Worth doing both BA Avios and Virgin Points?

[kristofremedios]

We get the Amex 241 BA companion voucher yearly. Is it worth getting a virgin card to obtain the 241 companion ticket also? We’d use the companion voucher once a year with the BA premium plus amex, but is it worth also trying to get the virgin CC 241 companion voucher also – as you can use that with a cash fare?

[NorthernLass]

If you’re going to get value out of it, then yes, definitely! It’s much harder to earn Virgin points than avios though, but obviously that doesn’t matter if you use it the voucher for a cash booking.

[BJ]

Provided Virgin network is of interest and you travel frequently, absolutely IMO, diversification is smart.

[NorthernLass]

The huge selling point for me in MAN departures to places that fit in with my travel plans. I wouldn’t bother with them, otherwise, as avios are much easier to earn for BA, QR and AA for anywhere I need to go indirectly, and the new-style BAPP voucher is more valuable than the Virgin one.

[mrcrsearle]

I got both. I always try with AA and when its declined I use my VA Mastercard. Unless youre a business owner I find it very difficult using my AA. Less & less shops take it. Even Ringo parking app stopped taking it. Local council too.

BA flight routes are so much better for most. Just wish Virgin would open up HK again or roll the dice on Bangkok.

[kristofremedios]

NorthernLass wrote:

The huge selling point for me in MAN departures to places that fit in with my travel plans. I wouldn’t bother with them, otherwise, as avios are much easier to earn for BA, QR and AA for anywhere I need to go indirectly, and the new-style BAPP voucher is more valuable than the Virgin one.

Whenever I seem to do non business class calculations it seems to be better with the virgin 241 than the BAPP.

LHR – SFO, off peak in premium economy
Virgin per person: 55k points and £540 fees (cash only fare is £1130) = each virgin point is worth 1.07p
BA per person: 95k avios and £330 fees (cash only fare is £975) = each avios is worth 0.67p (not the best)

So in this example you’ve got Virgin with £1080 fees for 2 people using 55k points and BA £660 fees but using 95k avios. Plus not to mention you could use the virgin companion voucher with a cash fare.

Though I do agree when it comes to business class the BAPP one is much better – the problem with virgin is unless you’re silver/gold you only get 50% off the virgin points for the companion in Upper Class.

[NorthernLass]

I don’t think your BA calculations are correct there. You would be paying 95k avios for both people return to SFO in PE, off-peak, using the 241. The BA cash fare is extremely reasonable so it probably wouldn’t make sense to use avios and a 241 on this route. Fares on other PE routes (e.g. Caribbean) can easily be £1500-£2000 which would make a reward booking much better value.

What you need to do is use the Virgin vouchers to upgrade 2 of you each way, then you don’t get hit with the 50% penalty.

[kristofremedios]

Sorry yes you’re right.

So lets say LHR-BGI off peak (1st Mar-7th Mar)
Virgin PE is £2265 PP or 35k points + £527. For two people with the 241 voucher it’s £1054 fees + 35k points
BA PE is £1379 PP or 95k avios + £330. For two people with the 241 voucher it’s £660 fees + 95k avios

I know the virgin flight is significantly more as a cash fare. But with the amount of virgin points being required is a third of the avios that does seem better? Or have I worked something out wrongly?

[Blair Waldorf Salad]

Can you run your figures on whether the Virgin card is worth getting merely for the SUB and ongoing earn rate? As in, scope out the voucher. I’ve had the Virgin card for a number of years and have never used a voucher but I still get value from the card by collecting and redeeming on partner airlines.

[NorthernLass]

If you chose a BA option to pay roughly the same in surcharges as Virgin, how many avios would you need? Don’t forget that the 95k option is the MAX avios you can pay, not the only price.

[ChasP]

Of course you should go for both – if only to allow you to run one cancel after a year and then run the other for a year and possibly a third. In both schemes points dont expire
You can therefore maximise the SUBS which unless you spend ££££s are very valuable

[Rob]

Some thoughts here – https://www.headforpoints.com/2023/06/10/should-you-collect-virgin-points-2/

[kristofremedios]

Thanks all!