Using Virgin Points to get to Australia?

[Catherine]

Has anyone any experience of using Virgin points to get to Australia (Sydney or Brisbane) using all points and flying only in Upper / Business class – or at least PE?
I do realise points would have to be used on partner airlines and that it would take a lot of points – which I do have.
I have looked at different routes – London – LAX – taking the long way round using Virgin and Delta
Korean air via south Korea
These seem the easiest choices?
Or – Virgin to Dubai and then a cash flight to Australia

Any ideas / suggestions gratefully received!

[The Savage Squirrel]

You are quite right that it’s fiddly and there may be compromises in terms of convenience (although these may be no issue and even an upgrade if you are looking to bolt on visits to other places)

One thing to consider if you’re drowning in Virgin points and are trying to use them to help with this trip: convert them to Hilton, use for trip accomodation and use the cash saved for a better choice of sensible and convenient cash flights? You’ll have to run your own numbers about which secures best value/convenience ratio and this only really works for Hilton’s limited footprint which means airport hotels on the way, or if you’re mainly based in the large Aussie cities, or in WA where there are quite a few.

[Catherine]

The Savage Squirrel wrote:

You are quite right that it’s fiddly and there may be compromises in terms of convenience (although these may be no issue and even an upgrade if you are looking to bolt on visits to other places)

One thing to consider if you’re drowning in Virgin points and are trying to use them to help with this trip: convert them to Hilton, use for trip accomodation and use the cash saved for a better choice of sensible and convenient cash flights? You’ll have to run your own numbers about which secures best value/convenience ratio and this only really works for Hilton’s limited footprint which means airport hotels on the way, or if you’re mainly based in the large Aussie cities, or in WA where there are quite a few.

Thank you – I did not know this was an option. it would have to be equally good value compared to using points for flights for me to do this tho – I will look into it.

[Catherine]

**** update ****
It is possible to get to Aus on V points – but …. only really feasible IF you are happy to fly economy.
Korean airline via south Korea seems one of the easiest routes.
I gave up trying to book business / first class on partner airlines as there never seemed any availability, and was also very reliant on the agent taking my call being knowledgeable enough to navigate the many options.

So I booked Virgin UC to Dubai – and have paid cash for a PE seat with Emirates.

Remember – you can use your points to book with Virgin Australia (you need to phone to do this)

[BBbetter]

KLM flies direct to Bali via SIN. Take a break at either and then continue down under?

[ryaneberry]

Catherine wrote:

ok business / first class on partner airlines as there never seemed any availability, and was also very reliant on the agent taking my call being knowledgeable enough to navigate the many options.

So I booked Virgin UC to Dubai – and hav

I’ve gone to NZ via Shanghai (UC) with a cash ticket to Auckland

I found the Shanghai route the best and cheapest way of getting “half way”, partner airlines (Air NZ) was a ough one, need to book as soon as the seats come out

UC to Dubai is a good call, hope the cash wasn’t too bad!

[Venturelog]

Yes, via Shanghai. And then using China Eastern. As others have said cash prices can be competitive. Best is that it’s one-stop. Can do short visa free stay in Shanghai to adjust jet lag. And then down to Australia with less time difference.

[phantomchickenz]

ryaneberry wrote:

Catherine wrote:

ok business / first class on partner airlines as there never seemed any availability, and was also very reliant on the agent taking my call being knowledgeable enough to navigate the many options.

So I booked Virgin UC to Dubai – and hav

I’ve gone to NZ via Shanghai (UC) with a cash ticket to Auckland

I found the Shanghai route the best and cheapest way of getting “half way”, partner airlines (Air NZ) was a ough one, need to book as soon as the seats come out

UC to Dubai is a good call, hope the cash wasn’t too bad!

There were reports of AirNZ releasing more reward seats 4-6 weeks out. Makes it difficult to plan in advance though.