Virgin or Singapore?

[Tim Weekes]

I have accumulated 700,000+ Citibank Citi Rewards points.
On 18 March 2016, Citibank is changing the redemption ratio when transferring points from 1.5 Citi Rewards points = 1 Velocity Point / KrisFlyer Mile to 2 Citi Rewards points = 1 Velocity Point / KrisFlyer Mile.
Needless to say, I need to do the transfer before the ratio changes.
I am a Q FF but have never looked at the Virgin and Singapore FF programs.
I have just joined both programs, so the paperwork is in place.
My redemptions would only be for personal OS travel and I would prefer business class.
The question is: Which of Virgin and Singapore has the “best” program (by whatever criteria you want to use eg most destinations/ partners; least points to get to the destination; availability of seats, etc)
Thanks for your help.

 

[albatross710]

I'm a fan Singapore programs. 3+ flights per day from eastern states, plus flights from Singapore to just about everywhere.

Welcome to the forum.

Alby

 

[JohnK]

Belated welcome to AFF Tim Weekes.

There are various threads in the past few months regarding your predicament.

The answer is not so simple. The taxes on Virgin are low but awards on partners are not that cheap. Also it is a limited partner network.

Personally I would move to SQ KrisFlyer as they are part of *Alliance and you may find better availability.

You need to work out where you want to go and look at the number of points/miles required in each program and make a decision from there.

 

[Pointcollector]

Also consider the points expiry, 3 years for SQ, none Velocity as long as you are actively earning points (a simple refuel at BP achieved this)

 

[diningdecadence]

where overseas will you be travelling to? may determine the choice.

 

[Duffa]

+1 to John K's comments
My calculations say you can redeem for 5.8 one-way legs to Europe in business - London Paris Frankfurt or Barcelona with Singapore
or 3.7 one-way legs to the same destinations with Etihad using Velocity points.
So your points go further with Singapore but the taxes are much higher ($1000 Singapore v $300 Virgin)
In the end it is personal preference.

 

[Tim Weekes]

+1 to John K's comments
My calculations say you can redeem for 5.8 one-way legs to Europe in business - London Paris Frankfurt or Barcelona with Singapore
or 3.7 one-way legs to the same destinations with Etihad using Velocity points.
So your points go further with Singapore but the taxes are much higher ($1000 Singapore v $300 Virgin)
In the end it is personal preference.

Thanks everyone - many aspects as I thought.
In no rush to use the points, so both schemes could change before I do. The Singapore points expiry (vs Virgin) is an issue - something to focus on in my research!