Virgin or ANZ across the tasman for miles, points?

[PlutekPlutek]

Hi,

I'm going from Brisbane to Christchurch next Wednesday, am a Velocity platinum.
Wanted to know which of the flights is the best option in terms of accrual of miles and status points.

My most logical options are:
1. ANZ804 - (BNE 18:10 - CHC 23:35) $420 - FLEXI PLUS THE WORKS
2. VA8124 - (BNE 18:10 - CHC 23:35) $467 - Flexi (actually this is the same flight as 1 , i.e. operated by ANZ, sold as VA)
3. VA82 - (BNE 18:15 - CHC 23:45) $561 - Flexi
4. ANZ136 + ANZ549 (BNE 12:24 - AKL 17:25, AKL 19:30 - CHC 20:50) - $423 - FLEXI PLUS THE WORKS

Option 3 is probably a non-starter as I would need to justify the extra costs whereas the flights are just about the same time.
So its a tossup between 1,2,4. I don't mind the extra stop.

The way I understand is as follows, and would appreciate if someone could confirm:
Option 1. 1553 base points (based on BNE-CHC distance), 0 bonus points and 40 status points
Option 2. 5 * $467 = 2335 base points + 2335 bonus points = 4670 and 40 status points
Option 4. 1427 base points (based on BNE-AKL distance) + 462 points (based on AKL-CHC distance), i.e. 1889 miles and 30 + 20 status points.

Can anyone verify if the above calcs are correct?

Cheers,
LP

 

[Mwenenzi]

Another thing to consider. I have only be able to select a specfic seat when it the same carrier marketing & operating i.e. Air NZ flight number number on Air NZ metal. No seat selection with a VA fliight number on Air NZ metal. But I have no status, but always flexi with works (or VA nearest equivalent)

 

[Ausbt]

Give AirNZ a call with your VA code share booking - I found them wonderfully helpful when selecting seats for an upcoming SYD-ZQN.

 

[PlutekPlutek]

I'm not too fussed about the seats. Its only a couple of hour flight, so its not a biggie.
I just want the best option to maximise miles and/or status points, and want to know if my assumptions/calcs are correct. If they are, the best option is to go via AKL.

 

[greenfish]

If you book with NZ (i.e. NZ flight numbers) you'll get no status bonus miles and if SCs are important to you, make sure that your flexi + the works actually credits to a full economy booking class that is recognised by VA. The one time I attempted to book an NZ TT flexi, the class was not recognised by VA for full economy SCs.

I'm not sure if there is a way of determining the booking class online before payment, however I've found the call centre are able to advise the booking class.

Finally, if you have a choice, travel on NZ metal - some of the TT flights are widebodies and all of the flights have some form of IFE.

 

[Aussie_flyer]

If you book with NZ (i.e. NZ flight numbers) you'll get no status bonus miles and if SCs are important to you, make sure that your flexi + the works actually credits to a full economy booking class that is recognised by VA. The one time I attempted to book an NZ TT flexi, the class was not recognised by VA for full economy SCs.

I'm not sure if there is a way of determining the booking class online before payment, however I've found the call centre are able to advise the booking class.

Finally, if you have a choice, travel on NZ metal - some of the TT flights are widebodies and all of the flights have some form of IFE.

The only flight with widebodies out of BNE is the BNE-AKL NZ136. CHC, WLG and other cities are all A320 flights

 

[greenfish]

The only flight with widebodies out of BNE is the BNE-AKL NZ136. CHC, WLG and other cities are all A320 flights

Does NZ fly BNE -> WLG direct?

 

[Mwenenzi]

Does NZ fly BNE -> WLG direct?

BNE WLG is not shown in the Jan 2013 Star Alliance timetable

 

[Rdarby]

Virgin, using Air NZ planes, flies direct to Wellington. I have done it several times this year. 20 status credits, but it can take a while to come through, many weeks, from Air NZ. It may be worth checking the price of an Air NZ flight with The Works, as I have found that often costs as much as the same lowest price VA fare, which does not include the free food.

 

[greenfish]

Virgin, using Air NZ planes, flies direct to Wellington. I have done it several times this year. 20 status credits, but it can take a while to come through, many weeks, from Air NZ. It may be worth checking the price of an Air NZ flight with The Works, as I have found that often costs as much as the same lowest price VA fare, which does not include the free food.

Are you sure that is from BNE? I think the NZ VA alliance divvied up the TT flights and BNE WLG is handled by VA with NZ codeshares.

 

[Aussie_flyer]

Are you sure that is from BNE? I think the NZ VA alliance divvied up the TT flights and BNE WLG is handled by VA with NZ codeshares.

you are correct it is VA twice daily

 

[Rdarby]

Yes it's codeshare. You buy it from VA, and you fly on Air NZ.

 

[Aussie_flyer]

Yes it's codeshare. You buy it from VA, and you fly on Air NZ.

Nope... it is a Boeing 737-800 operated by Virgin Australia. Brisbane - Wellington.

flight VA66 and VA68.

 

[Rdarby]

Sorry, I meant the other way around. Buy it from Air NZ as it's cheaper, use their lounge, but fly VA. I have flown on an Air NZ plane once, probably a stand in.

 

[Mwenenzi]

Yes it's codeshare. You buy it from VA, and you fly on Air NZ.

Which is exactly opposite to that stated in posts 10 & 11 above
Checking for 31 July it is indeed a VA aircraft (VA66 BNE 08:50 AM WLG 02:10 PM Operator Virgin Australia) Air NZ codeshare this service

Edit: Was slow getting the VA reservation up on screen