Virgin Atlantic - Redeem for Air NZ Awards

[Leroy87]

Follow up to the recent AFF article citing some decent Air NZ award availability in Business from MEL-AKL on the 787 and 777 (here: Unusual Air New Zealand Award Availability)

I can see the awards in KrisFlyer and they appear real enough. I can't see them in the United search and Virgin Atlantic doesn't seem to let you search for partner awards online (some differing views on this).

Is it just a 'Call VS and get them to check' number? I want to know before I move AMEX points across and have them stuck there... it's only 30k return using VS Flying Club vs 69k on KrisFlyer, a very efficient use of points indeed. Any hint on what the taxes/fees would be as well would be great.

 

[aaa99]

I tried calling VS just before and they couldn't see the availability. Maybe it is just the agent?

Initially started by saying "you cant book that because we dont fly that route" and after a hold, "sorry i dont see any seats, not even in economy". I am not sure if they see different availability to the *A programs.

She did say she had book some people on Air NZ recently, but not in the last few days.

Worth doing HUCA maybe.

 

[Leroy87]

Thanks for the info @aaa99.

Looking on several other *A programs the availability isn't there either, so it could be something that is more exclusive to SQ. That may be unusual but I guess it's not unheard of?

 

[aaa99]

Definitely saw it on Lifemiles as well