Help! What can I do with Virgin Atlantic points?!

[Differs]

I stupidly transfered a large number of Amex points to my Virgin Atlantic frequent flyer card (basically because the nasty wenches on the Freq Flyer line said I could use them for an upgrade) and as those of you who have Virgin Atlantic frequent flyer points will know, they are absolutely worthless.

The latest attempt I had to use them was to buy an Upper Class companion ticket - where you buy 1 Upper Class ticket and use 130,000 miles to get another 'free'. They told me that you can only buy in a certain class (J) and wouldn't you just know it - it costs twice as much in that class as if you book a normal Upper Class ticket (so you pay the same as 2 Upper Class tickets and still give them 130,000 miles...!). If anyone can explain to me how that differs from robbery, I'd appreciate it.

Having tried with no success to upgrade or purchase outright a reward flight for any time in the next 12 months, I have reached the conclusion that the tickets are in fact worthless.

So my question is... does anyone have any idea how I can use these points or remove them from this scheme? Is this acceptable behaviour from the airline or is it worth making an official complaint? Has anyone ever actually managed to use Virgin Atlantic points?

Would love to know... Thanks.
Chris.

 

[dajop]

Has anyone ever actually managed to use Virgin Atlantic points?

Justr over 12 mths ago, I had no problems using points to get a Upper class reward on VS SYD-HKG-SYD. Have you tried using the points on any partner airlines (eg SQ, MH, etc)?

 

[Differs]

I tried to use them today for SQ - but as an upgrade to a flight. Computer said no...

 

[JohnK]

So my question is... does anyone have any idea how I can use these points or remove them from this scheme?

One possibility is to try trading them on Flyertalk Coupon Connection. Someone may have a need for an award ticket redemption on Virgin Atlantic and may be able to offer you points for an upgrade on another carrier. Only condition is you need to be a member of FT for 6 months and have 90 posts under your belt.

Other than that I suggest you just try to use the points to redeem award tickets on Virgin Atlantic rather than using them for upgrades.

 

[dajop]

I tried to use them today for SQ - but as an upgrade to a flight. Computer said no...

As with many programs, you can't use VS points for upgrades on partner airlines (particularly SQ)

 

[QF WP]

You must be a Little Brittain fan

I tried to use them today for SQ - but as an upgrade to a flight. Computer said no...

 

[Flying Fox]

So following on from this problem - is it difficult (compared to QF) to get two J tickets with Virgin Atlantic for SYD - LHR - SYD (as this was my general plan to use some points at some stage)?

The reason I ask is that I don't want to transfer a bucket of points to find out its near impossible to be able to use them (same situation to what Differs is in)

Thanks

 

[Differs]

So following on from this problem - is it difficult (compared to QF) to get two J tickets with Virgin Atlantic for SYD - LHR - SYD (as this was my general plan to use some points at some stage)?

The reason I ask is that I don't want to transfer a bucket of points to find out its near impossible to be able to use them (same situation to what Differs is in)

Thanks

I would say that it is impossible to get J class SYD - LHR - SYD.