bmi diamond club - Virgin : Earning and spending on VS ends 31 Aug 2012

Now that the golden goose is dead (RIP), I noticed the VS spending chart isn't that bad: 100k for biz returns to LHR-CPT/JNB/LAX/LAS/SFO, without the stupid VS Frying Club rules about losing 25% of your miles if you cancel.

Can we still book VS?

Yes you can, along with the other non Star Alliance partners (such as Qatar, Transaero etc.)

Looking at flights LHR-ORD in the autumn. Choices now seem to be VS Upper class for 90,000 DC miles, or BA Club World for 80,000 Avios (or fewer Avios + cash). How does VS Upper compare with BA CW ? I'm leaning towards VS as I haven't experienced the T3 Clubhouse yet....is it worth the extra 10,000 ? Also, how do VS and BA compare YQ-wise ? Or would AA trump them both ?

Addendum : BA is 80,000 when booked with Avios on teh BA site, so I would have to wait till July to transfer BD miles to book this; same flights are 100,000 DC miles bookable now.

Interesting questions. I'm looking at similar alternatives.How does VS Upper compare with BA CW ?IME, VS UC is superior. More space, better aisle access, easier to sleep if you avoid the bar area. Some planes have old IFE, but then so do BA's. VS lounge at LHR is far superior. I don't know which lounge VS use at ORD so can't compare. BA's catering is usually better IMO.I'm leaning towards VS as I haven't experienced the T3 Clubhouse yet....is it worth the extra 10,000 ?It depends on how you value your miles. I'd say it's worth a punt. Also, how do VS and BA compare YQ-wise ?Similar.Or would AA trump them both ?Up to a point, though these days the differences are small. It was better before they became engaged to BA and started talking.

VS wins on the ground, hands down. In the air, it depends what you value. The VS seat has the positive of easy aisle access but is pretty rubbish to sit in and not as good as NZ's bed to sleep on. Catering has improved a lot on VS but the wine selection is pretty poor v BA. Some love on the onboard bar, others think it the most stupid idea ever.

If you haven't seen the LHR Clubhouse I'd spring the extra 10K and get there early to enjoy a decent meal (unlike the BA slop trays in the Galleries) a haircut and chill time. Probably my favourite all round lounge experience world wide (apart from the wine).

AA's seat is pretty pathetic though food and booze isn't bad at all.

Virgin Atlantic's ORD service is seasonal, operating during the summer timetable, so the last flight of 2012 returns to London on Sunday 14 October. VS currently plies an A330 which many a BD traveller will be familiar with.

BA has an excellent ground team at ORD, but in the air the (Mixed Fleet) service can be patchy and lacklustre.

From personal experience, food ex-YVR is just dreadful !

Does Virgin still allow DC Gold members to use the T3 lounge when flying VS?

Trying to decide which airline to go with for an end of June trip to New York ... VS lounge access might be the deciding factor. If it's no longer offered, I think I'm better off flying BA.

Looking at flights LHR-ORD in the autumn. Choices now seem to be VS Upper class for 90,000 DC miles, or BA Club World for 80,000 Avios (or fewer Avios + cash). .

Currently the A340-600 plies the ORD route... however the new A330 with the new seat and IFE is doing the ORD runs from 15 SEPT.^

Now that the golden goose is dead (RIP), I noticed the VS spending chart isn't that bad: 100k for biz returns to LHR-CPT/JNB/LAX/LAS/SFO, without the stupid VS Frying Club rules about losing 25% of your miles if you cancel.

Can we still book VS?

Don't forget you can synthesise a cash & miles booking by buying up those BMI miles for the rest of the month at 1p each...

Looking at flights LHR-ORD in the autumn. Choices now seem to be VS Upper class for 90,000 DC miles, or BA Club World for 80,000 Avios (or fewer Avios + cash). How does VS Upper compare with BA CW ? I'm leaning towards VS as I haven't experienced the T3 Clubhouse yet....is it worth the extra 10,000 ? Also, how do VS and BA compare YQ-wise ? Or would AA trump them both ? VS and BA YQ charges are almost identical - so AA would be cheaper. VS miles better on the ground - I also find them good in the air. Whether you like the seat or not seems to be personal choice - I sleep on both BA and VS no problem, and I like being able to lounge when taking off (VS seat is certificated for recline on take-off). Seats are more private than BA aisle seats, and are more accessible than BA window seats.

