Brisbane to Hong Kong: Virgin Australia or Singapore Airlines?
13 replies
Hi Guest, join in the discussion on Brisbane to Hong Kong: Virgin Australia or Singapore Airlines?
Hi Guest, join in the discussion on Brisbane to Hong Kong: Virgin Australia or Singapore Airlines?
djtech
djtech
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
Member since 02 Sep 2018
Total posts 375
I've got a trip to Hong Kong coming up but deciding whether to go from Brisbane to Hong Kong with Virgin Australia or Singapore Airlines. I have Velocity Gold so am planning to use my status to access lounges etc. (that's why I'm not flying Qantas or Cathay). Virgin would be transferring in Melbourne and Singapore at Singapore Changi. Which should I take and which lounges, inflight experience (catering, service, seat, IIFE, etc) is better?
H2SO4
H2SO4
Member since 22 Aug 2015
Total posts 4
What class are you traveling?
djtech
djtech
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
Member since 02 Sep 2018
Total posts 375
I'm travelling in economy and although the backtracking is quite significant in Melbourne, the duration ends up to be around the same.
Sam Butler
Sam Butler
Member since 05 Sep 2017
Total posts 5
I'd go Virgin.
henrus
henrus
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
Member since 23 Oct 2013
Total posts 766
Was in the KirsFlyer lounge in Hong Kong last month early in the morning at around 7:30 am.
jch
jch
Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards
Member since 15 Nov 2017
Total posts 143
Economy X on the day flight from Melbourne to HK is great I would pick that over SQ. However the leg back is overnight and fortunately I was able to get a reward flight with points to upgrade to The Business.
adethyasjce
adethyasjce
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
Member since 03 Jul 2018
Total posts 66
I'd also suggest using VA, better J product and the domestic connection/stopover could mean more SC's earned
Chris C.
Chris C.
Member since 24 Apr 2012
Total posts 1,116
You mention that the only reason you're flying hours in the wrong direction is to make use of lounges because you have Velocity status. Something like a Priority Pass card could instead provide you with lounge access with any airline, and often, to many of the same lounges you could access as a Gold frequent flyer: just something to keep in mind, particularly if you'll be spending more money to fly backwards than booking a non-stop flight.
If you are glued to Velocity-linked airlines only, though, also consider that VA partner Hainan Airlines flies Brisbane-Shenzhen twice a week, and that you can catch a train in between Shenzhen and Hong Kong, which may end up being faster than the other options. Lounge access in Brisbane for Velocity Gold members flying Hainan Airlines in economy will soon be available to the new 'My Lounge', although I don't believe there's a lounge in Shenzhen.
(There's also the issue of the Chinese visa given you won't be transiting with an onward flight: you'd only be able to show return tickets to/from China.)
Sam Butler
Sam Butler
Member since 05 Sep 2017
Total posts 5
If you are glued to Velocity-linked airlines only, though, also consider that VA partner Hainan Airlines flies Brisbane-Shenzhen twice a week, and that you can catch a train in between Shenzhen and Hong Kong, which may end up being faster than the other options. Lounge access in Brisbane for Velocity Gold members flying Hainan Airlines in economy will soon be available to the new 'My Lounge', although I don't believe there's a lounge in Shenzhen.
(There's also the issue of the Chinese visa given you won't be transiting with an onward flight: you'd only be able to show return tickets to/from China.)
Except the whole having to get a Chinese visa thing.
Red Cee
Red Cee
Member since 15 Feb 2018
Total posts 151
If you are flying back Virgin or SQ, I would definitely fly Virgin. If you fly SQ, any liquid duty free purchased in Hong Kong will have to be given up in Changi Airport.
Jgrae
Jgrae
Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards
Member since 04 Sep 2018
Total posts 5
I've done both.. Virgin hands down. Much nicer experience overall. The only thing I like about Singapore over VA on those routes is the A380 or 787 compared to the noisy 777's.
rencontre
rencontre
Member since 27 Aug 2015
Total posts 9
It's a VA A330 out of Sydney and Melbs to HK. I do agree with you though, the VA experience is overall nicer (& more personable) than SQ.
NoAngelNZ
NoAngelNZ
Member since 29 Nov 2018
Total posts 14
These would be my words exactly. Club Autus is probably my second favourite lounge after the Etihad First Lounge.
Chris C.
Chris C.
Member since 24 Apr 2012
Total posts 1,116
If you are glued to Velocity-linked airlines only, though, also consider that VA partner Hainan Airlines flies Brisbane-Shenzhen twice a week, and that you can catch a train in between Shenzhen and Hong Kong, which may end up being faster than the other options. Lounge access in Brisbane for Velocity Gold members flying Hainan Airlines in economy will soon be available to the new 'My Lounge', although I don't believe there's a lounge in Shenzhen.
(There's also the issue of the Chinese visa given you won't be transiting with an onward flight: you'd only be able to show return tickets to/from China.)
Except the whole having to get a Chinese visa thing.
Not necessary for APEC Card holders with cards endorsed by China, or when in transit between one country/region (Australia) and another (Hong Kong), when proof of onward travel can be presented, subject to local laws. (Your mode of transport doesn't necessarily have to be a plane.)