How to use VA points from Asia?

[oh_lol]

Hi all,
I completely forgot I had VA points after I moved to BKK. A notice shows I have nearly 400,000 points sitting there, but I'm not sure how I can use them based in BKK.
Virgin definitely doesn't fly to Thailand, and the only other airline I know of which I can redeem flights on is Etihad?

Does anyone have any ideas on what I should do? I'm assuming it's probably best to just transfer over to another program? I believe KrisFlyer is the only option?

Thanks in advance.

 

[serfty]

You can redeem on SQ airlines.

Velocity points can also be transferred to SQ with a 15% 35% reduction.

You may also be able to redeem on Hong Kong airlines as well. . Hainan airlines is also a partner

 

[Jack_OC]

Velocity points can also be transferred to SQ with a 15% reduction.

15%? I wish! The exchange rate is 1.35:1, but that is still often the best use of Velocity points IME, even if based in Australia.

 

[theblank]

Virgin definitely doesn't fly to Thailand, and the only other airline I know of which I can redeem flights on is Etihad?

On virgin Australia website you can book flights Ex-Thailand on SQ. you dont need to transfer the points.

I have also booked Etihad flights to Euroop from BKK on the VA website before.

 

[oh_lol]

Thanks for the replies everyone. Looks like I am 'kinda' stuck with them, but being able to book SQ and EY is quite handy. Thanks again!

 

[Denali]

When was the last time you earned VA points? Don't let account inactivity make them go *poof*.

 

[dajop]

On virgin Australia website you can book flights Ex-Thailand on SQ. you dont need to transfer the points.

Correct. Although always worth doing the comparison between the two, as the loss isn't quite the 1.35:1, as SQ generally require less points than Velocity.

The other advantage, for someone based in BKK of transferring points to Krisflyer program is access to star alliance partner awards for TG (who of course have their hub at BKK) - who often have very good availability compared to many carriers.

 

[browski]

If you ever route via Hong Kong, you could use the HKG-MEL VA flight. (or redeem BKK-HKG on HX)
Similarly if you route via Bali, you could try the DPS-SYD, or DPS-Brissy flights.

 

[oh_lol]

Thanks again guys, especially the specific routes mentioned.
I also didn't realise that TG was redeeemable with KF!
Glad I'm part of a very knowledgeable community.