For Xmas, I am trying to book Points tickets from Brisbane/Sydney to Canada ( or LA ). I have noticed that with some Airlines in Virgin Partners , there seems to be a limit on points seating ( whether it be Economy/ Premium Economy or Business Class ) as well as blackout dates before Xmas. I have also noticed that QANTAS have become horrendously expensive with their Points Redemptions for flights. Has anyone else noticed this ? I spoke with Virgin this morning and the bloke said that some of their partner airlines MAY release more seats, but they don't know when. has anyone heard this ?
Hey Vickitony93,
Some more experienced members may add/correct me on this, but award availability around Christmas time regardless of travel year is notoriously difficult to obtain. Airlines tend to release their award inventory right on release date (up to 353 before the flight for QF, as an example), or with less than a month left before the flight.
On QF, if the awards are horrendously expensive as you said, you're probably only seeing points rates for their 'Points plus Pay' option, which is stupidly expensive and one of the worst use of points you can find. What you need to be looking for is 'Classic Awards'. For QF from SYD - LAX/YVR, the costs of a 'Classic Award' would be:
- 41,900 for Economy
- 81,300 for Premium Economy
- 108,400 for Business
Bear in mind that if there are connecting flights, the cost will be slightly increased.
For VA, their redemptions for O/S travel have been limited to Economy on SQ, which is in a dubious state at this point. No one is sure when full booking ability will be restored, but VA have said you'll be able to book premium cabins 'shortly'.
Overall, you're looking to book at a notoriously difficult time, with a large amount of pent-up travel demand and a lot of people with a lot of points not having been spent due to the pandemic. You will definitely need to be flexible in when you're going, unfortunately.
Hope this helps
