Redeeming Complimentary Seat from Virgin Credit Card

[mcollins]

Hello,

I'd just like some advice from anyone who redeems their complimentary seats from their Virgin Credit Cards. Other than phoning the call center, is there any website to check availability of the complimentary seats? I just called and there was no seats available for the period of time I'd like to travel.

Do anyone have any tips on the best way to plan travel?

Thanks.

 

[serfty]

If you mean like the Amex free flights, I have the platinum reserve charge card with a DJ free flight.

Called up to to enquire and was advised these book into T or R classes.

It's quite likely that the Virgin CC would be the same.

Note that it may be possible to check this yourself. There are paid services such as ExpertFlyer and KVS.

There is a complimentary service available using "FLIGHTSTATS", however, you will need to register¹.

The URL is here: Flight Availability By Route

 

[notzac]

mcollins, do you mean the Virgin Credit Cards as issued by Citibank/Virgin Money or the American Express Velocity cards? If you mean the Citibank cards, I seem to remember (though quite likely wrong) that there needs to be F availability on the flight to book the complimentary seat -- F is a tactical fare bucket for deeply discounted economy, which isn't available via the GDS so far as I'm aware. Best bet is to look for sale fares on the Virgin Australia website .. if there are sale fares available, chances are good that you'll be able to get the complimentary seat.

If you mean the American Express cards, read what serfty mentioned above.

 

[smit0847]

I've redeemed one - they can only be booked over the phone.

They are only available for the absolute lowest prices fares - so if you check online before you call all that you will be able to see your chances if there are deeply discounted fares still available (dont both trying for school holidays, long weekends or christmas).

It's a huge waste of time doing it over the phone when it could so easily be done online as points redemption is. Took well over 15 minutes on the phone.

They are only available on flight of less than 1000 miles (i.e. ADL-MEL, MEL-SYD, SYD-BRIS, SYD-OOL etc).

 

[smit0847]

I forgot to mention I think it is absolutely ABSURD that you are charged the credit card fee for both seats when using your Virgin credit card - I really dont see the point - what is the cost to them for someone booking a 2-4-1 flight on their system with their CC?.

Why virgin dont waive the CC surcharge when paying with a Virgin CC (like JQ and Tiger do) is beyond me - it would certainly encourage me to use my Virgin CC on flights more!

 

[moa999]

They are only available on flight of less than 1000 miles (i.e. ADL-MEL, MEL-SYD, SYD-BRIS, SYD-OOL etc).

Are we confusing the cards here.
I didn't think the Amex had restrictions, even let you do NZ.

 

[serfty]

I think the OP is referring to one of the 'Visa' cards.

Virgin Credit Card | Velocity Rewards

Probably not a co-branded card:

Velocity Co-branded Credit Cards | Velocity Frequent Flyer

 

[Major]

I've redeemed one - they can only be booked over the phone.

They are only available for the absolute lowest prices fares - so if you check online before you call all that you will be able to see your chances if there are deeply discounted fares still available (dont both trying for school holidays, long weekends or christmas).

It's a huge waste of time doing it over the phone when it could so easily be done online as points redemption is. Took well over 15 minutes on the phone.

They are only available on flight of less than 1000 miles (i.e. ADL-MEL, MEL-SYD, SYD-BRIS, SYD-OOL etc).

Not true.

I have a Virgin Money visa plat. card ( Citibank ) and recently booked 2 seats in J on next Mon DJ 553 SYD - PER. Only paid for 1. No seat availability for the return, so I had to pay for 2. This school hols for QLD

 

[kamchatsky]

Not true.

I have a Virgin Money visa plat. card ( Citibank ) and recently booked 2 seats in J on next Mon DJ 553 SYD - PER. Only paid for 1. No seat availability for the return, so I had to pay for 2. This school hols for QLD

I also have Virgin Money Flyer CC and booked 2 Y for SYD-ADL return using the 2 for 1 offer.

 

[mcollins]

Yes I was referring to the Virgin Money visa cards...

Rather frustrating that it is only over the phone...

 

[kamchatsky]

Yes I was referring to the Virgin Money visa cards...

Rather frustrating that it is only over the phone...

Yes it is tricky but this is my experience. If you stick to what is in the T&Cs you should be fine.


http://www.australianfrequentflyer....y-credit-cards-linked-24528-9.html#post483490

 

[Bolthead]

Had first experience trying to redeem the free flights with the Virgin CC but first attempt failed as I was told I had to book 21 days in advance. 2nd attempt I tried and I was short by 1 day and they still would not let me book a flight. I then booked 6 weeks in advance and the 1st leg had no available class seats and the return I could book a PE seat 3 days later (early October) It appears on other threads that they could book within the 21 day period. I guess considering I have 12 months to redeem I will use them eventually.