Points vs $ for compensation

[aaabbbcccddd]

On my last trip to LAX, VA made a series of compounding errors and I incurred $1,000 in unexpected expenses as a result.

In return, VA have offered me $800 or 80,000 Velocity points in compensation for the errors, up from their initial $500/50K points offer. I was able to keep the items purchased so the offer of $800/80K is reasonable.

Currently WP and looking to see everyone's thoughts on what would be the best option to take?

 

[MEL_Traveller]

If you can use the 80K points, and the value of the 80K points will exceed $800, you have your answer.

 

[jase05]

Points are more valuable IMO if you plan to use them

 

[twiningb]

I would 100% take the points, but I value points higher than most people. (I would plan to redeem them exclusively for long-haul business class, albeit with little chance of doing so on Virgin's own metal.)

 

[Denali]

I would take the points as they would be used for a long haul J reward.

 

[Ade]

I'd take points. I look at it this way - I won't be able to find a long haul J for $800, however, I could use the 80K points to upgrade myself to a long haul J.

And given that you WP, I'm assuming, you are anyways spending a lot $$ on flights. Why not use the 80K points to make your long haul trip a tad luxurious & comfortable

 

[BAM1748]

I’d take the money if there is no immediate use of the points

 

[CraigF]

You know you want the points!

 

[RisingPhoenix]

Realistically, even if you used those points for short hop economy fares, it's probably better than the cash, depends if you're going to burn the points or just let them sit and devalue I guess.

 

[Harthagan]

Unless you need the liquidity of the cash I'd take the points. Personally the opportunity to use them to upgrade to J on a return flight to the US is worth many X more than the dollar figure offered. Having said that if you already have more points than you can realistically use then it's a moot point and I'd take the cash.

 

[kurtislee09]

Go for the points!

 

[Must...Fly!]

I'd probably be tempted by the points even if I have too many of them and nothing to do with them. Unless I had plans to turn the $800 in to some status credits instead I suppose

 

[theblank]

If it was me, I would want to be reimbursed for unnecessary expenses with real money. Its in the Virgin customer service charter to do that, but obviously depends on the circumstances.

Otherwise points is great for inconvenience compensation, most companies are fairly generous with throwing points at whining customers

 

[ozstamps]

If you use points the 80K is a no brainer.

I am right now looking at booking SYD-BNE-HNR-BNE-SYD for 70K points pus a few $100s fees in Biz.

Or $3000 for a paid ticket.

Ro

 

[Mr H]

I would go for the points. Just out of interest, I looked on the VA website and it would cost $1500 to buy the 80,000 points. People say that buying points is poor value, but under the right circumstances they can be worth it - so this half price offer looks good.

I am right now looking at booking SYD-BNE-HNR-BNE-SYD for 70K points pus a few $100s fees in Biz.

HNR?

 

[AIRwin]

HNR?

HIR?

 

[Harthagan]

HIR?

HND?

 

[Mr H]

HND?

HNL?

 

[Harthagan]

HNL was the logical guess from BNE with virgin but the D is much closer to the R key than the L.

But maybe he was posting from the lounge after a few bevvies

 

[ozstamps]

Oops - was HIR - Honiara.