Velocity reinstates Singapore Airlines redemptions

[jase05]

VFF needs a good value proposition if it wants to sell Velocity points to the public. At the moment the options for spending them are pretty limited

I agree that it could be better but currently I’ve managed to get SQ J seats in good quantities with VA points and heaps of availability on VS for dates I’ve wanted. UA doesn’t interest me a great deal ATM and EY is still a option even though the fees are expensive. I’m looking forward to see what QR offers and I’m sure there will be some other partners announced soon so the SQ transfer isn’t really high on my priority list. If it happens that’s nice but if not there is still ample opportunity to spend my pile of VA points

 

[Nathant123]

Has the ability to book business class SG tickets with velocity been reinstated? I’m planning to book SYD to Delhi but remember reading that it needs to be done via the call centre. I can see availabilities on the velocity site but haven’t yet made a booking. Surprised to see quite a bit of availability too and better value than using KrisFlyer points!

 

[Mr H]

Has the ability to book business class SG tickets with velocity been reinstated? I’m planning to book SYD to Delhi but remember reading that it needs to be done via the call centre. I can see availabilities on the velocity site but haven’t yet made a booking. Surprised to see quite a bit of availability too and better value than using KrisFlyer points!

If you see availability then go for it straight away. Don't assume it will still be there once you have had a think about it.

 

[andye]

Has the ability to book business class SG tickets with velocity been reinstated? I’m planning to book SYD to Delhi but remember reading that it needs to be done via the call centre. I can see availabilities on the velocity site but haven’t yet made a booking. Surprised to see quite a bit of availability too and better value than using KrisFlyer points!

I booked SIN-SYD J online via Velocity a couple of weeks back.

 

[RB]

Has the ability to book business class SG tickets with velocity been reinstated? I’m planning to book SYD to Delhi but remember reading that it needs to be done via the call centre. I can see availabilities on the velocity site but haven’t yet made a booking. Surprised to see quite a bit of availability too and better value than using KrisFlyer points!

I posted back in April-Post 91 of this thread

 

[ozstamps]

Just got this, so I assume it will impact Virgin points levels too -

Dear xx_xx_, As part of our ongoing review of the KrisFlyer programme, we will be revising the miles required for flight redemptions and upgrades with effect from 5 July 2022. REVISIONS TO THE AWARD AND UPGRADE LEVELS Upward adjustments with an average increase of 10% will be made to: Award and Upgrade levels on Singapore Airlines' flights Award and Upgrade levels on flights operated by Star Alliance member carriers only, or in combination with flights operated by Singapore Airlines, and Award levels for flights on our partner airlines. Click here for more information on the revised Award and Upgrade Charts. We would like to thank you for your continued support for the KrisFlyer programme. Yours sincerely, Ryan Pua Vice President Loyalty Marketing

 

[odysseus]

Nooooo.

12.5% increase on business awards to Europe.. of course, higher than average.

To save people searching, here are the new award costs from Australia (excl Perth/Darwin) and NZ.

	Singapore and near Asia	South China, HK, Taiwan	North China (Beijing, Shanghai)	South Asia, incl India	Japan, South Korea	Africa, ME, Turkey	Europe	West US, Canada	East US
Economy	30.5	30.5	41	43	45.5	54.5	58.5	60.5	66
Premium Economy	51	53	74.5	73	77	74	101	104.5	109
Business	68.5	71.5	92.5	92.5	100.5	99	130.5	136.5	145.5
First	93.5	97	117	128	126.5	140.5	183.5	188	188

And no, I don't know why Africa/ Turkey are cheaper in BC and PE than to Japan, whereas they are dearer in Eco and First. Looks like a mistake to me but who knows.

 

[HS-TQE]

With the award charts from SQ/KF facing points cost increases, the chances of the Velocity/Krisflyer transfer program being indefinitely delayed had just increased due to the mentioned inflation and cost pressures.

If it does return eventually, a transfer rate devaluation is now very likely.

 

[Mr H]

With the award charts from SQ/KF facing points cost increases, the chances of the Velocity/Krisflyer transfer program being indefinitely delayed had just increased due to the mentioned inflation and cost pressures.

If it does return eventually, a transfer rate devaluation is now very likely.

Can you step that out a bit?

 

[odysseus]

Not seeing why they would need to change conversion rates due to this (not that it's a given they'd stay at the previous 1.55).

SQ decided they need to increase the cost of redemptions. Whether you earn points, or convert them across, in both cases that increase hits you the same either way. i.e. you now need to convert more points just to get the previous award, the same as you need to earn more points.

So not seeing why they would need to charge people more for the cost of converting - which is more to do with parity with those who earn/existing members of the program i.e. if you make it too 'cheap' to convert than it will benefit those who convert it in against those who earn which causes problems amongst their own members. Conversely if the conversion is too high, combined with higher award costs, then it just makes that avenue unrealistic as it is not cost effective e.g. having a 3:1 rate compared to the actual award cost, means external members would see it as not worthwhile and it effectively ceases to be a benefit.

This equation isn't impacted by an increase in award costs.

 

[Phoenix-1]

I've just redeemed a business reward ticket with SQ, do I just select seats via SQs website & e-ticket number? It says "We cannot process your request right now. Please try again later, or get in touch with your local Singapore Airlines office." when I attempt to. Might take a while before it's available?

 

[jase05]

I've just redeemed a business reward ticket with SQ, do I just select seats via SQs website & e-ticket number? It says "We cannot process your request right now. Please try again later, or get in touch with your local Singapore Airlines office." when I attempt to. Might take a while before it's available?

Should be able to do it straight away. On your Electronic ticket receipt email from VA there will be a Airline reservation code on the tight hand side. This is the booking reference number for SQ. Go on the SQ website and enter those details

 

[Phoenix-1]

Thanks! that works. Any seats to avoid on an A350-900 medium haul?

 

[Mr H]

Thanks! that works. Any seats to avoid on an A350-900 medium haul?

The J ones

 

[MooTime]

Who

The J ones

Who you calling Jones?

 

[aus_flyer]

Still holding out hope that F redemptions come back

 

[Mr H]

Still holding out hope that F redemptions come back

Were F seats ever available through Velocity?

 

[Grimace1]

Were F seats ever available through Velocity?

Yeah they were, I've done SIN-CDG in F on SQ with Velocity points

 

[mitchd]

I am planning to book J reward flights from BNE-LHR in August 2023, so the flights aren’t available yet but I am “testing” by looking at dates in the Virgin system for May 2023.

At the moment I can find reward J for BNE-SIN and for SIN-LHR but when I try BNE-LHR the flights made of these two legs show unavailable. Does anyone have experience with this - do you just have to book the separate legs? Is there a trick (by phoning etc) to book the legs on the same ticket? Can they be joined after the booking is made?

 

[Grimace1]

I am planning to book J reward flights from BNE-LHR in August 2023, so the flights aren’t available yet but I am “testing” by looking at dates in the Virgin system for May 2023.

I've also been searching the same and noticed it too.

Right now there is BNE-SIN-LHR available as one booking for May 2nd and 4th May 2023 so it's possible just hard to secure