International redemptions with VS and VA using Elevate points start today
I hope this isn't old news, I searched and couldn't find anything. Looks like VX gets to pay YQ/fuel surcharge as well! Don't know how else to get $650 in taxes and fees US-London.
"Big news, TheBOSman.
Your Elevate account can take you farther than ever. Now you can earn points and redeem flights across the pond or down under with our international airline partners, starting today with Virgin Atlantic and starting March 22 with Virgin Australia. Take roundtrips from New York, Boston, Chicago, or D.C. to London for as few as 15,000 points,* to Sydney for as few as 55,000 points,** or get around to many more hip destinations worldwide."
*15,000 Points + $650 taxes and fees for Economy class.
**55,000 Points + $749 taxes and fees for Economy class.
Terms & Conditions:
Taxes and fees are accurate as of March 19, 2012, and fluctuate with exchange rates. Applicable taxes, charges, surcharges and fees are payable and communicated by our Call Center at the time of availability. All redemptions quoted are Reward Seats, subject to availability and to the Elevate Terms and Conditions. Reward bookings are not eligible to earn Points. Point levels are based on an adult booking. Infant redemption bookings are not permitted.