Virgin Blue/Velocity sale

[oz_mark]

Virgin Blue has slashed fares to selected destinations around Australia, which means as a Velocity Member you not only can grab cheap flights but also start earning Velocity Points too. Check out just how little it costs to fly:

Fly From Fares From Velocity Points From 
 
Adelaide $65 4,300 + $39 Taxes 
Brisbane $49 2,300 + $39 Taxes 
Gold Coast $59 3,900 + $39 Taxes 
Melbourne $49 2,300 + $39 Taxes 
Newcastle $49 2,300 + $39 Taxes 
Perth $159 14,100 + $39 Taxes 
Sydney $59 3,900 + $39 Taxes 
Tasmania $49 2,300 + $39 Taxes

Based on redeeming Sales fares and subject to change. Velocity Points and fares displayed are ONE WAY and valid as at midnight 22 May 2007. Taxes, fees and surcharges are payable in addition to Points redeemed.

These fares are subject to availability and valid for sale between midnight 22 May 2007 and midnight 31 May 2007 or until sold out, and for travel between 24 July 2007 to 13 September 2007.

Wonder if the red rat will respond?

 

[Kiwi Flyer]

Interesting how the velocity points are non-linear with fare. This is an aspect I feel velocity could simplify and thus improve trust with their customers. Since they don't publish full details of award costs they should (IMHO) have a simple rule that customers can understand. That way the customer can easily decide whether points or cash is good value.

Contrast this with airpoints. For awards solely on NZ metal (other than discounted business elite awards), the cost is 1 airpoint for $1. Easy to follow and understand.

QFF using fixed points costs is also easy to follow and understand, although requires some knowledge or lookup of flight distance, so not as easy as US-based programs for example (with their broader zones).

 

[oz_mark]

Interesting how the velocity points are non-linear with fare. This is an aspect I feel velocity could simplify and thus improve trust with their customers. Since they don't publish full details of award costs they should (IMHO) have a simple rule that customers can understand. That way the customer can easily decide whether points or cash is good value.

Contrast this with airpoints. For awards solely on NZ metal (other than discounted business elite awards), the cost is 1 airpoint for $1. Easy to follow and understand.

QFF using fixed points costs is also easy to follow and understand, although requires some knowledge or lookup of flight distance, so not as easy as US-based programs for example (with their broader zones).

I agree here, the value of a point seems quite variable and does not seme to be any rhyme or reason to how they work it out.