Utilise Velocity Points now... or later?

[Misha]

Just a question for the learned members of this forum. I have been looking at using some Velocity points for a quick getaway. Was thinking perhaps going to see Angkor Wat for a long weekend.

I was slightly put off when Malaysian Airlines redemptions would cost same as return flight to London (?!?!?!) but isn't that always the way.... and then I had a different thought:

Do you think I should be redeeming at the moment, or would it be an idea to see the relaunch of the Velocity programme first? Potentially new partners could be included... but on the same token; it may require many more points? How much do we anticipate the programme to change... will it be for the better?

Anyone have a gut instinct? I know that people on this forum couldn't have a definitive answer - but what do you feel in your waters? :?:

Of course some on here would know, but wouldn't be allowed to tell me. So, VB & Crazydave: PM me: if I should use now - send a picture of you scratching your ear, if I shouldn't - send one of you blowing your nose

 

[samh004]

When I flew from Hong Kong we had to connect through Vietnam (and fly Vietnam Air, who are Skyteam affliated), so not that it’d be a redemption, but if you applied to have your status matched through the Air France KLM offer, you’d have lounge access through Vietnam on your way.

As for your actual issue, I recall that any changes would be announced by end June to be implemented before end December, so it could potentially be a long way away.

 

[Misha]

... if you applied to have your status matched through the Air France KLM offer, you’d have lounge access through Vietnam on your way.

this is over isn't it? just didn't get round to it in march

 

[samh004]

this is over isn't it? just didn't get round to it in march

I believe so, I tried to get to the T&C’s today and that didn’t load, but you could always try.

 

[777]

My basic response - regardless of whether you want to go now or later - is that Malaysia airlines redemptions are hard to get and really poor value. Malaysia is pretty average for what you pay in points and fees and how easy it is to do.

Personally, i saved up for VA J fares or alternately go for Etihad to somewhere interesting or a Pacific island for the weekend that is serviced by DJ/ Pacific Blue directly.

Regardless of what happens with the program some redemptions are better value than others.

 

[ff-jr]

I've been wondering the same thing myself, re: the value of points now vs. post relaunch. There's really no indication at the moment, and sadly I think it'll stay this way until they do announce the details.

I've been tempted to redeem my points many times but I've decided to stand strong and keep saving. Instead, I'm hoarding every possible Velocity point I can get my hands on until my next milestone birthday, and then I'll see how far I can go with it. I'm thinking of starting a blog about it. I'm just shy of four years from the target date.

 

[Misha]

Crumpet I like your style. I can't seem to do it - I use them up. Not to mention that I have a fear of expiration dates being brought in by Velocity - whereby all the members out there scramble to use their allocation, leaving poor chumps like me with an expired point tally.

I did it years ago with some oneworld points - lost them all only to realise a couple of months too late

I have some Thai points expiring at the end of this year, so will use them to get to Thailand, and probably have to use the pathetic amount of QFF I have (plus cash payment) to get back. Between (say BKK - PNH - REP - BKK) I would probably fly Air Asia or someone - won't get points, but will save myself plenty. Other option is keep the Qantas points and by a J fare coming home to bump up my points and status - but would only want to do that with DJ Group - which means Etihad to Abu D and then to BKK!!!!!

Not worth it

Hope your RTW comes before you expect it to!