Single Redemption VA to USA then DL connection

[theblank]

I hope this makes sense. Has anyone actually managed to get a domestic connection anywhere in USA, aside from JFK as a single international redemption? and then how did you do it?

I want to fly Brisbane to Phoenix, on VA with Velocity points redemption so BNE-LAX on VA, then LAX-PHX on DL. The points cost should be 44800 in total for economy, according to redemption charts, BNE-LAX is the same as BNE-PHX.

Obviously I want to do this, to save the 7800pts for the 2nd leg but moreso the baggage surcharge of USD140 for 4 suitcases (2 persons), Thats equal to $350 aussie! (points plus luggage ) for something that should be essentially free. Will be cheaper to hire a car for that short flight instead.

I know what the immediate answers will be - VA an DL are different airlines, so cannot join them together in a single redemption Thats exactly what VFF customer booking agents told me (repeatedly), but look at my screenshot below, we can do it online for BNE-(LAX)-JFK and points calculated according to the redemption chart. If this were 2 redemptions it would be 44800 + 22300 pts.

Seems Virgin permit this for trips to JFK only, I have hunted online for a connection to/from every Delta hub and many other airports, and none show up except JFK.

I explained this in detail to the VFF customer service but she doesnt want to listen, she keeps saying its a different airline, so it has to be a seperate redemption, segment and wont accept the JFK example that it must be possible. At this point I got angry back at her first. Poor girl, I get frustrated when I know what I want but I dont know the right terminology, and she bamboozled me with "can't" I might need help with the right words to say.

 

[williamsf1]

They can be in the same booking and price as such

Have you confirmed there is N class seats on the DL sector LAX PHX ?

If yes ... call back and tell them the exact flights you want .... they might charge you a higher level .. but manually adjust to the correct thru points level

 

[Mattg]

You should be able to book this over the phone with Velocity at the correct (lower) price, all on one ticket.

 

[theblank]

Have you confirmed there is N class seats on the DL sector LAX PHX ?

Thanks, Whats N class?

I just checked on the BCD tool, no there isnt an N class on any of the 5 direct flights that day,
but on VA online booking, there is 3 flights with reward seats available. I assume if its bookable online as a standalone segment it can be joined as one, but if its not available online, then it cant be done.

You should be able to book this over the phone with Velocity at the correct (lower) price, all on one ticket.

Thats what I told her already! I will call again tomorrow. I am much smarter now.

I found this fine print in the Redemption chart page which verifies I am right, you both are right and she was wrong.

The Points price for a Reward Seat will be based on the total miles for all sectors in a one way journey, except where there is a break in the journey. Where there is a break in the journey, the Points price is calculated on a per sector basis. A break in the journey includes: (a) a stopover, which means: (i) in an Australian domestic itinerary, a break of journey at an intermediate point when onward travel does not take place on the same calendar day; and (ii) for all other itineraries, including those containing a domestic to international connecting flight, when a passenger arrives at an intermediate point and is not scheduled to depart within 24 hours of arrival; (b) a change in class of travel within the journey; or (c) a change in operating airline where the airlines are located in different Reward Seat Points tables.

Virgin Australia and Delta are in the same Reward Seat points tables.

 

[williamsf1]

N is DL reward class ... this sometimes will not show up on some of the 3rd party tools , but if you can see on the VA site - that is what you are after

there must be some sort of error in the system and the person you have spoken to has taken the " computer says NOOOOOOO" attitude

I think you are armed with the correct info to call again

Good luck!

 

[theblank]

I think you are armed with the correct info to call again

Didnt help .... initially, this time the guy (in Gold VFF dept) wanted to charge me the "Any Seat" points even though he sounded more exerienced then the one yesterday, but I argued the point long enough that he transferrred me to a different department he called "partner airlines team", who understood what I wanted straight up, and agreed, and did it.

It seems that when I enter my VFF number, the system transfers me to the Gold VFF team, who are not as proficient in this aear.

SOLUTION: Must ask to speak to "Redemptions Team". or Partner Airlines team
She also admitted that sometimes they can find DL domestic sector availability not online.

 

[williamsf1]

.

SOLUTION: Must ask to speak to "Redemptions Team". or Partner Airlines team
She also admitted that sometimes they can find DL domestic sector availability not online.

That is the area you should have been directed to in the first place .. I have not called for ages .. but they did have a "book flights " option ( press 1 2 etc) and you are handled by that team

Maybe they have changed ( for the worse)

 

[Mattg]

When calling up for this kind of thing, it's better not to enter your Velocity number up-front and then go through the menu options. Then select "book a flight using Velocity points".

 

[theblank]

That is the area you should have been directed to in the first place .. I have not called for ages .. but they did have a "book flights " option ( press 1 2 etc) and you are handled by that team

entering the VFF number overrides that, so the smart lady says, and this guy below.

When calling up for this kind of thing, it's better not to enter your Velocity number up-front

BING!