VA Redemption on Etihad

[Mr H]

I have just redeemed Velocity points for a shorthaul Etihad business class flight AUH-MCT.

Cost: 18,000 Velocity plus AUD 265

The retail cost of this flight is apparently AUD 2,306.

So I got $2,041 value for 18,000 points. That makes 11.3c per Velocity point. That must make this one of the most high value use of points that you can get.

On the other hand, this is a 1hr 15m flight on an A320 with a small snack for catering and use of a lounge that is supposed to be quite disappointing. I have no idea who would pay $2,306 for it. In fact, I'd be hard pushed to value the experience much over the $265 I paid in fees and taxes - which makes my value per Velocity point pretty much zero.

This is therefore simultaneously the best and worst value redemption I have ever done.

 

[stm1sydney]

IF you are VA WP, then the AUH first lounge is excellent.

 

[Mr H]

IF you are VA WP, then the AUH first lounge is excellent.

I am not. I will be SQ Gold but I doubt that will help.

 

[Bagpuss]

I have just redeemed Velocity points for a shorthaul Etihad business class flight AUH-MCT.

Cost: 18,000 Velocity plus AUD 265

The retail cost of this flight is apparently AUD 2,306.

So I got $2,041 value for 18,000 points. That makes 11.3c per Velocity point. That must make this one of the most high value use of points that you can get.

On the other hand, this is a 1hr 15m flight on an A320 with a small snack for catering and use of a lounge that is supposed to be quite disappointing. I have no idea who would pay $2,306 for it. In fact, I'd be hard pushed to value the experience much over the $265 I paid in fees and taxes - which makes my value per Velocity point pretty much zero.

This is therefore simultaneously the best and worst value redemption I have ever done.

The problem is that most people compare what the retail cost is for a flight and then does a points calculation to work out if it's a good use of points / have points value.

I think you've got an excellent example of best and worst redemption.

To be honest the other best and worst redemption is if you have points expiring and then go on a trip to use those points. Yes, you use the points but you then have all the other expenses (transport to airport, hotels, meals) for a trip you weren't likely to do, so you spend money to feel good about using the points.

 

[Scarlett]

Who would ever pay AUD2000+ for that one hour flight? Spending someone else’s money sure, but personal cash? I guess it’s the ME though so plenty of petro$ and sheiks!

I redeemed VA points for the family to fly MCT-AUH in mid March 2020 (and flew it! - although you can imagine how the rest of the holiday went at that time…) I guess probably half the points for whY bookings but only $119 in extra cash payment. ISTR the fare was going to be about AUD250 per person so using points was just slightly better value.

Enjoy MCT if you’re spending time there!

 

[Mr H]

The Y revenue fare is AUD 577. Insane.

I am doing an overland tour from MCT to JED in January/February 2024 and taking the opportunity to visit an old friend in Abu Dhabi on the way - really looking forward to it. Thank goodness for FF programmes.

 

[Jack_OC]

IF you are VA WP, then the AUH first lounge is excellent.

Do VA WPs still get access to the EY first lounger in AUH? This does not seem to be mentioned anymore on the Velocity website: International lounge access | Virgin Australia

I know it used to be the case, but haven't flown EY in years. I do have an upcoming flight though, so curious to know.

 

[aamslfc]

Do VA WPs still get access to the EY first lounger in AUH? This does not seem to be mentioned anymore on the Velocity website: International lounge access | Virgin Australia

I know it used to be the case, but haven't flown EY in years. I do have an upcoming flight though, so curious to know.

Plats most certainly do get access to the First Lounge.

At least, we did last month.

Not sure if it's (very quietly) changed since then, given what the website says now, but I'd be surprised if they suddenly shunted us all back to the J lounge.

Might as well rock up to the F lounge and see what happens.

 

[jase05]

Do VA WPs still get access to the EY first lounger in AUH? This does not seem to be mentioned anymore on the Velocity website: International lounge access | Virgin Australia

I know it used to be the case, but haven't flown EY in years. I do have an upcoming flight though, so curious to know.

Came back from AUH in November and yes we were given F lounge access.
I’ve always found EY to be the best of partners to acknowledge VA status.
They even pulled us out of the J checkin line and sent us over to the F checkin.
The lounge was excellent as usual

 

[Happy Dude]

Seeing as though we're talking about lounges in AUH....

Anyone know what lounge a VA WP + 1 child flying QR whY would use? No QR status after 31 March apparently (and sadly).