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

[clifford]

Flew SQ PE couple weeks ago SIN-MEL, didn't really rate it, for double points/cost, it's ok if have plenty points in ACC but it's only marginally better imo.

I agree, using points to book PE (whether VA or QF) is a bit of a waste of points.

 

[SYD]

I agree, using points to book PE (whether VA or QF) is a bit of a waste of points.

Usually weirdly disproportionate bad value….

 

[LionKing]

HX Business is available on most days.

 

[kamchatsky]

I use VA points to book SQ PE if required, only during busy school holidays or Xmas -New Year break. SQ Y and J saver awards are very hard to find.

I just booked SQ PE SIN-BNE for 4 of us on 57.5k VA points (eqv 37.1k KF miles) each person for mid January as one of their flights are upgraded to A350 LH with PE. It works out much cheaper than booking at SQ direct (53.5k KF miles), and not much more than Booking Y on SQ direct (29k KF miles).

It certainly is much cheaper than buying ticket on cash during those peak period.

 

[luxury-lizard]

As everyone on this thread knows the biggest issue is that you cannot book SQ awards with Velocity points until 332 days out while SQ releases awards at 355 days - these are snapped up (in J) within hours. So if you really want that SQ award seat you really need to transfer your Velocity points to SQ and book very early (of course it's more expensive in points but at least you get the seat you want). In more recent times even on the SQ site awards are scarce but they are there - you may need to be flexible on your final destination (in Europe) - e.g. forget MUC and ZRH but AMS, CPH and usually FRA even LHR are good options.

 

[Mattg]

Flew SQ PE couple weeks ago SIN-MEL, didn't really rate it, for double points/cost, it's ok if have plenty points in ACC but it's only marginally better imo.

I don't mind SQ PE as a product (for a daytime flight, anyway). But in some cases Velocity charges almost as many points - or even the same amount of points on some routes - as a business reward. That really doesn't represent good value, relative to the business class option (if available).

 

[MooTime]

I don't mind SQ PE as a product (for a daytime flight, anyway). But in some cases Velocity charges almost as many points - or even the same amount of points on some routes - as a business reward. That really doesn't represent good value, relative to the business class option (if available).

My trip in SQ PE was an o/n flight & I didn't find it much easier to sleep for any decent period than economy. Day flight I'd agree with you.

Also as a family with young ones, the fact you can't lift the arm rest is not convenient at all. I understand that's a general PE seat thing.

 

[MELso]

One of the problems with using Velocity for PE awards is that you can’t readily tack an economy leg on. The break in class means effectively being charged twice.

A case in point is flying KUL-SIN-MEL. I was eyeing this off (as there’s plenty of PE SIN-MEL availability on the days when I want to travel but no Y at convenient times) but the issue is that KUL-SIN is only available in Y or J. This means effectively being charged for separate KUL-SIN and SIN-MEL awards, rather than KUL-MEL under Velocity faring (SQ would allow me to call in). The points needed end up not too far off a business award.

 

[Stealthflyer]

There are still a few J flights on Qatar (VA flight numbers) from Europe-Australia next June/July. Surprised to see this.

But who wants to book flghts via Qatar right now? There seems to be no end in sight to the uncertainty.

 

[BRIS_VA_HAWK]

But who wants to book flghts via Qatar right now?

I wouldn't want to book via Qatar at any time. Plenty of better options.

 

[SYD]

I wouldn't want to book via Qatar at any time. Plenty of better options.

Such as? ie using VA points?

The risk of a “Do not travel” advisory returning is the key risk - regardless of points or pay.

 

[MrJetset]

VA has always been defunct for not being part of OW/*A and maintaining a select few partners.

The reality is awards are becoming more popular because the miles game, instead of it being a hobby, is now mainstream. Apps and AI combine to make all of the knowledge we worked years for to be able to be suggested to someone booking miles for the first time. Remember, the largest and preferred source for AI is human written content like Reddit and FT.

Many of the airlines will prioritise their own program, let alone more so for elites. BA, QR and IB all use Avios but you will find BA awards only on their website and vs versa.

Loyalty is a trap and being a free agent means you can experience a world of carriers and products. There's a reason to get an AMEX Plat charge card, at least then you have plenty of options to redeem through.

 

[BRIS_VA_HAWK]

Such as? ie using VA points?

The risk of a “Do not travel” advisory returning is the key risk - regardless of points or pay.

To use your VA points for Middle East or Europe at the moment, you're a bit hamstrung, but Singapore is a significantly better alternative IMHO. Qatar (as a country stopover point and airline) went off any list for myself & family when they decided that invasive examinations were appropriate.

 

[ANstar]

The way I see it, let's say I only want to do SIN-LHR in J. That's an extra 60k points or so I need in VA to effect the redemption on KrisFlyer, if I can't find that seat by using Velocity. In my opinion, that's an extra amount that's not to be sneezed at. Also, that's if the redemption can be found in Saver. While it's arguable whether the extra points are comparable against dodging the Velocity carrier surcharges, it could also be the extra amount which shuts out someone from being able to make a redemption in the first place.

I find it makes sense transferring to SQ when its a peak period ie JUN-AUG Australia - Europe. and you want to get a premium seat. That additional premium in points by transferring to Krisflyer means you get access to rewards almost a monht ahead of Velocity members. Well worth it in my opinon and less of a premium than Qantas CR+..... not that you would even get CR+ on on QF unless Plat or P1.

 

[kamchatsky]

Another issue with VA (and most frequent flyer programs in general), is that they don't have 4 * J awards available on a plane. But SQ has 4 J awards. So my preference is always to book on SQ J as we all travel together.

I cannot wait for the kids to all grow up and I only need to find 2 * J awards.

 

[kpc]

I TF Va to Sq and swallow the 1.55 exchange rate