Spending on ANA

[sturgeon]

Looking at a Japan trip, I know there’s the possibility of the London to Japan business redemption with ANA but these are hard to secure.

A few questions:

1) can virgin points be redeemed on other ANA flights, for example Shanghai to Tokyo (Haneda) where ANA fly directly? I’m thinking of flying virgin to Shanghai where there’s more upper class availability for 2 and then taking economy flights for the final 3 hour leg (or business if there are any redemptions). If so how do I see the cost in points?

2) similar to the above, can I start the ANA business flight somewhere else in Europe and where’s best to see the availability and miles needed?

[meta]

1) Yes. Need to call Best to search via United/other Star Alliance sites
2) Yes. Virgin publishes ANA chart it’s under partner airlines. You will have trouble finding seats from anywhere in Europe or US unless you book 355 days with one of the Star Alliance members or wait very last minute.

[sturgeon]

Thank you. Found the flights on United but are the points quoted the same as what Virgin would charge? Showing about 30k points plus £30-50 taxes for an ANA Shanghai to Tokyo flight which seems steep/wrong for Economy if a London to Tokyo business flight on ANA is supposedly 90k (when they rarely come up)?

[Bob]

the points / cash cost shown on united has no connection to what virgin will charge, completely different.