Converting VA points to SQ

[Willsmere]

Hi,up until now I have been more an accumulator of points than a user. But I want to start using some. As far as I can tell I can book any SQ flight through Virgin as a code share. So my question is why would I do a transfer to Kris Flyer and lose 35% of my points to book a flight I could probably book thru the virgin site? Thanks for any advice.

 

[Aus ATC]

My own experience (2 x J seats SIN-BNE).

KF miles were about 93500 + around $450 (included a 15% points discount for online redemption).

VA points for the same flight were around 160,000, but the $ component was less.

I converted around 126,000 VA points to KF at 1.35:1, because the reduced total points but higher $ component suited me better.

I would suggest looking at both options for the flights you want, then picking the option that suits the best. If you are a member of KF, you can do searches without having any points.

 

[mooingchicken]

As said sometime works out better points wise even with the loss.
Also can be different availability, plus with SQ points you can book any *A airlines, VA your limited to delta, virgin, SQ and etihad basically

 

[CJEMNMAC]

So my question is why would I do a transfer to Kris Flyer and lose 35% of my points to book a flight I could probably book thru the virgin site? Thanks for any advice.

Just keep in mind if you do transfer you wont lose 35%.. It is actually 25.9% reduction... 1 / 1.35 = 0.741

It helps if you are working out how many points you may need to redeem...

 

[Willsmere]

Thanks for the comments. I see what you mean. I was comparing a booking for December for 2 to Japan. For the same flights, Virgin 588,000 points and $402 taxes. SQ 127,500 (equiv to 172,000 velocity) and $1187 taxes. Triple the taxes with SQ but over triple the points required with VA. I think there is an opening here for a good app or website developer whereby you enter your flight dates, current points available and with whom and the website trawls and gives you the best option.

 

[mooingchicken]

Those points for VA are way off, you must have been looking at a points + pay/anyseat option rather than a reward seat.

 

[CJEMNMAC]

Thanks for the comments. I see what you mean. I was comparing a booking for December for 2 to Japan. For the same flights, Virgin 588,000 points and $402 taxes. SQ 127,500 (equiv to 172,000 velocity) and $1187 taxes. Triple the taxes with SQ but over triple the points required with VA. I think there is an opening here for a good app or website developer whereby you enter your flight dates, current points available and with whom and the website trawls and gives you the best option.

Economy reward seats are very thin in December to NRT from SYD..Here is 29 December for the purposes of comparison on points and costs

 

[Willsmere]

Those points for VA are way off, you must have been looking at a points + pay/anyseat option rather than a reward seat.

No, it was all that was left for reward seats, they were flexi's. Dates were 4/12 ,rtn 17/12.

 

[mooingchicken]

The flexi's represent very poor value, unless you have a mass amount of points and get them easy, I would never even look at them to book, would rather pay a cash for the fare.
90k can get you one way to LA in business, compare that with an economy to japan, that's a massive price difference.

 

[Willsmere]

The flexi's represent very poor value, unless you have a mass amount of points and get them easy, I would never even look at them to book, would rather pay a cash for the fare.
90k can get you one way to LA in business, compare that with an economy to japan, that's a massive price difference.

Hi Mooing, I never seem to be able to find these points fares e.g. 90k business to LA. Maybe im always looking at premium times but I only ever seem to find massive point options when I want to go, hence maybe thats why Im an accumulator, whenever I go to use them its so far over the odds I just pay!

 

[Eggsbenedict]

Here is something I did up for a friend the other day

 

[Willsmere]

Here is something I did up for a friend the other dayView attachment 49181

Thanks eggs, but its so small I cant read what you wrote??

 

[Eggsbenedict]

hope this is better

 

[mooingchicken]

Hi Mooing, I never seem to be able to find these points fares e.g. 90k business to LA. Maybe im always looking at premium times but I only ever seem to find massive point options when I want to go, hence maybe thats why Im an accumulator, whenever I go to use them its so far over the odds I just pay!

They are released 335 days ahead, so people snap them up when they get released, so thats when your best booking, but they also do pop up when people cancel or they decide to release more, sometimes you just get lucky. Also some partner award arent shown online so sometimes you have to call and get them to check