If you haven't done it, then worth spending the extra miles to try them I think.

Clubhouse is great - best lounge I've been in. Take your cozzie so you can use the jacuzzi - most people don't so you'll likely have it to yourself.

I would also be interested to know if T3 Clubhouse access is still possible since I am flying VS to ORD (in PE) this Sunday and want to manage my expectations if not!

Otherwise I will report back on success or not ...

I would also be interested to know if T3 Clubhouse access is still possible since I am flying VS to ORD (in PE) this Sunday and want to manage my expectations if not!

Otherwise I will report back on success or not ...

Thanks for checking it out. Enquiring minds want to know... (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2r3Xs9sBEVg)

It seems a little odd that IAG is paying Virgin for excess seats via bmi redemptions - are bmi gold cards also allowed to access the virgin lounge when flying virgin from LHR - also at IAG's cost. Is this because bmi had a contract with virgin that is too difficult to get out of and it is easier to let it run its course?

Oxon Flyer - even better, if considering the BA route, why not book as WT+ and upgrade to CW with Avios? You'll then earn TPs/Avios on the underlying WT+ fare. With your BA Gold bonus (100% of the base Avios) you'll end up paying only a few thousand for the upgrade. The fare will cost you more than a straight redemption, but not that much more since you'd have the YQ to pay on the redemption. As BA G you'd also get into the F lounge at T5, which has more food options with waiter service :)

Well I am happy to report it has worked for me today. The gatekeepers were a little unsure and weren't certain how long it will last ...

Well I am happy to report it has worked for me today. The gatekeepers were a little unsure and weren't certain how long it will last ...

^ Awesome. I'll fly Virgin, then.

Looking at flights LHR-ORD in the autumn. Choices now seem to be VS Upper class for 90,000 DC miles, or BA Club World for 80,000 Avios (or fewer Avios + cash). How does VS Upper compare with BA CW ? I'm leaning towards VS as I haven't experienced the T3 Clubhouse yet....is it worth the extra 10,000 ?

VS wins hands-down here. My partner and I did something similar in May, though to SFO, and VS UC in the nose of a 747 bird was spectacular, with a great crew from Ireland who were just hilarious. Nothing was too much trouble, the champagne kept flowing, high tea was lovely and hanging out at the bar was ace.

Re the clubhouse, again VS wins hands-down. Prior to our flight, we both had a hair cut and a shave, had a lovely breakfast and then sat ourselves down behind the bar area and were served morning coffee (+ champagne - well, why not?).

Go for it. The clubhouse and the on-board experience are well worth it.

Don't forget to take *A Gold out of your profile though.

I have a suspicion that VS awards will go shortly after July. Just a hunch mind you.

As the day when Avios can be switched to DC approaches (July 3rd) - it is starting to look like there will be a period when Avios can be used for VS awards - even if that window is likely to be a small one. I would expect more than 2 weeks notice if this agreement was being terminated.

Don't think anyone's asked this question yet, but forgive me if it's in another thread:

I assume we can still connect to a VS award flight using old BMI routes, or even proper BA ones?

Wouldn't mind trying VS UC before the end, but would need to connect. Can we redeem for a onnection on BMI routes only (eg DUB) or BA too?

Thanks,

FL ...

As the day when Avios can be switched to DC approaches (July 3rd) - it is starting to look like there will be a period when Avios can be used for VS awardsIt won't be Avios you'll be able to use, just DC miles.

I have a suspicion that VS awards will go shortly after July. Just a hunch mind you.

I have VC slights in C on 8/31 and 9/9. I am hoping I can still credit them to DC.

