Virgin Australia now offers a Basic Economy fare on its long-haul flights to Los Angeles, Sydney-Hong Kong and Brisbane-Tokyo. It's called Economy Light, books into M class. Checked baggage is limited to 1 x 23kg bag, compared to 2 x 23kg on other economy fares. You still get the same catering as other economy fares but of course there's no seat selection.
You only get 0.25 Velocity points per mile, not sure about status credits. And there are NO changes allowed. Can't change the date of your flight, can't change your name on the ticket, and the fare is 100% non-refundable, no credits, no nothing.
So how much do you save? Not a lot. I've compared the Basic Economy 'Economy Light' fare for SYD-LAX and SYD-HKG as of late February 2020 and BNE-HND as of late April 2020.
Virgin's “Light Fare” does not equal economy basic it still has a bag.
It's more a new promo fare bucket to improve yields (think happy hour tickets and other promos). It will create more favourable terms to the airline for people who just want a cheap ticket and are unlikely to purchase other ancillary items.
Looking into a few dates “Light Fare” are not always available (sold out) in peak times/school holidays.
Virgin's “Light Fare” does not equal economy basic it still has a bag.
It's more a new promo fare bucket to improve yields (think happy hour tickets and other promos). It will create more favourable terms to the airline for people who just want a cheap ticket and are unlikely to purchase other ancillary items.
Looking into a few dates “Light Fare” are not always available (sold out) in peak times/school holidays.
Delta has also introduced 'Basic Economy' on its trans-Pacific routes and this includes a bag.
Is this an official change to introduce a lower than regular economy product network wide or is this a sale event? Surprised there isn't a official press release and no reporting whatsoever on this change if it is airline wide.
Is this an official change to introduce a lower than regular economy product network wide or is this a sale event? Surprised there isn't a official press release and no reporting whatsoever on this change if it is airline wide.
It has been introduced on the Long Haul International services. The Velocity Points and Status Credits earn tables have been updated to reflect the change.
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Virgin Australia launches 'Basic Economy' fare
Sparksy
Sparksy
Member since 09 Aug 2015
Total posts 12
Virgin Australia now offers a Basic Economy fare on its long-haul flights to Los Angeles, Sydney-Hong Kong and Brisbane-Tokyo. It's called Economy Light, books into M class. Checked baggage is limited to 1 x 23kg bag, compared to 2 x 23kg on other economy fares. You still get the same catering as other economy fares but of course there's no seat selection.
You only get 0.25 Velocity points per mile, not sure about status credits. And there are NO changes allowed. Can't change the date of your flight, can't change your name on the ticket, and the fare is 100% non-refundable, no credits, no nothing.
So how much do you save? Not a lot. I've compared the Basic Economy 'Economy Light' fare for SYD-LAX and SYD-HKG as of late February 2020 and BNE-HND as of late April 2020.
SYD-LAX Economy Light = $871, Economy Getaway = $920
SYD-HKG Economy Light = $560, Economy Getaway = $599
BNE-HND Economy Light = $418, Economy Getaway = $448
LostInTransit
LostInTransit
Member since 11 Sep 2015
Total posts 5
Very interesting but not much of a 'saving'.
planesa380
planesa380
Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards
Member since 05 Sep 2013
Total posts 77
Virgin's “Light Fare” does not equal economy basic it still has a bag.
It's more a new promo fare bucket to improve yields (think happy hour tickets and other promos). It will create more favourable terms to the airline for people who just want a cheap ticket and are unlikely to purchase other ancillary items.
Looking into a few dates “Light Fare” are not always available (sold out) in peak times/school holidays.
LostInTransit
LostInTransit
Member since 11 Sep 2015
Total posts 5
Originally Posted by planesa380
Virgin's “Light Fare” does not equal economy basic it still has a bag.
It's more a new promo fare bucket to improve yields (think happy hour tickets and other promos). It will create more favourable terms to the airline for people who just want a cheap ticket and are unlikely to purchase other ancillary items.
Looking into a few dates “Light Fare” are not always available (sold out) in peak times/school holidays.
hakkinen5
hakkinen5
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
Member since 20 Aug 2014
Total posts 195
Promo fare buckets at this price point do not "improve yield". They actually dilute yield. They do improve load factor however.
djtech
djtech
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
Member since 02 Sep 2018
Total posts 375
Is this an official change to introduce a lower than regular economy product network wide or is this a sale event? Surprised there isn't a official press release and no reporting whatsoever on this change if it is airline wide.
brinkers
brinkers
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
Member since 16 Jun 2011
Total posts 233
Originally Posted by djtech
Is this an official change to introduce a lower than regular economy product network wide or is this a sale event? Surprised there isn't a official press release and no reporting whatsoever on this change if it is airline wide.