AirNZ Airpoint VS Virgin Velocity FF

[tralo178]

Hey guys,

I am a newbie to the frequent flyer scene and wanted to get some guidance. I am moving to NZ and have recently joined Airpoints and also hold a VFF card(earned about 12,000points in Australia). I would like to know which loyalty program is better in terms of earning points and redeeming flights.


As I will be living in NZ, I know most recommended option would be Airpoints, however I noticed Virgin also operate domestic flights in NZ. From all the reviews I have read it seems Airpoints does not have a very good frequent flyer program. My questions are:

1. Can I continue to earn points on VFF while travelling domestic in NZ? (I suspect the Virgin Flights maybe codeshare with AirNZ, does this hinder my earning points on VFF?)
2. If I can not earn points directly on VFF when travelling domestic in NZ, is it possible for me to earn points on Airpoints and perhaps transfer to VFF? Is the point transfer rate feasible or do we loose more than we gain?
3. If I were to acquire a credit card in NZ, would it be wise to link it to VFF or Airpoints? I know some card providers allow you to link to QFF too, although Qantas doesn't seem to have many domestic flights within NZ so dont think this would suit my situation.
4. Would moving with Airpoints be better for other benefits like priority check-ins, lounge access, etc?
5. Any other points to consider comparing VFF and Airpoints?

If it helps to know, I plan to mostly fly domestic in NZ, mainly Auckland. Happy to provide more info if needed

 

[jackthomas]

A few notes,
Virgin do not fly domestically within NZ, only Air NZ and Jetstar so if you'll be flying domestically, you're pretty much stuck with Airpoints, unless you'd like to earn VA points and not really any status.
Qantas do not operate NZ domestic flights, but you can earn QF points on domestic Jetstar flights.

You can not transfer Airpoints to VFF, however you can use Airpoints to purchase VA flights.

If you managed to get gold or elite with Air NZ ( 900 status points) then I would aim for Airpoints due to the benefits you will get.

 

[tralo178]

A few notes,
Virgin do not fly domestically within NZ, only Air NZ and Jetstar so if you'll be flying domestically, you're pretty much stuck with Airpoints, unless you'd like to earn VA points and not really any status.
Qantas do not operate NZ domestic flights, but you can earn QF points on domestic Jetstar flights.

Thanks so much for your input Jack, so seems like not many options really other than Airpoints..

 

[jackthomas]

Thanks so much for your input Jack, so seems like not many options really other than Airpoints..

Or Qantas if you're happy to fly Jetstar, however you'll get no status benefits if you gain Qantas status.

 

[AviationNZ]

Further to the points from jackthomas, I think the general consensus is that Airpoints isn't a great FF program.....unless you fly a lot on Air NZ only. So in other words, if as indicated you're mainly going to fly domestic NZ, and if that'll likely be on Air NZ as opposed to Jetstar, it would make sense to be on Airpoints, but if you're doing lots of other flying on other airlines you should shop around.

I'm based in AU, but am pretty sure most credit cards in NZ provide the best rewards when linked to Airports as opposed to other FF programs.

 

[Mattg]

Welcome to AFF.

The simple answer to your question is that Velocity is by far a better program! Airpoints is IMHO one of the worst frequent flyer programs in the wold in terms of both earning and burning points (but especially burning).

However... if you almost exclusively fly domestically within NZ then you may have little choice. You will only be able to earn Velocity points on NZ domestic flights IF the NZ flight is booked in a fare class that is eligible to earn Velocity points. Some of the cheaper tickets are not eligible. See this thread for more info: http://www.australianfrequentflyer....-velocity/status-credits-on-air-nz-69886.html

Further, while I'm not 100% sure on this (perhaps someone can confirm?) I don't think you can redeem Velocity points for NZ domestic flights. (And only Air NZ operate domestic routes - the VA flights are codeshares.) You can however redeem Velocity points for NZ and VA flights across the Tasman and VA flights around Australia.

On routes where you have a choice of redeeming Velocity points or Airpoints, the value is generally a no-brainer. Velocity redemptions are a fixed price, while Airpoints are literally used as cash - and the rates are shockingly bad. You'll likely get two or three free flights through Velocity for every one free flight with Air NZ.

