Virgin Amex free flight doesn't allow extension of flight.

[tinkybelle]

this is not a whine but a reminder to all with this card,
Just saw that we had been charged for a new year of Amex plat.
so called to get the extension on the flight
really thought we had only had it 7 mths, how time flies!!
anyway they said under NO circumstances do they extend the year
but to do a little transaction which triggers the new flight then book and cancel. has anyone had any luck with getting the 349 cancelled when they cancel the card..
maybe should have a free flight date diary!

 

[serfty]

In my experience, if you call win about a month before the anniversary date they will extend the booking time for that year's flight by up to (IIRC) 14 days.

I have done this, then was able to make a booking a week into the new "year" for 2.

 

[tinkybelle]

My year was up two weeks ago I did not realise I had had for a year till the new charge today. They refused to extend. Do I'll re book and cancel.

 

[Plutonus]

I'm yet to push them on this, but I believe the terms and conditions say you are entitled to one free return flight per year of membership, nothing about expiry.

Edit: ok found it buried in a document

Your Flight must be booked before the end of each year. Flight benefits cannot be carried forward to any subsequent year.

 

[zig]

I have also been able to have my flight extended on several occasions over the years. Maybe they are cracking down on this, so thanks for the reminder. I probably need to make a booing this week.

 

[AdMEL]

Don't forget you don't have to fly before before the end of your year, only book and you can book the flight in advance -up to about 12 months, if I remember correctly.

 

[tinkybelle]

I should have realised when I got 2 passes in the account. I thought it was a birthday gift as it was on my birthday.

 

[Mal]

They used to extend with no hassle (eg, they'd notice you didn't use last years, and used that instead of this years) obviously cracking down on it now.

 

[burmans]

They used to extend with no hassle (eg, they'd notice you didn't use last years, and used that instead of this years) obviously cracking down on it now.

Aside from ringing is there any way to know when your expiry date is. I used mine in December and I think this was on last years flight but frankly not 100% sure, how do I find out?

 

[andye]

They gave me 2 weeks grace on my Edge flight when I rang last week.

 

[RB]

In Nov 2014 I discussed a somewhat similar type of issue with them. The outcome was I am using the 2014 flight for me and the 2015 flight for Mrs RB & we fly in April 2015- they held over the 2014 fight until after the anniversary and then got us both on the same flights. Guess I am different from the OP as I rang prior to the anniversary.

 

[zig]

I rang today and my anniversary date had already passed. No problem though, I was offered an extension of a couple of weeks to allow me to think about what I wanted to book. and was told I could ring back and get a further extension if I couldn't make a suitable booking in that time frame. Very happy with the outcome.

 

[tinkybelle]

Both people I spoke to said the Virgin card is different from the normal plat cards
booked a flight today will cancel card tomorrow.

 

[kevrosmith]

maybe should have a free flight date diary!

I add it to my flight spreadsheet along with all my other vouchers and yet-to-be-made bookings

Don't forget you don't have to fly before before the end of your year, only book and you can book the flight in advance -up to about 12 months, if I remember correctly.

Yeah, it's not quite 12 months.. when I rang in January, IIRC it seemed to be closer to 10 months in advance.

 

[Kevin Kwan]

Have a AMEX platinum reserve and rep told me they allow about 2-3 weeks grace. However, you can book a flight and then cancel (paying the cancellation charge) and have the flight credit held in reserve also. And as already mentioned, you don't have to fly by the date of the anniversary of your card renewal, just book.

I often ring to check when my anniversary date is ... finally got around to putting it into my calendar!

 

[Mal]

Aside from ringing is there any way to know when your expiry date is. I used mine in December and I think this was on last years flight but frankly not 100% sure, how do I find out?

From recollection, it shows as an entry in your membership rewards page, but I haven't held an Australian Amex for ages, sorry

 

[tinkybelle]

I don't see an entry in any of my accounts,so I doubt it. Anyway I booked the new flight then called and cancelled the card.

 

[PLANT]

Just to clarify as a NOOB with Plat edge this card??.... I book and use the free flight this year and book a flight for next year before expiry/anniversary date of card. Therefore can get two flights for annual year free on card?
If you have booked the second flight and cancel the card you still get the second flight????

 

[andye]

Just to clarify as a NOOB with Plat edge this card??.... I book and use the free flight this year and book a flight for next year before expiry/anniversary date of card. Therefore can get two flights for annual year free on card?
If you have booked the second flight and cancel the card you still get the second flight????

Technically I don't think so but you may get lucky. What is fairly easy to do is to book 2 free flights together in the first 2 weeks of Year 2 (but that's not the point of your post I know).

 

[Cynicor]

They do still allow 2 weeks, this can be used to book both flights together. Maybe the OP wanted more than that?

This is current as of yesterday, my last booking with them