Need two VA sectors ex-Sydney - any advice?

[SBD]

Good afternoon,

I need two sectors on VA metal in the next two weeks to retain status, flying out of Sydney.

What's cheapest in Y, and the cheapest in flexible Y (since I have a bunch of unused upgrades)?

Are there other factors to weigh? Would people advise MEL and back, on the theory that there are lots of flights?

Will be a mild pain as it means a day off work but it's worth it for lots of travel next year.

Would be grateful for your input/observations/suggestions/ideas.

Thank you.

SBD

 

[Bagpuss]

If you just need the sectors, you are probably looking at flying to MEL or BNE.
You will probably see the new "Fast Fares". Fly down, and fly back. If you want to return quickly make 2 different bookings.

In regards to pricing, just put dates into the booking engine and see what returns as it will fluctuate as you get the cheapest fares normally when booking at least 20% days in advance.

Also try CMZ59 as a promo code. You may get 5% off.

Using upgrades isn't going to help you achieve anything. Unless you want to fly in Business.

 

[flying_duck]

Try this search, and click "dates" if it doesn't automatically appear. Super simple way to check VA prices. You will probably also get the 5% off with the code mentioned above.
Google Flights

change the destination to suit.

 

[HeavyElectricity]

Try this search, and click "dates" if it doesn't automatically appear. Super simple way to check VA prices. You will probably also get the 5% off with the code mentioned above.
Google Flights

change the destination to suit.

Great tip with Google Flights! Also using that tool, you can add multiple destinations - here's a link which shows flights from SYD to CBR,MEL,BNE,OOL,CFS - looks like there is a return option to the Gold Coast for under $200 on 27th.

 

[flying_duck]

Great tip with Google Flights! Also using that tool, you can add multiple destinations - here's a link which shows flights from SYD to CBR,MEL,BNE,OOL,CFS - looks like there is a return option to the Gold Coast for under $200 on 27th.

Perfect! I will use this for sure. Thanks!

 

[Mattg]

I've found that Getaway fares to BNK and Freedom fares to OOL tend to be cheapest ex SYD. School holidays over the coming weeks could make a difference though.

If you fly to BNK, it will be the same aircraft immediately turning around to operate the return flight. The transfer couldn't be easier if you check-in online and have no luggage - just walk off the plane and wait for the return flight to start boarding.

 

[jasecao]

quickest flight will be to Canberra, but its an ATR 72, however I would agree Freedom Fares to OOL would be on the cheaper end.

 

[clipped_wings]

Good God, this is my dream. Hopping on a plane for absolutely no reason whatsoever - and flying to nowhere in particular. And THEN being rewarded with status!

What a lucky FF you are. I'd take the longest route, have an epic lunch in a airport restaurant, then cruise all the way home. And I'd upgrade all the way LOL

 

[SBD]

Thank you all for your educational input -- it's much appreciated.

I have a revised question.

VA Platinum tells me I can get eligible sectors on "any flights that are sold by Virgin Australia flown from an origin to a destination that is not a Reward Seat fare."

How about the flights that come with my Velocity Platinum Amex card? I've never used them before but now might be the time. I understand they aren't reward fares. I've read one person's view that they come out of the Q fare bucket.

Not sure about the "sold by" part of the clause I quoted above, however.

I've asked VA by email but my fellow Australian FF posters tend to be quicker with ideas and input.

What do you think?

Thank you.

SBD

 

[jsm2090]

Thank you all for your educational input -- it's much appreciated.

I have a revised question.

VA Platinum tells me I can get eligible sectors on "any flights that are sold by Virgin Australia flown from an origin to a destination that is not a Reward Seat fare."

How about the flights that come with my Velocity Platinum Amex card? I've never used them before but now might be the time. I understand they aren't reward fares. I've read one person's view that they come out of the Q fare bucket.

Not sure about the "sold by" part of the clause I quoted above, however.

I've asked VA by email but my fellow Australian FF posters tend to be quicker with ideas and input.

What do you think?

Thank you.

SBD

Nope. I redeemed mine in march, and received no points, status credits, or sector credits. Jump on that ATR to Canberra; just avoid peak $$ times!

 

[SBD]

Thanks, jsm2090.

I expect your experience is the rule but thought I'd check.

They are clearly not reward fares, and they are clearly sold by VA (though to Amex, not to the passenger), so I'd been hoping it would meet the VA definition of an eligible sector.

Thanks again--and any others' views and experiences very welcome.

Kind regards,

SBD

 

[jsm2090]

Thanks, jsm2090.

I expect your experience is the rule but thought I'd check.

They are clearly not reward fares, and they are clearly sold by VA (though to Amex, not to the passenger), so I'd been hoping it would meet the VA definition of an eligible sector.

Thanks again--and any others' views and experiences very welcome.

Kind regards,

SBD

no problems, just my experience. I admire your creativity! I wouldn't have even thought to ask the question!

 

[flying_duck]

Thanks, jsm2090.

I expect your experience is the rule but thought I'd check.

They are clearly not reward fares, and they are clearly sold by VA (though to Amex, not to the passenger), so I'd been hoping it would meet the VA definition of an eligible sector.

Thanks again--and any others' views and experiences very welcome.

Kind regards,

SBD

The first year I redeemed my reward flight, I flew BNE - ADL and on the way there and back I received SC and points. But quickly learnt I shouldn't have by these forums. Didn't mention their mistake. This year I didn't get anything and didn't expect it.

I would assume this will not earn you points or SC and book the status run flight if I were you.