VA One way Fares 21.07.09

NEW ONE-WAY FARES BETWEEN LA – AUSTRALIA FROM JUST $359* - COMING HOME IS OPTIONAL!

V AUSTRALIA MAKES IT FLEXIBLE AND AFFORDABLE

Tuesday 21 July 2009: V Australia continues to shake up the market with the introduction of super cheap one-way tickets between Los Angeles - Sydney and Brisbane offering more flexibility for travelers, which are on sale now.

While one-way fares are not new to the arena, V Australia is the first airline to offer one-way fares across ALL of its fare brackets, including its lowest lead-in fares, offering one-way tickets from just $359*, approximately 76% lower than the lowest one-way fare currently offered by competitor airlines^.

Virgin Blue Group Chief Executive, Brett Godfrey, said the initiative was another example of V Australia remaining open and adaptable to new ideas and championing change for consumers.

“The biggest joke in the industry was that for the cheapest and least-restrictive one-way fare travelers had to purchase a return fare and throw away the return portion. This was obviously good for the airlines, but not so for travelers and we’re happy to be the first trans-Pacific airline to offer affordable one-way fares while removing the archaic ‘advanced purchase conditions’ and minimum stay requirements often associated with one-way tickets.”

Currently trans-Pacific one-way fares on other carriers are only available in the higher fare brackets.

Brett Godfrey continued, “Effectively travelers get stung twice for even considering a one-way fare, which is usually exquisitely expensive coupled with extensive conditions.

“With V Australia’s new ‘freedom fare’ we’ve certainly made it easier and much more affordable for those who want flexibility for their return flight, or only need to travel in one direction.”

Availability of affordable one-way fares is great news for students, backpackers, expats and those on working holidays who may not necessarily have a firm return date.

If travelers are in doubt about their travel plans, buying a one-way fare will also negate any penalty fees that usually apply to the lower fare brackets if changes are made to a return flight after the booking is confirmed.

One-way fares from America are only available for purchase online at www.vaustralia.com with Guests able to purchase ‘through fares’ from Los Angeles to Sydney or Brisbane and onwards throughout Australia on Virgin Blue’s extensive flight network.

One-way fares from Australia to America are only available for purchase online at www.vaustralia.com.au and do not include through fares via Los Angeles to other US destinations as operated by V Australia’s code-share partners.

In addition to the one-way fare, for international visitors traveling on a budget around Australia and between Australia and New Zealand, the easiest and most flexible way to fly is with a Virgin Blue Airpass only available online at www.virginblueairpass.com. The Virgin Blue Airpass offers travelers set airfares from as low as AUD$69 per flight across a variety of Virgin Blue ‘Fly Zones’ (Quick Fly, Metro Fly, Coastal Fly, Cross Country). Travelers can ‘mix and match’ a minimum of three and a maximum of eight flights from any of the four fly zones, and up to nine Guests can travel together on the one Airpass.

^ Fares sourced on 20 July 2009 from www.qantas.com.au and http://travel.united.com.

For a one-way LA-SYD flight with Qantas for travel on 20 August 2009 the lowest one-way fare on sale was for $1491.

For a one-way LA-SYD flight with United for travel on 20 August 2009 the lowest one-way fare on sale was for $1490.

* There are no maximum or minimum stay requirements as part of the fare however length of stay in Australia is subject to applicable visa requirement. Fares are economy one way fares, and exclude government-imposed taxes, fees and the 9/11 Security Fee (collectively between $USD100 to $USD250 depending on itinerary). Prices are in US dollars and include applicable fuel surcharges. On sale from midnight (PST) July 20, 2009 until midnight (PST) August 4, 2009 (unless sold out earlier) for travel from July 20, 2009 to November 30, 2009. Fares are current as at July 17, 2009, are subject to availability and may vary until ticketed. Seats are limited and may not be available at peak times or on all flights. Available only for instant purchase online and fares are non-refundable and cannot be cancelled for credit to use at a later date. No stopovers are permitted. Connecting flights between Sydney and other Australian domestic ports are operated by Virgin Blue Airlines. Any Australian domestic travel can be booked through Virgin Blue. Tickets purchased through the Guest Contact Centre cost $15(USD) more.