VA status ladder

[Deleted member 29185]

I've found it really difficult to get the platinum upgrades on SYD-PER of late (not for me... My
WP days are over but I handle the MDs flying). I usually book PER trips about 3-4 weeks out and in about 12 sectors now have only managed 2 upgrades.

They do, however, seem to process fine as points upgrades about a day before hand (and it's not a bad use of 9900 points)

Not sure about SYD-PER, but I've had (I think) 100% success using the plat upgrades with an ODU. Just keep an eye on the available seats and if there's even one left, that'll do it.

 

[NZflygirl]

Not sure about SYD-PER, but I've had (I think) 100% success using the plat upgrades with an ODU. Just keep an eye on the available seats and if there's even one left, that'll do it.

Still a flex ticket?

 

[Deleted member 29185]

Still a flex ticket?

Yes definitely. I have tried it on with a saver and they won't have a bar of it so I'm thinking the computer says no!

 

[NZflygirl]

Stink :-|...

 

[Lord_Lenny]

The biggest benefit of WP in my eyes, is losing WP... That's right, the soft landing.

On average, I earn 600 or so SC a year. So with a bit of careful planning, a few overseas trips and family pooling with my partner, I can sneak into WP. What that means to me is one whole year of flying on points. Without having to spend a dime. Then after that year, I drop down to SG. That is a good value two years to me.

Good luck and have fun out there.

This is what's behind my drive for Platinum. Never had status before but since taking a promotion at work I have been flying the east coast a fair bit, coupled with judicious booking on Delta for my Honeymoon last year to bump me into gold, and a trip to Europe on SQ in July (all with family pooling of course) I'm looking to nudge into Platinum by August if I can judiciously arrange about 2 more work trips and a weekender in Melbourne, which will then ensure at least 2 years of status.

For me this is worth it as changes in the business are looking like keeping me grounded more often now. Plus with the way our international travel is shaping up there was a worrying gap appearing in 2017 where it looks like I'll drop a level before another European long haul (SQ or EY) I'd much rather drop from WP to SG and still have status benefits.

Beyond that it may be a case of back down to regular punter status (unless I can convince the wife to do LHR return on SQ every year - which with family pooling re-qualifies you as SG on an Economy fare)

If i look ahead, a bit of extra spending in the next few months will then pay dividends over the next 2 years...seems like a worthwhile investment to me

 

[R36snowbound]

VA WP is also handy for those who fly into New Zealand with Air NZ frequently. I think Air NZ recognise VA Gold and Platinum FF's better than VA actually does. With VA and Air NZ management no longer on the best terms, I hope this does not change.
DOM travel, row 3 is the best benefit by far.

 

[Lemon_Party]

The soft landing is also great for years when you use points for the overseas trips and miss out on the SQ family pooled SC bonanza as well...

 

[bokflyer]

For me, the biggest benefit of VA Plat is being able to book the business class seats on the 737s between Launceston and Melbourne/Sydney. VA don't sell business class on those flights, but allow plats to reserve the seats. Still economy service, but for short flights this doesn't matter. Given the alternative is squishy JQ or Qantaslink Q400s, the VA deal keeps me loyal. Upgrades for Perth trips also good, family pooling helps keep status. Weakness would be lack of plat recognition on partners (Singapore I'm looking at you) and inability to upgrade on international partner flights.

 

[Deleted member 29185]

For me, the biggest benefit of VA Plat is being able to book the business class seats on the 737s between Launceston and Melbourne/Sydney. VA don't sell business class on those flights, but allow plats to reserve the seats. Still economy service, but for short flights this doesn't matter. Given the alternative is squishy JQ or Qantaslink Q400s, the VA deal keeps me loyal. Upgrades for Perth trips also good, family pooling helps keep status. Weakness would be lack of plat recognition on partners (Singapore I'm looking at you) and inability to upgrade on international partner flights.

Good post. Good points.

 

[scheps]

Excellent points!!

 

[Lemon_Party]

I've found it really difficult to get the platinum upgrades on SYD-PER of late (not for me... My
WP days are over but I handle the MDs flying). I usually book PER trips about 3-4 weeks out and in about 12 sectors now have only managed 2 upgrades.

They do, however, seem to process fine as points upgrades about a day before hand (and it's not a bad use of 9900 points)

About to fly BNE-PER. Checked availabity for reward upgrade/points flight availability earlier in the week and saw none. Thought I'd call anyway and request upgrade. After checking, agent informed me no availability for plat upgrade. Asked if she'd mind checking earlier and later flights as I'd be happy to switch. Must have been too much effort and she offered to 'look again' and managed to push me through to J. When I checked in online this afternoon there were 3 empty seats. 737 sadly...

 

[DaleS]

Same thing BNK-SYD. It just makes it more comfortable and much better than JQ or Rex