I am looking at business class flights to Europe with Etihad, but wishing to use my Velocity points to book. When searching the Virgin Australia site, I don't see much availability however when searching the Etihad rewards page I can see availability every day.
As there is availability for Open seats with Etihad, I was wondering if I called up Virgin Australia whether they have the ability to book these even though they are not on their website booking engine.
I can't speak for others, but I called Virgin and was able to make my booking when I saw no availablity on VAs site, unsure what the status was with Eithads program though. This was about 9 months ago mind you.
112,000 krisflyer points yes, which is equivalent to around 150,000 Velocity points, last month I used that (160,000 velocity) to fly J return to singapore from BNE with $140 in taxes, much better value in my opinion but each their own.
My experience has been to check availability on the Etihad web site first and then call VA and make a booking request for the seating availablity found..
For a start I'm a Platinum velocity member and haver only requested business class seats. The advantage I find is that the taxes are lower (compared to Singapore) and you get the offer of a limo service at both your departure and destination locations.
Karl, also remember for some routings VA doesn't allow you to book as one award. I tried to book BNE-AUH-IAD, it's within 15000 miles and even VA can see availability in each sector, but when combined it wouldn't show and I was forced to book as 2 awards. I wonder if that was the problem.
and don't forget, the availability you see in Etihad site must be guest seat (I guess you already knew that).
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Booking an Etihad reward seat with Velocity Points
KP1983
KP1983
Qantas
Member since 20 Apr 2016
Total posts 7
Booking an Etihad reward seat with Velocity Points
KP1983
KP1983
Qantas
Member since 20 Apr 2016
Total posts 7
I am looking at business class flights to Europe with Etihad, but wishing to use my Velocity points to book. When searching the Virgin Australia site, I don't see much availability however when searching the Etihad rewards page I can see availability every day.
As there is availability for Open seats with Etihad, I was wondering if I called up Virgin Australia whether they have the ability to book these even though they are not on their website booking engine.
bob342
bob342
Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards
Member since 24 Apr 2014
Total posts 35
Hi Karl
I can't speak for others, but I called Virgin and was able to make my booking when I saw no availablity on VAs site, unsure what the status was with Eithads program though. This was about 9 months ago mind you.
Truie
Truie
Member since 26 Jul 2015
Total posts 10
I'd suggest you join Krisflyer, transfer your points and fly Singapore Airlines. Requires a lot less points at the end of the day in my experience.
Doubleplatinum Banned
Doubleplatinum Banned
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer Platinum
Member since 07 Feb 2013
Total posts 431
Sure, less points and a hell of a lot more $ in taxes and fees, not worth it.
Truie
Truie
Member since 26 Jul 2015
Total posts 10
I'll still stick with Singair, Suite Class to Paris for $500.00 & 112,000 points is a pretty good deal as far as I'm concerned.
Doubleplatinum Banned
Doubleplatinum Banned
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer Platinum
Member since 07 Feb 2013
Total posts 431
112,000 krisflyer points yes, which is equivalent to around 150,000 Velocity points, last month I used that (160,000 velocity) to fly J return to singapore from BNE with $140 in taxes, much better value in my opinion but each their own.
cssaus
cssaus
United Airlines - Mileage Plus
Member since 29 Jan 2011
Total posts 81
My experience has been to check availability on the Etihad web site first and then call VA and make a booking request for the seating availablity found..
For a start I'm a Platinum velocity member and haver only requested business class seats. The advantage I find is that the taxes are lower (compared to Singapore) and you get the offer of a limo service at both your departure and destination locations.
Mal
Mal
Member since 14 Jun 2013
Total posts 109
This article may help? http://www.ausbt.com.au/how-to-book-etihad-flights-with-virgin-australia-velocity-frequent-flyer-points
Michael Kao
Michael Kao
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
Member since 06 Nov 2014
Total posts 163
Karl, also remember for some routings VA doesn't allow you to book as one award. I tried to book BNE-AUH-IAD, it's within 15000 miles and even VA can see availability in each sector, but when combined it wouldn't show and I was forced to book as 2 awards. I wonder if that was the problem.
and don't forget, the availability you see in Etihad site must be guest seat (I guess you already knew that).