Virgin Business Class Upgrade for International flights

[eolas]

That sounds promising! Next step is to resarch the best seats for me and swmbo... This is to be a bit of a surprise if i can get it all worked out. First time on long haul business

 

[get me outta here]

Is there any chance for a total no status person to get an upgrade - any tricks?

 

[bullerdude]

Only via the Bid for an Upgrade option, for international flights.

 

[peakhour]

As a long time Platinum with VA, I'd just like to say congratulations to anyone who has managed to upgrade with points to LAX.

I have tried every single trip for the past year (6 or 7 trips can't remember) and have never once been able to book an upgrade.

Today I thought I got lucky, but by the time I finished a meeting at work, the upgrade had been taken by some other lucky punter.

This is for a flight next weekend but it's for work so I don't have the luxury like many of you to book so far in advance.

I do have flexibility in my departure by a day here and there so I always check either side but never any luck.

Maybe it is worth looking at transferring points to SQ as maybe I would have better luck going via SIN?

Has anyone else had luck booking upgrades near to departure with VA and do they ever release any additional closer to departure?

Cheers
Peakhour

 

[serfty]

Near to departure is difficult; mabe Velocity could consider points upgrades as late as check in or the gate.

Of course there may be the bidding ...

 

[notzac]

Has anyone else had luck booking upgrades near to departure with VA and do they ever release any additional closer to departure?

Sometimes they do, sometimes they don't. One thing that I've noticed is that if you're on the SYDLAX flight the chance of redeeming an upgrade is slim to none (especially closer to date of travel); if you're on the BNELAX flight your chances are far better.

 

[doczim]

Just checked BNE/LAX for tomorrow and Thursday and both had availability of Business Reward seats, so maybe out of BNE does have better availability, or could have just been a fluke :shrug:

 

[flycop]

VA Platinum here.

Has anyone tried to do a paid upgrade at the airport on a flexi Y ticket on VA metal (like you can on Etihad)?

I have a flight from AUH to SYD and no points upgrade seats left...

 

[rioter]

VA Platinum here.

Has anyone tried to do a paid upgrade at the airport on a flexi Y ticket on VA metal (like you can on Etihad)?

I have a flight from AUH to SYD and no points upgrade seats left...

I sure have! I got quoted a price more expensive than if i booked the seat online for the same flight.

 

[flycop]

I have a full fare B class flight from Abu Dhabi to Sydney this week on VA30. I am Velocity Platinum.

I've tried upgrading to J using points but there are no award seats available.


Expertflyer shows 13 J available at present. Y class is full. W has 4 available.


I called Velocity and asked if more award seats would be released but they didn't know if it was common practice.


Does VA release more award seats if J is wide open closer to the flight?
Or do they email eligible customers offering upgrade with points?


I can't bid for business only premium.


I'm wondering if and how they will fill these seats, aside from UpgradeMe from Premium?

 

[lobo76]

I've tried searching and can't see an answer (although Im sure it's a well known n00b question )

Can I buy Biz class seats from Etihad and upgrade to First with Velocity points?

 

[williamsf1]

I've tried searching and can't see an answer (although Im sure it's a well known n00b question )

Can I buy Biz class seats from Etihad and upgrade to First with Velocity points?

No .. can only used VA points for VA marketed and operated flights

 

[lobo76]

No .. can only used VA points for VA marketed and operated flights

Hmnnn and yet I can use Velocity points too redeem First flights with EY. Oh well

 

[aaflyer]

Hmnnn and yet I can use Velocity points too redeem First flights with EY. Oh well

Qantas are the same. You can use points to redeem flights on partner airlines, but not to upgrade them. Upgrades are an entirely different beast to awards.

 

[doczim]

I have been informing myself and asking questions, about the upgrade possibilities on VA since about Nov last year. A couple of credit cards later and waiting out till the 330 day mark hit, I was able to buy 3 Full Flex BNE|LAX return and do the upgrade all in the one transaction over the phone in about 15mins. I had the service waived as I booked JFK|LAX|BNE on way home which you can't do online. The stars certainly aligned for me which I was very happy with. I did miss out on the PE sales which was offering PE for same price as Flex which would have given more points & SC which ended prior to our return dates being available to book and while it bugs me a little bit, I do count my lucky stars I got what i got x 3.

 

[doczim]

I have been informing myself and asking questions, about the upgrade possibilities on VA since about Nov last year. A couple of credit cards later and waiting out till the 330 day mark hit, I was able to buy 3 Full Flex BNE|LAX return and do the upgrade all in the one transaction over the phone in about 15mins. I had the service waived as I booked JFK|LAX|BNE on way home which you can't do online. The stars certainly aligned for me which I was very happy with. I did miss out on the PE sales which was offering PE for same price as Flex which would have given more points & SC which ended prior to our return dates being available to book and while it bugs me a little bit, I do count my lucky stars I got what i got x 3.

I said I wouldn't go back in to see if the PE prices came down but I couldn't help myself. They haven't and also there are no J award seats for the two weeks either side of our return dates so I'm definitely thankful I got it when I did and while I might see the opportunity cost loss of the PE SC's I'm very greatful we got the upgrades both ways.