How does everyone here use their Velocity Miles?

[k3nnis]

For me to upgrade to domestic J I need to purchase a flexi fare correct?

 

[malmacdowall]

Apart dr flights and upgrades.... For our trip to Gold Coast (lounging right now ), I have booked and paid for my Europcar $800 and I had ordered about $700 of Warner Bros vouchers . I've used these to pay for our theme park passes and got some spare to buy food Nd souvenirs in the parks .. Thanks Virgin..

 

[wallacej]

Upgrading domestically isa bit of a waste as the flights are so short, unless heading east west.

Upgrading long haul
Shopping vouchers, keeps the wife happy.

Sitting on around 250,000 now, and looking for leisure upgrades to las later this year.

 

[hummel]

For me to upgrade to domestic J I need to purchase a flexi fare correct?

Correct so therefore not worth it sometime.

East coast - west coast however is worth it for sure!

 

[Bolthead]

We had a discussion about this at work the other day and although I am the only one that tends to spend my points (lost 20K with Ansetts - although the boss at the time lost 400K) I take the stance now that I would rather spend the points on mostly upgrades in international long haul flights. One non FF (sorry but after proof reading this thread I think that last statement is a tortology but I think you will get the gist) at work he said the whole FF points is a joke and although he still collects them via credit cards he converts them all to petrol coupons. To him that is real cash. Most others hoard their points, but not this little black duck...

 

[mella2007]

We had a discussion about this at work the other day and although I am the only one that tends to spend my points (lost 20K with Ansetts - although the boss at the time lost 400K) I take the stance now that I would rather spend the points on mostly upgrades in international long haul flights. One non FF (sorry but after proof reading this thread I think that last statement is a tortology but I think you will get the gist) at work he said the whole FF points is a joke and although he still collects them via credit cards he converts them all to petrol coupons. To him that is real cash. Most others hoard their points, but not this little black duck...

I have a friend that did the same, but then redeemed for Myer and DJ Vouchers for small amounts. 6 months ago she brought up how many points she had and I convinced her to transfer to Velocity when the double points for CC was on offer. She now has more than enough for her family of 5 to go J to the US later in the year and is very happy. I would never ever use for anything in online stores...what a waste of points!!

 

[paultiffen]

Booked an ASA on Delta LHR->BOS return for 30000. Have found a few other good fares post sabre but can't say.

The best is that they partner with Delta and Etihad who don't charge fuel surcharges, also domestic Y is the other main way that I would use it. Ratio of flights taken to free flight is a lot better than with Qantas

 

[mella2007]

Booked an ASA on Delta LHR->BOS return for 30000. Have found a few other good fares post sabre but can't say.

The best is that they partner with Delta and Etihad who don't charge fuel surcharges, also domestic Y is the other main way that I would use it. Ratio of flights taken to free flight is a lot better than with Qantas

How much were they asking for J on the same route?

 

[paultiffen]

I think 280 000 or something ridiculous. It may have been a mistake fare for all I know. The actual fare shows up as 70 gbp on the ticket

 

[mella2007]

I think 280 000 or something ridiculous. It may have been a mistake fare for all I know. The actual fare shows up as 70 gbp on the ticket

That sounds about right for Delta points rates. I still think Etihad offer the best redemptions for J and F (called today and still F available in June on a few routes from the UAE to Europe for 70000 one way)

 

[JohnK]

I am saving mine for something special. Surprise, surprise.

I think I have a choice of one international route and need to figure out how to pre-allocate economy bulkhead aisle or exit row aisle even if it means paying a little extra for it. That is an awfully long flight to sit behind a chronic recliner.

 

[BrentH]

Last time I used points was to upgrade some Y flights to J under the "half price upgrade" offer at Christmas.

I'm a value-for-money points user.

 

[samas]

Primarily J domestic (and I pay the taxes myself).

Secondly is points upgrades to Business from work paid Y flights

 

[Ausbt]

I'm currently looking at a SYD-LAX-JFK Flexi in Y for $3K. I can upgrade the SYD-LAX return leg to J for 90,000 points. What does everyone think?

 

[hydrabyss]

2. redeem for J awards domestically

Cost me 55000 points but should make requalifying my partners gold status now possible.

Review Date	27 Feb 2014
Status Credits earned since 27 Feb 2013[SUP]1[/SUP]	600
Additional Status Credits required to maintain Platinum by 27 Feb 2014	200
Additional sectors required to maintain Platinum by 27 Feb 2014[SUP]2[/SUP]	0

 

[Mak404matt]

I'm currently looking at a SYD-LAX-JFK Flexi in Y for $3K. I can upgrade the SYD-LAX return leg to J for 90,000 points. What does everyone think?

That is good if you want to upgrade to J, however if you originate in AKL then you can book in PE for around the same price

 

[grubbidok]

Most of my points come from work trips that take me away from Mrs Grubbidok, so always use the points for trips for us to take together. Even our South American honeymoon was paid for with points (pre-VA obviously). Usually I redeem Y as we can get more sneaky getaways this way, as we care about the destination more than the trip to it. I don't care if J is technically better points/$ value, I'd rather have the two trips instead of one.

I have to travel in Y for work, so guess I've been Y-hardened and it doesn't bother me much. J never impressed me that much or seemed worth it. I usually just take a handful of kava tablets at the start of each trip which means you could have your legs over your head the entire trip and still feel alright at the end.

As for taxes, I have no preference and it's really a judgement call I make on the day. Taxes definitely do factor into my calculation of points cost though, which is why I don't really bother with QF redemptions on anything international anymore.

 

[Warks]

I don't think I've ever used any. Despite flying VA a lot in the past two years I still think in terms of QFF points. I don't really have a handle on their value. I've looked at trying to get the family to NZ (ZQN or CHC) in December-Jan but can't get flights both ways. Will probably go with QF even though it will still cost $800 in "fees, taxes, levies, surcharges, brown envelopes, slush funds, backhanders" etc.