Is Velocity almost defunct for long-haul business class rewards?

[andrewpf]

I have previously used Velocity points to book flights to/from Europe and Asia (Etihad and also Singapore Airlines), as well as to the US (on VA metal when it was available, and also more recently on United before availability disappeared).

Today, if I'm wanting to book long-haul business class with Velocity, United basically has nothing, and Singapore Airlines and Air Canada have extremely limited inventory. Etihad is gone, and while there is plenty of Qatar inventory (inc VA flights) with the Middle East conflict heating up again its really a toss up whether its safe (both in a literal sense, and in the sense it could get cancelled at short notice - acknowledging Etihad would have similar issues if it was still in the program). It seems the only airline that is providing long-haul business class redemptions reliably for Velocity is ANA?

I realise I can transfer points to Krisflyer, but the value loss is quite significant. At this point (as a credit card earner, and business flyer that is allowed to choose either Qantas or Virgin) I really wonder if it is still worth earning Velocity points given my preferred use is long-haul business class (aside from flights to Japan), or its time to flee to Qantas after all these years?

 

[Steven of Bali]

I have previously used Velocity points to book flights to/from Europe and Asia (Etihad and also Singapore Airlines), as well as to the US (on VA metal when it was available, and also more recently on United before availability disappeared).

Today, if I'm wanting to book long-haul business class with Velocity, United basically has nothing, and Singapore Airlines and Air Canada have extremely limited inventory. Etihad is gone, and while there is plenty of Qatar inventory (inc VA flights) with the Middle East conflict heating up again its really a toss up whether its safe (both in a literal sense, and in the sense it could get cancelled at short notice - acknowledging Etihad would have similar issues if it was still in the program). It seems the only airline that is providing long-haul business class redemptions reliably for Velocity is ANA?

I realise I can transfer points to Krisflyer, but the value loss is quite significant. At this point (as a credit card earner, and business flyer that is allowed to choose either Qantas or Virgin) I really wonder if it is still worth earning Velocity points given my preferred use is long-haul business class (aside from flights to Japan), or its time to flee to Qantas after all these years?

You don't mention when you plan to travel. I have managed to use my Velocity points on SIA J class without much trouble, with a bit of planning.

 

[levelnine]

The value of VA for long-haul J has definitely reduced due to the issues you've mentioned above.

How much greener the grass is on the other side is, of course, another question. It's a tough time for award redemptions with the challenges of flying through the Middle East, a huge source of capacity for long-haul travel to/from Australia. That's put a strain on awards to alternative ports through Asia.