I was nosing around the DC site today as my MBNA bonus posted and I'm considering J redemption flights to either MIA or PHL next June with VS or BA...

Before I logged in the partner redemptions information and chart was fully visible, but as soon as I log in I just seem to be in an infinite loop to the DC landing page. The Spending miles option seems to only offer BMI (although I know I'd have to call, there is just no info at all) and the only other options are Hotels and Car Hire, which both say they are unavailable after 14 June. The more info links just route straight back to DC landing page.... :confused:

Has partner redemption been quietly removed? TBH I'm not too upset, BA currently has availability in June for both MIA and PHL and I'm waiting to get a green light from my potential hosts, just be good to know whether the VS option has definitely gone already or would go in the next week or so (as I'd also need to transfer 55K Amex MRs in!). :cool:

I was nosing around the DC site today as my MBNA bonus posted and I'm considering J redemption flights to either MIA or PHL next June with VS or BA...

Before I logged in the partner redemptions information and chart was fully visible, but as soon as I log in I just seem to be in an infinite loop to the DC landing page. The Spending miles option seems to only offer BMI (although I know I'd have to call, there is just no info at all) and the only other options are Hotels and Car Hire, which both say they are unavailable after 14 June. The more info links just route straight back to DC landing page.... :confused:

Has partner redemption been quietly removed? TBH I'm not too upset, BA currently has availability in June for both MIA and PHL and I'm waiting to get a green light from my potential hosts, just be good to know whether the VS option has definitely gone already or would go in the next week or so (as I'd also need to transfer 55K Amex MRs in!). :cool:

We've not had another 'hugs and kisses' email from Gavin saying the end of the airline partnerships. So they should still be there.

At least even if you do transfer the 55K Amex MRs into bmi you can just move them over to BA if you can't find the availability here.

Best bet is to try the callcentre.

I have VC slights in C on 8/31 and 9/9. I am hoping I can still credit them to DC.VS flight probably, VC slights I doubt it... ;)

It won't be Avios you'll be able to use, just DC miles.To be fair, MrHeckles posted at a time when it was still generally believed that the transfer mechanism between BA and BD would operate both ways. It's only now, after the tool has been launched, that we know that the position has changed so that transfers can only be made in one direction.

Has it now been confirmed that you cannot redeem (only earn) destination miles on non Star Alliance partners (Virgin, Qatar, Transaero and Jet Airways)? From bmi website it no longer seems possible as only bmi operated flights show under "Spend your miles". So from Edinburgh for example can only redeem to Brussels, Copenhagen, Manchester and Zurich.

The partner redemption table (https://www.flybmi.com/bmi/en-gb/loyalty-programmes/diamond-club/spending-miles/airline-partner-flights.aspx) is still there and nothing has been announced about withdrawal (I would guess it won't be long though).

The actual booking tool has only ever handled BD flights, so for partners you need to use the call centre.

Has it now been confirmed that you cannot redeem (only earn) destination miles on non Star Alliance partners (Virgin, Qatar, Transaero and Jet Airways)? From bmi website it no longer seems possible as only bmi operated flights show under "Spend your miles". So from Edinburgh for example can only redeem to Brussels, Copenhagen, Manchester and Zurich.

That looks like it's handling redemptions for bmi Regional flights, which I think is the plan for the future. The call centre might be able to do the other routes.

The partner redemption table (https://www.flybmi.com/bmi/en-gb/loyalty-programmes/diamond-club/spending-miles/airline-partner-flights.aspx) is still there and nothing has been announced about withdrawal (I would guess it won't be long though).


Link no longer works. Looks like partner flights now gone

Link no longer works. Looks like partner flights now gone

Don't assume broken website = awards gone. This is bmi after all, the list of hotel partners disappeared and then reappeared recently :)

I can't see them lasting much longer though.

The link still works but only when you're logged out. If you use it while logged in you just get to the home page.

In fact I can't find a route to this table at all while logged in. I'll miss bmi. :rolleyes:

Drop dead date is 31 August 2012.