I think that Air NZ have purposely designed their program and alliances to force NZ-based (domestic) flyers into using their program, even though the value is poor. That's why so many domestic itineraries won't earn points with a program other than Airpoints, and frankly it's unfair. But that's the way it is.

If you didn't just fly domestically, I would almost certainly recommend focusing on Velocity.

 

[tralo178]

Further to the points from jackthomas, I think the general consensus is that Airpoints isn't a great FF program.....unless you fly a lot on Air NZ only. So in other words, if as indicated you're mainly going to fly domestic NZ, and if that'll likely be on Air NZ as opposed to Jetstar, it would make sense to be on Airpoints, but if you're doing lots of other flying on other airlines you should shop around.

Thanks for your input AviationNZ, yes that is correct, mostly domestic flights and most of them on Air NZ. So guess that pretty much sums it up then, Airpoints it is

I did check the credit card options too and ANZ does allow you to earn points on either Qantas or Airpoints, but like you confirmed since I don't plan on getting onto Jetstar not much point heading that way.

 

[tralo178]

Welcome to AFF.

However... if you almost exclusively fly domestically within NZ then you may have little choice. You will only be able to earn Velocity points on NZ domestic flights IF the NZ flight is booked in a fare class that is eligible to earn Velocity points. Some of the cheaper tickets are not eligible. See this thread for more info:

Further, while I'm not 100% sure on this (perhaps someone can confirm?) I don't think you can redeem Velocity points for NZ domestic flights. (And only Air NZ operate domestic routes - the VA flights are codeshares.) You can however redeem Velocity points for NZ and VA flights across the Tasman and VA flights around Australia.
If you didn't just fly domestically, I would almost certainly recommend focusing on Velocity.

Thanks Mattg, you've provided some really helpful info! Unfortunately, at the present state my travel plans look very targeted to within NZ domestic sector.. I guess the little merits from Airpoints are better than nothing at all

 

[NZflygirl]

Hi

You can earn more airpoint dollars by using the credit card to combine with your earn in the air. There are various banks that offer cards and you can compare them on the air nz website. Useful if you are the sort of person that puts all your spending on them then pays off in full. The APD do add up. SP earn is a bonus. If you sign up for the right credit card a number of them give you $$ off joining koru club. It gives you all the benefits of gold status but without the 2 recognition upgrades. I really think koru club is worth it if you're flying up and down the country. Fast bag is fantastic - available if flying turbo props meaning no waiting around baggage carousels (although turbo props don't have many people but still a few mins saved can be nice).

Redemption is easy enough in itself - if there's a seat and you have enough APD to pay for it its yours! Admittedly sometimes you might think "hmmm I flew a bit to get this - should I really spend it on this flight?" I think if you go into it thinking something is better than nothing then hopefully you'll be alright!

Agree if you were doing TT flights then probably VA has better earn burn.

 

[tralo178]

Hi

You can earn more airpoint dollars by using the credit card to combine with your earn in the air. There are various banks that offer cards and you can compare them on the air nz website. Useful if you are the sort of person that puts all your spending on them then pays off in full. The APD do add up. SP earn is a bonus. If you sign up for the right credit card a number of them give you $$ off joining koru club. It gives you all the benefits of gold status but without the 2 recognition upgrades. I really think koru club is worth it if you're flying up and down the country. Fast bag is fantastic - available if flying turbo props meaning no waiting around baggage carousels (although turbo props don't have many people but still a few mins saved can be nice).

Thanks for all the info NZflygirl Yes I did read about the credit card options to earn points and am considering it seriously. Will explore more into it once I settle in a bit.. The Koru Club option sounds nice, will have to read more about that too.. All in good time I guess..

 

[jackthomas]

Thanks for all the info NZflygirl Yes I did read about the credit card options to earn points and am considering it seriously. Will explore more into it once I settle in a bit.. The Koru Club option sounds nice, will have to read more about that too.. All in good time I guess..

It's also worth noting that I believe Koru Club members get access to Virgin Australia domestic lounges which is a nice benefit.

 

[tralo178]

It's also worth noting that I believe Koru Club members get access to Virgin Australia domestic lounges which is a nice benefit.

Thanks Jackthomas, that would be nice Only issue is most of my travel would be NZ domestic, my AUS trips won't be for a while so might not be able to use that VA lounge access to my advantage. It is still worth knowing, hopefully other frequent travellers can use this information too..