Is Flying Club worth it for a newbie to VA any more?

[cska]

Fairly well versed in the BA scheme and have now made several redemptions and accrued a reasonable avios balance. I had for some time been toying with the idea of diversifying out into Virgin’s Flying Club as they fly a number of routes which I travel on frequently. I note there is a welcome bonus offer at the moment on the V+ MC. Would you suggest that given the recent changes and move towards dynamic pricing that VFC is still worth it for a newbie to the scheme? I am hesitant to put spend through the V+ card if I will be ultimately missing out on points better earned in other schemes (whether that be avios or MR points).

Just wanted people’s opinions and thoughts on what would be a sensible thing to do given my circumstances.

As a side point to note I also hold no status with Virgin Atlantic – understand this will have implications for any voucher I may earn

[Richie]

If you have no status, I don’t see how a very cheap redemption to NYC or similar on an off peak date appeals.

[NorthernLass]

It depends on whether you can earn enough points for redemptions on dates when you can travel. If you need to travel with school-age kids, for example, it’s probably not worth it!

[davefl]

100% no.

It looks like they’ve hired BA’s IT, it’s got so bad that I’ve just had to go through three lots of 2FA just to log in and search for a reward flight. Keeps logging me out as I navigate through parts of the “new improved” website.

Then when I do finally find a one way KLM AMS-LHR, it’s 4000 points plus 73 euro (£61) in taxes – I can fly the same route on EZ at the same times for £50. Yes I won’t be able to access the lounge with my VS Gold card but honestly they can stick it.

Virgin are pretty much dead to me.

[DJP31]

I was in the same position and went for the V+MC. Was lucky enough to bag flights to Male in January but unlike you don’t travel on routes the VA fly that often. I also have no status so am now capped at 75k should we get another voucher. Could you have a look at how many points you need for a destination you’d normally travel to and do comparison with BA?

[cska]

Thanks for all your thoughts. I would be travelling quite a lot to India where I know award seats in premium cabins are generally less competitive.

Just to confirm have the fees for VA redemptions stayed the same or are they also ‘dynamically priced’ – I cannot clearly see this when searching dummy redemptions.