Just how many Velocity Points?

[turtlemichael]

I read here that there are suggestions the points required for a redemption on a Velocity partner, such as MH or VS, are astronomical particularly for PE or J. The website only gives some Y rates and they look no worse than QF (128K round trip to LHR) and an even better deal than QF with a 25% bonus taken into account.

Can one of the resident DJ insiders give some of the rates for "upper" classes to say Europe and Asia (reward rather than anyseat) so that these can be compared with the red rat? Or is there a comparison somewhere?

And why does Velocity not have these rates listed ? Even a simple chart like VS would be better than nothing.

 

[crazydave98]

I'll let RickyRicardo handle that one since he works within Velocity - I had the same question. I know part of the reason is that prices on partner airlines vary but Velocity doesn't want to give out a straight redemption rate, but at least a range would be better than nothing. Thanks for the suggestion.
cheers
CrazyDave98

 

[simongr]

Can one of the resident DJ insiders give some of the rates for "upper" classes to say Europe and Asia (reward rather than anyseat) so that these can be compared with the red rat? Or is there a comparison somewhere?

It would be useful as well to compare the velocity price to the VS price...

 

[docjames]

It's often use of the word: "from".

ie. MEL-LHR J class "From 180000pts". Doesnt mean it's always available (have a look at any airfare promotion on JQ/DJ/QF/TT - why should FF redemptions be any different)

 

[StevePER]

Can one of the resident DJ insiders give some of the rates for "upper" classes to say Europe and Asia (reward rather than anyseat) so that these can be compared with the red rat? Or is there a comparison somewhere?

Do they even have reward seats? I have a feeling everything higher than economy is anyseat, hence the high prices (but I hope to be corrected on this because it would make Velocity so much more useful). Also with no stopovers, no openjaws, and no one-ways, Velocity is quite restrictive compared with QF or SQ for example.

 

[turtlemichael]

Do they even have reward seats? I have a feeling everything higher than economy is anyseat, hence the high prices (but I hope to be corrected on this because it would make Velocity so much more useful). Also with no stopovers, no openjaws, and no one-ways, Velocity is quite restrictive compared with QF or SQ for example.

If they don't have reward seats, above economy, and can't put a finite value on a redemption then I think they should be upfront about that.

Of course, the next question is availability which equally applies to QF doesn't matter how few points are needed if you can't get a seat.

 

[RickyRiccardo]

Your spot on. There are a number of variables that need to be considered:
- Access to Reward Seats (in these fare classes across our airline partners). This varies from time to time depending on the airlines load factors etc.
- Any Seat pricing variations making it difficult to specify an Any Seat price (as a static statement on a website) and until now most Any Seat inquiries are in the economy classes.

I've scrambled the team to see if I can pull a more detailed response for you.

Regards,

Ricky

 

[drron]

Thanks Ricky.I am another looking more closely at Velocity now thanks to the QFF CC changes.I am favourably diposed to disposing my points to velocity but would like to see premium class availability for OS travel even if only to Asia.The V Australia flights to the USA may also come into consideration but first I have to get my 2 million AA miles.

 

[ANstar]

What would be good to know is if any "reward" seats are available in premium cabions with your partners and if so what the rate is (as it should be fixed as it is a "reward")

I understand you have any seat premium redemptions, but they are usually to pricey, hence the "reward" question.

Thanks

 

[RickyRiccardo]

I've pulled the team together to understand the situation and there are no secrets here - it's all about demand, pricing and availability.

What we've decided to do is update our Airline Partner pages on Velocity Rewards - Home with the same table that we have for V Australia, which shows Economy, Premium Economy & Business Class Reward Seats and the lowest Any Seat pricing.

As mentioned previously we've had little demand for these Reward Seat fares so we've dealt with them on an as-needs basis. Obviously the world is changing and there is more demand coming through for these fare types and you, our Members, need to have a clearer understanding of our proposition.

As soon as our website is updated with the fare tables and pricing (I expect we should be able to do this early next week) I will post a note advising you.

FYI We are also exploring an online booking engine for our international reward seats to make it even easier for you to book. So please rest assured that we aren't sitting still and we intend to continue to evolve and challenge the status quo (where we can do so in a commercially responsible way).

