Velocity FF - Gold vs Platinum Benefits

[andye]

I must say I've never really been across the details of this one. So the guarantee is we will find reward seats for you, no matter what? But at what cost in points though?

I've never used but it would be standard Y award pricing

 

[jase05]

I've never used but it would be standard Y award pricing

I think there was some chatter about it on here late last year and there were a few T&C’s such as booking 6 months in advance and allowing 3 days either side of your requested dates. I do seem to recall that it can be used for codeshares but you don’t get a say on routing

 

[NZflygirl]

Do note that the flights upgrades are only on Freedom fares for domestic.

This is the first year I'm at platinum. I guess the card and the luggage tags would make good souvenirs?

Includes short haul international as well eg trans Tasman. I never used them though. Never bought a freedom fare. Or if I did I forgot about it. Always seemed crazy to me to make you buy the highest fare just for the chance to upgrade.

 

[andye]

Includes short haul international as well eg trans Tasman. I never used them though. Never bought a freedom fare. Or if I did I forgot about it. Always seemed crazy to me to make you buy the highest fare just for the chance to upgrade.

As I understand it you should only buy freedom when you know there is availability and upgrade immediately.
If your employer buys freedom than you can choose to upgrade when availability comes up

 

[clipped_wings]

@maccaisking I have left a pm for you - I found some SYD-LAX reward dates in January

 

[NZflygirl]

As I understand it you should only buy freedom when you know there is availability and upgrade immediately.
If your employer buys freedom than you can choose to upgrade when availability comes up

I read some reports where people bought freedom and business class cabin went out empty. Anecdotal but not a fan of that. It was suggested it was something to do with not wanting to staff that area separately.

I have to admit economy X is my fave thing about VA.

 

[lobo76]

Indeed, one of the Plat perks is this lounge access.

I've made 3 return trips via Abu Dhabi while WP - annoyingly 2 of them were while there was building work so I was denied access to the First lounge... the only time I got in I was travelling alone

 

[maccaisking]

I've never used but it would be standard Y award pricing

Correct, same points as Y award seat. I think from memory the cash component may have been different though. Have just checked and all 4 PAX (2a 2c) paid approx $66 cash + the points. Normal reward seats were $86 adults and $25 kids. The confirmation shows it as a revenue fare, mostly paid by VA with the balance paid by us.

I think there was some chatter about it on here late last year and there were a few T&C’s such as booking 6 months in advance and allowing 3 days either side of your requested dates. I do seem to recall that it can be used for codeshares but you don’t get a say on routing

Yes both of these are requirements. The flight I booked actually had award availability for the outbound leg on the day I wanted to travel, so this was booked as a normal award seat and the return was booked using the guaranteed award flight. According to the call centre, if the availability was on the day after I wanted it I would have to travel that day or couldn’t use the offer.

 

[maccaisking]

@maccaisking I have left a pm for you - I found some SYD-LAX reward dates in January

Thanks, I have seen a few but they are after I need to leave. Might have to go via SIN or use the guaranteed reward seat and pony up some cash for economy X.