Virgin Atlantic Australia

Thinking of flying VA from Melbourne (bummer codeshare Virgin Blue) to Sydney and on to LHR. Does anyone have experience of the connection from other Austrlaian cities- can you book your luggage straight through from Melbourne to LHR? If you flying UCS do you still get the 30 kilo luggage allowance on the domestic segment (even though Virgin Blue has no business class- its all economy). And what is the transfer times between flights usually like- would like to spend time in the Sydney ANZ lounge if possible without running from one flight to another to connect.
As I said unfort VA doesn't fly into Melbourne- (prefering like many airlines that think Sydney is the be all and end all of Australia) - and while there are many airlines flying from Melbourne direct would like to try VA and their style of service. Any other hints for the Australian -LHR segment.

Thanks much

Yes, you'll be able to check your luggage in MEL all the way through to LHR so no need to collect and check-in again in SYD. Same applies for connections from Brisbane, Adelaide, Cairns and the Gold Coast. If flying from MEL (or any of the above destinations) then no e-ticketing is possible. I think you would be entitled to the higher baggage allowance when flying UC on the VS domestic codeshare flights but I would just call Virgin Atlantic in Australia just to confirm.

The transfer time in SYD is roughly between 1.5 - 2hrs, and of course, you have to transfer between the Domestic and International terminals and go through passport control.

The Strawb
(currently baking in SYD)

Originally posted by Strawberry Muppet
Yes, you'll be able to check your luggage in MEL all the way through to LHR so no need to collect and check-in again in SYD. Same applies for connections from Brisbane, Adelaide, Cairns and the Gold Coast. If flying from MEL (or any of the above destinations) then no e-ticketing is possible. I think you would be entitled to the higher baggage allowance when flying UC on the VS domestic codeshare flights but I would just call Virgin Atlantic in Australia just to confirm.

The transfer time in SYD is roughly between 1.5 - 2hrs, and of course, you have to transfer between the Domestic and International terminals and go through passport control.

The Strawb
(currently baking in SYD)

I believe that IATA rules state that on the baggage allowement of the segment with the highest baggage allowment of all segments on a ticket is valid for all segements.

When I book ARN-LHR-SFO in UCS I certainly get 3PCS on the ARN-LHR part, which is 96 kilos, a bit more than the normal business class max of 30 kilo on the ARN-LHR route .

On BA when I have been booked in Club World on the same day and had a European economy flight they allowed the higher allowance for cabin luggage.

I've never tried to take 96 kilos on board though, one day I should just for the sake of it .