Velocity Points & Upgrading to Business Class - or Moving Points to Krisflyer

Letronicsworld on 22/09/2017 - 11:05

Hi Guys

It may be a silly question for some but i have been trying to figure out the most economical option to use the points i currently have.

I have around 300k velocity points and am wanting to go to London next year departing Brisbane and was really hoping to use the points to upgrade to business class with Etihad.

I know by using the online tool there are a few hurdles with upgrading Velocity purchased tickets, what i have come across so far:

  • Using the UpgadeMe option for international flights with Velocity you are required to be a gold / platinum status credit holder (this is impossible for me to achieve)
  • You can use points only with a business reward seat (~250k points each way business)
  • You can use points + Pay with a business rewards seat ~139k points + $600 each way making the journey 278k points +$1200 (being a little under the usual economy seat price)

Second options would be:
- move points to Krisflyer , 1.35 velocity = 1 krisflyer mile
- Business reward seats are on a waitlist (not sure how this works?)
- business reward seat option is 210 krisflyer miles (~280k velocity points) + ~$500.

I am really trying to find a way to maximise my points value or alternatively buy an economy ticket when they are on specail at $1300 & use the points to upgrade at a decent rate each way.

Any help, thoughts, ideas would be awesome!!

Thanks in advance

Travel

Related Stores

Velocity Frequent Flyer
Velocity Frequent Flyer
Marketplace

Comments

  • ComfortablyNumb on 22/09/2017 - 11:27

    I'd book through Singapore Airlines now before the sale ends.

    Got the family of four return for $920 each
    (Spring 75 coupon at byo jet and 1% back cash rewards)

    Use sky scanner to play around with prices.

    • etronicsworld on 22/09/2017 - 11:30

      Wow thats reasonable for sure!!
      I wonder if there is a way to purchase a regular ticket and then upgrade it with points…Hmm that's ideally the answer i've been looking for
      I'm really looking at a business class option - been saving these points for many many years and decided to treat myself on this next trip

  • carwashhair on 22/09/2017 - 11:32
    +1

    Hey etronicsworld. My advice:

    Skip Etihad all together. The points needed for their seats are getting exorbitant, and that's before the other $1k+ you'll have to shell out along with your reward seat.

    I would be transferring to Krisflyer and redeeming directly. If travelling business class is important to you then book a reward seat direct, don't bother buying an economy and trying to upgrade. There are instructions on the waitlist if you need to do that http://flystaytravel.com/waitlist-with-singapore-airlines-kr…

    But if at all possible stay flexible on dates to travel (or even Origin-Destination - for example, try flying out of Sydney for more availability; or Flying Business Class out of Continental Europe to avoid a $250 premium class UK pollution tax that other Euro cities don't have)

    You could also look at flying gold coast to Singapore on say Scoot then picking up a reward seat from SIN-LHR, if you don't mind the additional cash; this might save points for another business class trip in future!

    • etronicsworld on 22/09/2017 - 11:37
      +1

      Thanks for the response Carwashhair,
      I get what you mean - it most certainly seems like moving to kirsflyer is the better option..

      I like the idea of maybe flying out to singapore first then getting a reward seat as i've got a flight centre gift card as well that needs using up!
      Thanks again!!

  • LemonShapedRock on 18/03/2018 - 18:29

    Just on this one; I noticed that booking a Singapore Airlines flight award through Virgin does not give you access to their lounges.

    Does anyone know if booking Business Award flights through Singapore directly gives you access?

    • donbot on 18/03/2018 - 20:17

      That doesn't sound right - a J ticket is a J ticket?

      As for SQ issued Business award seats, 100% you get SQ lounge access.

      • LemonShapedRock on 18/03/2018 - 22:18

        Awesome thanks!

        Yeah I spoke with velocity and can confirm there no lounge access with singapore airlines business awards.

        I just transferred to Singapore airlines and booked directly, which does give the lounge access.

  • endolphin on 21/03/2018 - 07:47

    Something I have noticed when looking at krisflyer business flights to Europe… Make sure you search partner airlines too. I have seen Thai Airways business class flights to Zurich come up for 105k points plus $100 tax, no waitlist.

  • [Deactivated] on 22/03/2018 - 11:06

    I can never find flights with points with Singapore, can anyone explain to me how do to it? I have like 450,000 points and I feel like i'll never get to use them!

    I was looking with Virgin too in OCT, and there was nothing in Business.

    • etronicsworld on 26/03/2018 - 15:11

      Hey mate, 450k krisflyer or velocity? If velocity that = ~333k krisflyer miles
      for krisflyer you just need to make an account and then search for award flights in business - helps to call them as sometimes they can see seats that don't show online.
      i have experienced that being on waitlist is pretty good but you will only hear back from them about the seat sometimes a week before you fly.

      Generally with krisflyer business saver seats you need to book between 6-12 months from when you fly.

      I just did a search for you from brisbane to london 8/10 to 29/10 2 people business class & there are tickets available
      210k (krisflyer miles) per person return

Login or Join to leave a comment
Login Join