accept any risk.. i am asking if that risk might actually happen. Anyway I already got my answer that airlines are not allowed to sit kids away from their parents. So you’re wrong but thanks for your help

          • AustriaBargain on 07/12/2023 - 21:57

            @Ridiculous Panda: If you knew there was zero risk when you ordered the tickets without the $34 assigned seat fee, then why did you create this thread here? You say you are confident now, but when you placed the ticket order you obviously were not confident, you were comfortable with the risk of your children sitting next to strangers during the flight.

  • Tee Rex Arms on 07/12/2023 - 20:39
    +4

    Fvck me just pay it so your holiday isn’t ruined at the start

  • morse on 07/12/2023 - 20:49

    You really need to take into account the total cost of your travel in your travel plans. Yes it’s expensive. Yes it will probably work out even if you don’t. But, don’t complain if it doesn’t - international travel is expensive and a privilege, your children’s safety is your responsibility.

  • wackedupwacko on 08/12/2023 - 03:32

    Are you perhaps looking at Vrgin's Economy X seats (the larger leg room ones) which will cost everyone an amount except platinum members?
    Realistically people tend to move into those as they check in because they are objectively better seats (or get bumped into them). Since you've already taken a look at the seat map, I'm sure you're aware that it's 3-3 configuration and thus either you'll get 2/2 split or 3/1 (may not necessarily be in the same row).

    Also if you ask around nicely at the right places (Australian Frequent Flyers for example) there are plenty of people who can check the REAL load of the flights and seatmaps than the ones that the airlines want to show you to check whether it's actually full.

    As an aside, I'd make sure you consider back up options and have travel insurance. Virgin reliability is currently going downhill very very fast. For all the flack Qantas gets, they have much bigger capacities to recover when they mess up than Virgin currently does. Lots of talks of potential strike actions coming up soon too.

    • Ridiculous Panda on 08/12/2023 - 07:46

      Thanks for the advice.. the $34 seats are the front rows. Economy x is $1xx. There are cheaper seats to reserve at the back but what was available were only random middle seats when I booked.
      Yeah 3-3 configuration.. we are not too fussed at all as long as a kid doesn’t end up sitting by themselves.
      All good now that I know they can’t do that anyway.
      Yeah travel insurance is sorted. Thank you :)

  • tabitha731 on 08/12/2023 - 08:05
    +1

    Of ur travelling with kids, and dont want to fork out $34, to seat your children under the age of 12 to be seated with u.. be a parent! They’re your kids, dont palm them off to stranger to look after while u have your noise cancelling headphones on! Clearly u cant afford to travel with ur family if u cant be bothered to cough up $34 for the s after of your own children! Priority goes to people who have paid for their allocated seating and those who have frequent flyer status… and various other criteria.. so your circumstances are at the bottom of the allocation.

  • jmagic0 on 09/12/2023 - 15:34

    This is what rock bottom feels like.

  • Will146 on 09/12/2023 - 20:23

    Although not on Virgin but I have seen it on Etihad where they have split families & seated children away from parents. These families were given the option to deal with it or be off loaded to the next flight, eventually some passengers agreed to move but don’t bank on the cabin crew or gate agents to move people around to accommodate you.

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