Virgin Money credit cards (linked to Velocity rewards)

[KSyd]

Hi Peter,

Thanks for sharing your experience-- sounds like the process is a bit of a pain, but could be worth it if you get the deals you are after.

If you don't mind sharing, what was the successful itinerary, and what is the one you weren't able to get?

Cheers,

K

 

[kamchatsky]

So $99 for 20000 velocity points, plus 4 * BOGO flights, for Visa card is actually pretty good. Not to mention only need to make small purchase to get the points.

http://virginmoney.com.au/credit-card/flyer-cards/

 

[notzac]

Sorry, I got that slightly wrong. Turns out it is still an F class (as per a much earlier post) ticket that is required. Unfortunately, I can't see F class tickets on ExpertFlyer for Virgin - that site also suggests that F class is used for First which just adds to my confusion.

Yup, F isn't available via the GDS (it's also the fare bucket used for the "Happy Hour" tickets). You can actually convince the Virgin Australia website to tell you what fare bucket it's showing availability for; search for the ticket you want (lets say, SYD-PER on two random dates in August) and make a dummy booking for the flights you want (the A330 flights of course) in Saver class:





On the next page, view the HTML source of that page and look for "var fareFamily" (near the top):

var _hbEC=0,_hbE=new Array;function _hbEvent(a,b){b=_hbE[_hbEC++]=new Object();b._N=a;b._C=0;return b;}
var hbx=_hbEvent("pv");hbx.vpc="HBX0250.01a";hbx.gn="wss.virginblue.com.au";
var accountNum = 'DM570318EMCB';
var pageTitleSuffix = 'Guests';
var commerceAccountNum = '975703221985';
var productElement = 'SYD-PER_F_F,PER-SYD_F_F';
[b][size=+1]var fareFamily = 'F,F';[/size][/b]
var catElement ='SYD-PER,PER-SYD';
var priceElement ='149,149';
var qtyElement ='1,1'
var storeElement ='1';

Bolding mine. As you can see, there is F availability on these two flights.
Of course, it might be easier to just call and get them to do all the hard work for you ..

 

[peterincanberra]

If you don't mind sharing, what was the successful itinerary, and what is the one you weren't able to get?

Both were Canberra - Townsville return on direct flights. I could get both ways in November but neither in August.

Regards,

Peter

 

[peterincanberra]

On the next page, view the HTML source of that page and look for "var fareFamily" (near the top):
...
Of course, it might be easier to just call and get them to do all the hard work for you ..

That's useful to know. Thanks notzac.

 

[kamchatsky]

Here is my experience with booking 2 for 1 offer using Virgin Flyer credit card. I gave a call to the CC last Thursday to book return SYD-ADL ticket and got the following:


- Must not be less than 21 days in advance.
- 2 people must travel together.
- The flights you want to book must have F fare class ticket available. F fare is the lowest standard fare available (not special sale fare or happy hour fares) on line. After the availability of F class fare is verified, you need to book the ticket on R Class (next class up from F) to get the F class ticket free. Yes it is quite tricky.


So in my case, F fare class ticket for SYD-ADL is $114. R fare class ticket is $139. So I ended up paying $139 + $139 + $18 (credit card booking fees) = $296 to get two return tickets. If I don't have that offer, I would pay $114 * 4 + $18 = $474. Hence I still got $178 savings which is good.


But have to say that all the rules is very annoying as it doesn't really spell out in their T&Cs, and the agent had to rely on point 3 and 4:


http://virginmoney.com.au/downloads/credit-cards/Buy_one_seat_get_one_free_Terms_and_Conditions.pdf

 

[flyingjabiru]

Hi Guys,

Can someone that has taken the 2 for 1 flight, tell me if you receive SC and Points for both PAX flying?

Its my last flight before rolling to gold so the points are going to be important.

Cheers

 

[kamchatsky]

Hi Guys,

Can someone that has taken the 2 for 1 flight, tell me if you receive SC and Points for both PAX flying?

Its my last flight before rolling to gold so the points are going to be important.

Cheers

Yes. Took the flights last month on 2 for 1 offer and both of us got SCs. In terms of points, it is actually half points each passenger as it is based on total amount spend for 2 tickets.

 

[kamchatsky]

I made another 2 for 1 booking today. Not sure if they have changed the rules at the backend, or I am just lucky, I managed to book 2-4-1 flights that are not F/R fare class. they just let me do the 2 for 1 offer on more expensive SYD-ADL ($158 one way, and $145 the other). In fact, the agent allows me to book all flights on the day (even more expensive ones like $198).


So if you have this card and wants to use this offer, have a check on this.


If this change is indeed official, then this Virgin Flyer CC becomes very valuable.

 

[flight2010]

Can you use the Velocity points to redeem for accommodation ? What is the conversion rate ?