Hope that assists.

Kind regards,

 

[ANstar]

What we've decided to do is update our Airline Partner pages on Velocity Rewards - Home with the same table that we have for V Australia, which shows Economy, Premium Economy & Business Class Reward Seats and the lowest Any Seat pricing.

...snip...

FYI We are also exploring an online booking engine for our international reward seats to make it even easier for you to book.

Kind regards,

Perfect! I have been a bit reluctant to pour more points into velocity without knowing how much the premium cabins would be, so for me this will be a big plus.

The only booking would also be VERY welcome.

thanks!

 

[drron]

Fantastic timing getting this done before the end of March.My CC points can wait a little longer.

 

[kamchatsky]

Fantastic timing getting this done before the end of March.My CC points can wait a little longer.

I agree with this. It should be done by mid march so that people can decide whether they will transfer the points to QF or DJ ..... Plus a clearly defined points table is really overdue if the rewards program is to compete with other rewards programs.

 

[turtlemichael]

I've pulled the team together to understand the situation and there are no secrets here - it's all about demand, pricing and availability.

What we've decided to do is update our Airline Partner pages on Velocity Rewards - Home with the same table that we have for V Australia, which shows Economy, Premium Economy & Business Class Reward Seats and the lowest Any Seat pricing.

Thanks RR Do I interpret what you say, as others in this thread have alleged, that Velocity does not have a "classic" award level for PE and J reward seats? In other words, what it will cost depends on demand and availability.

If that is the case it's very disappointing but I would not be interested, nor do I expect many others would be, in transferring points from Amex, and indeed building up my points accrual with DJ usage.

In part it's about availability but at least with QF, and others, I know what it is going to cost. If I want greater flexibility I can opt to use anyseat awards. With Qantas, because of my status, I have never had any real difficulty in getting a classic award.

There is enough uncertainty in finding rewards without another layer. I am glad that you'll at least be upfront about what the deal is.

 

[ANstar]

Thanks RR Do I interpret what you say, as others in this thread have alleged, that Velocity does not have a "classic" award level for PE and J reward seats? In other words, what it will cost depends on demand and availability.

He says that they are going to update the partners with the same table that V Aus uses.

This includes REWARD levels for J and PE IN ADDITION to the lowest Any Seat rate.

So I would suspect they do actually have REWARD seats for partners as well as Any Seat.

Well that was my take from his post.

 

[turtlemichael]

He says that they are going to update the partners with the same table that V Aus uses.

This includes REWARD levels for J and PE IN ADDITION to the lowest Any Seat rate.

So I would suspect they do actually have REWARD seats for partners as well as Any Seat.

Well that was my take from his post.

I hope I'm misinterpreting him

 

[thegurio]

A tad OT but technically still on...

Is there any idea how many points will be needed to upgrade to PE and when this will come into effect?

 

[jakeseven7]

I hope I'm misinterpreting him

i don't think you are - i interpreted it the same as you.

i hope we are both wrong because then the big question is whether there will be avails at the lowest number they quote - i mean what is the chance of that...

 

[Lions]

Hi RR

Thank you very much for your considered and sensible replies.

I am having major difficulties booking, with my Velocity points, flights on your international partners (Emirates and Malaysian). It is a real pain to have to ring up and ask how many points for this or that international flight and then be told there are no seats available (I am trying to book for next Christmas time).

Why not available? - your ever courteous switch operators (they are very good) cannot tell if the seats were released and have been booked or seats not yet released, "just ring up again next week sir". After 4 weeks of ringing, holding and then nothing - please install, as a matter of urgency, the online points calculators and online seat availability booking engine.

Thanks

 

[MrGreg]

I have just noticed that velocity rewards is now showing the redemtion for both Emirates and Virgin Atlantic in J.

http://www.velocityrewards.com.au/content/Redeem/Airlines/VirginAtlantic/index.htm
http://www.velocityrewards.com.au/content/Redeem/Airlines/Emirates/index.htm

Firstly, the redemption for Virgin Atlantic's seats in premium or business is not avalaible till the end of 09, and I must say that the redemption J for Virgin Atlantic is stupidly expensive compared to that of QF or EK.

Hopefully they will update malaysian airlines shortly.