Deal resolves controversy over AFL airline change * Michael Warner
* From: Herald Sun
* February 22, 2011 FOOTBALL'S airline saga has ended after Virgin Blue and the AFL agreed to improved arrangements for travelling players.
Under a deal struck by Virgin, league chiefs and the AFL Players' Association, players flying to and from interstate games will be guaranteed an exit row or premium economy seat.
If an upgrade is not available, a spare seat between teammates travelling in economy class will be guaranteed.
Players also will be granted unlimited access to Virgin's business class lounges, free in-flight entertainment and VIP check-ins.
The deal was made possible after the AFL agreed to increase the travel subsidy to accommodate five extra members of a club's travelling party.
"They are expanding it from 45 to 50 - so you effectively get five extra seats subsidised whatever way you want to use them," West Coast Eagles player delegate Adam Selwood said. "We were pretty happy once we got word."
The AFL cut ties with Qantas last year in favour of a $6 million deal with Virgin.
Hawthorn president Jeff Kennett led the charge against the move, claiming it put player welfare at risk.
Stars from several clubs also raised misgivings.
Players travelling with Qantas regularly were upgraded to business class, which Virgin currently does not offer. Premium economy seats offer extra leg room.
"The AFL and Virgin have listened to the concerns of AFL players and acted to ensure that their air travel arrangements reflected their status as elite sportspeople," AFLPA spokesman Ben Hart said.
"The feedback we have had from players is that Virgin were already very accommodating - our members have been impressed with the service to date.
"The further improvements agreed on by the AFL and Virgin are a great example of players and the governing body working in partnership to achieve good outcomes."
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/deal-resolves-controversy-over-afl-airline-change/story-e6frf9jf-1226009713801