Transfer from velocity to krisflyer if redeeming for SQ flight.

[cagiva]

Quick question on points transfer from velocity to krisflyer if redeeming for SQ flight.
Recently redeemed points for J flights to Europe on SQ.
Flight across was through velocity (121,500 velocity points and $476.00).
Return through Krisflyer (133,500 and $95.00) saver would have been cheaper (119,000 or so) but not available.

My question is:
In your opinion is transferring points from velocity to krisflyer to book flights viable? Maybe as a possible backup if no flights found through velocity.
It would cost an extra 50-60k points but at a saving of about $380.00.

Thoughts?
Thanks for your valuable replies!

 

[Human]

Definitely viable. I’ve transferred points across several times to redeem flights that weren’t available to Velocity (eg. Star Alliance flights, Singapore Airlines flights more than 330 days out).

Once transferred, the points turn up after a minute or two, so only transfer points from Velocity if there is a specific booking you want to make with KrisFlyer points. There’s no reason to transfer points speculatively or as a “possible backup” given KrisFlyer’s 3 year expiry.

 

[MELso]

If you're happy with the 1.55:1 conversion, then transfer away as it's almost instant. Just keep them in Velocity unless you have a specific redemption in mind as KF points expire after three years.

While KF Saver awards usually turn up on Velocity, this is not always the case so if you see an award you want, grab it.

 

[andye]

I agree I wouldn't transfer in your example if the VFF redemption were available.

But in your case, there is no availability for VFF so the comparison is with a cash fare (and given the cost of one-ways is >50%, that would be for the whole redemption)

I.e Is a return J flight to Europe worth:
327k VA points +$571 (your situation)
Or
413k VA points+$190 (if you have no access to other SQ points and only Advantage availability both ways)

So, at ~2c/pt compared to a cash fare, yes, likely viable in both scenarios

(Though if you wouldn't usually pay for J you should probably look at it as how many points you are willing to spend to not be on a Y cash fare)

 

[cagiva]

Thanks guys. This year I had most of the kF points that i needed to book a return and was lucky to grab a VFF one way to Europe. Just thinking ahead for possible scenarios next year.

 

[sydunipete]

Yes - it's viable and my experience generally matches yours in that when you check for availability and consider the VA to SQ conversion SQ generally takes more miles, requires lower taxes and has more availability. (This is a generalisation.)

By the way each time I've transferred points from VA to SQ for a redemption the transfer was almost immediate.

 

[N0mad]

i regularly do this as I need to book during school holidays, only way to ensure a seat is to book with Singapore soon after release.

 

[jase05]

Sometimes it does make sense but one of the few advantages of travelling ex ADL is the sweet spot for SQ redemptions with VA.
ADL-SIN with Velocity points is 57k plus $255
ADL-SIN with KrisFlyer is 68.5k plus $117.
Throw in the conversion and it’s 106k

 

[PERLHR]

Blimey....I just looked at perhaps doing Perth to Bangkok via Singapore on points with Velocity using SQ metal. Half a million points each way. Surely they are having a laugh!! I knew they are giving away points with this and that but really. I also guess just popping it into KF will result in rubbish exchange . Think I'll just pay 900 dollars return down the back....

 

[N0mad]

Blimey....I just looked at perhaps doing Perth to Bangkok via Singapore on points with Velocity using SQ metal. Half a million points each way. Surely they are having a laugh!! I knew they are giving away points with this and that but really. I also guess just popping it into KF will result in rubbish exchange . Think I'll just pay 900 dollars return down the back....

most likely no awards available to velocity. You will probably find no saver awards directly with Kris but you may get lucky and find advantage if you are willing to pay the slightly higher points.

You are probably just looking at the points plus pay rate which will be atrocious.