Thanks

 

[random111]

I made another 2 for 1 booking today. Not sure if they have changed the rules at the backend, or I am just lucky, I managed to book 2-4-1 flights that are not F/R fare class. they just let me do the 2 for 1 offer on more expensive SYD-ADL ($158 one way, and $145 the other). In fact, the agent allows me to book all flights on the day (even more expensive ones like $198).


So if you have this card and wants to use this offer, have a check on this.


If this change is indeed official, then this Virgin Flyer CC becomes very valuable.

Has anyone used their card to redeem the 2 for 1 offer since this?

I'm interested in signing up to this card but would not find it very valuable if I had to ensure there is a sale fare available on the flights I want to book.

Anyone know if they have changed the T&C's to allow the 2 for 1 offer on any flight?

I can't make out anything in the T&C's on their website.

 

[flyingjabiru]

My GF booked 3 flights with her CC last Sunday for travel over Xmas New Years time. She had no probs booking any flight that I had on the list for her, even a flexi (to upgrade to J)

She book a flight last month (we traveled on it last night) and she had know issues booking the flight needed. She told me the lady on the phone had said something about silver members get more access.

Hope you get the same easy run.

 

[Deewhy]

Has anyone used their card to redeem the 2 for 1 offer since this?

I'm interested in signing up to this card but would not find it very valuable if I had to ensure there is a sale fare available on the flights I want to book.

Anyone know if they have changed the T&C's to allow the 2 for 1 offer on any flight?

I can't make out anything in the T&C's on their website.

Booked one last week with no problems. I called to check they were available - didn't seem to be any restrictions - middle of day flights. I also checked Availability on the VA site beforehand, and there were normal flexible and saver type fares available, no "sale" fares were available. So I don't think the requirement is for "sale" fares.

 

[WindowSeat]

Anyone know if they have changed the T&C's to allow the 2 for 1 offer on any flight?

I can't make out anything in the T&C's on their website.

Looking at the T&Cs now on the site it looks like they'll do it for Saver, Flexi and Premium on domestic sectors. Not available on sale fares, will be interesting to see if its available for business when that rolls out.

 

[Major]

I have used it for J on SYD-PER with no problem. The saving on that flight alone will pay the annual fee on the card for years.

 

[pangwen]

I've just received one of these cards (under the 50k points promotion), and was wondering - for the 2 for 1 offer, does one need to pay for the flights using the CC? Or can you quote the offer code and verify that you are a Flyer credit card holder, and then pay for the flights using another card?

EDIT: Never mind, found it in the T&Cs:

14. The following forms of payment will only be accepted when using the offer: Virgin Flyer Credit Card; Virgin High Flyer Credit Card; Virgin Australia Group AUD Gift Vouchers; and Virgin Australia Credit Shells.

 

[skywalkerLAX]

I've just received one of these cards (under the 50k points promotion), and was wondering - for the 2 for 1 offer, does one need to pay for the flights using the CC? Or can you quote the offer code and verify that you are a Flyer credit card holder, and then pay for the flights using another card?

EDIT: Never mind, found it in the T&Cs:

14. The following forms of payment will only be accepted when using the offer: Virgin Flyer Credit Card; Virgin High Flyer Credit Card; Virgin Australia Group AUD Gift Vouchers; and Virgin Australia Credit Shells.

If it's about the charge then you can purchase the gift vouchers with a secondary card and put the remainder on the Flyer Card.

 

[Ozvirginuk]

Looking at the T&Cs now on the site it looks like they'll do it for Saver, Flexi and Premium on domestic sectors. Not available on sale fares, will be interesting to see if its available for business when that rolls out.

Can anyone tell me if Premium now includes Business? (as that is the front cabin now on most services)

Also, if looking to do a Business or Flexi 241, do you need to see any specific class available? I have GDS access, so can always check which is handy.

I have used it for J on SYD-PER with no problem. The saving on that flight alone will pay the annual fee on the card for years.

Was this a business or Premium Economy flight?

Finally, am I to understand that BOTH pax receive appropriate full status credits, but only 50% of the miles each (based on earn level for status x $$ paid?)

If this can indeed be used for J (business) and is as seemingly unrestricted as some posters have made out, then this card is worth getting just for the 241. I'm bummed that I didn't apply during the status credits promo, but oh well... there's still 15K points up for grabs now, and the 241 will help with the retaining of my WP status if I book them in J.

Cheers
Ozvirginuk

 

[Major]

[


Was this a business or Premium Economy flight?

Finally, am I to understand that BOTH pax receive appropriate full status credits, but only 50% of the miles each (based on earn level for status x $$ paid?)

If this can indeed be used for J (business) and is as seemingly unrestricted as some posters have made out, then this card is worth getting just for the 241. I'm bummed that I didn't apply during the status credits promo, but oh well... there's still 15K points up for grabs now, and the 241 will help with the retaining of my WP status if I book them in J.



This was business on the A330

 

[777]

I'm curious about this too. I have this card but haven't used it yet. Can I book a flexi, have it matched to another flexi and then use my upgrade voucher(s)? That would be *excellent* value on MEL-CNS for example.