In his blog, Raffles reports the VS/BD relationship will end on 31.08.2012. The VS website says that all redemptions must be flown by 31.08.2012.

http://headforpoints.com/2012/07/17/bmi-and-virgin-partnership-to-end-31st-august/#comments

For new reward bookings please contact your local Flying Club helpline to check availability. Travel must be completed on or before 31 August 2012.
http://www.virgin-atlantic.com/en/gb/frequentflyer/fcpartners/airlines/bmi.jsp?bfSubmit1.y=8&bfSubmit1.x=25

If reciprocated, my proposed VS flights in 2013 bookd with DC miles will not materialise.

Drop dead date is 31 August 2012.

In his blog, Raffles reports the VS/BD relationship will end on 31.08.2012. The VS website says that all redemptions must be flown by 31.08.2012.

http://headforpoints.com/2012/07/17/bmi-and-virgin-partnership-to-end-31st-august/#comments


http://www.virgin-atlantic.com/en/gb/frequentflyer/fcpartners/airlines/bmi.jsp?bfSubmit1.y=8&bfSubmit1.x=25

If reciprocated, my proposed VS flights in 2013 bookd with DC miles will not materialise.

That is only for new bookings. For existing bookings it says

All existing reward bookings on bmi for travel on or after 1 September 2012 will be honoured.

That is only for new bookings. For existing bookings it saysOf course it does, but read on. It also says:For new reward bookings please contact your local Flying Club helpline to check availability. Travel must be completed on or before 31 August 2012.

Nothing from bmi yet. Has anybody told them?

Nothing from bmi yet. Has anybody told them?

There is no 'them' any more. It's all BA now.

There is an 'us' though and I'm sure BA will let us know in the next monthly update, if such a change is coming.

There is no 'them' any more. It's all BA now.Of course, though I was happy to receive an e-mail on Tuesday from a specific individual at 'British Midland Airways Limited trading as bmi, is registered in England and Wales, with registered number: 464648 and registered office: Donington Hall, Castle Donington, Derby, East Midlands, DE74 2SB' about an existing redemption booking.

In any event, Raffles spotted the change with VS and alerted us promptly. Assuming reciprocity and waiting for BA (and there was no mention of this in today's e-mail from BA) could mean a very short window to redeem and fly VS using DC miles.

Of course, by 'them', I was referring to the Diamond Club front of house team - Keeley, Joanna, G******, N**** and D**.

A*** and K**** remain looking after the systems.

Hi

Yesterday I booked a VS Upper Flight to JFK in April 2013 so I can confirm bmi are still allowing Diamond Club redemptions on VS

Mark

I see there's a new FAQ (http://www.flybmi.com/bmi/en-gb/loyalty-programmes/diamond-club/integration-faqs.aspx)on the website which confirms VS becomes an ex-partner after 31 Aug.

EDIT: the link only seems to work when you're logged in. Sigh.

Flybmi Earning Table now states
Flights with Airline Partners

Please Note: From 1 September 2012 Diamond Club members will no longer be able to earn destinations miles on flights with Virgin Atlantic.
https://www.flybmi.com/bmi/en-gb/loyalty-programmes/diamond-club/earning-miles/flights.aspx

I have a future booking on a non-Star Alliance partner (Virgin, Qatar, Transaero and Jet Airways). Will this earn destinations miles?
Bookings on non-Star Alliance partners (Virgin, Qatar, Transaero and Jet Airways) will continue to earn destinations miles. Please note, from 1 September 2012 you can no longer earn destinations miles on any bookings with partner airline Virgin Atlantic.

As a Diamond Club member, can I continue to earn destinations miles when I fly with airline partner Virgin Atlantic?
From 01 September 2012 you can no longer earn destinations miles on any bookings with partner airline Virgin Atlantic.

I have a future booking for travel with Virgin Atlantic. Will this be honoured and will I earn destinations miles as a Diamond Club member?
All future bookings, booked before 31 August 2012 with Virgin Atlantic will be honoured and you will continue to earn destinations miles until 31 August 2012. Please note from 01 September 2012 Diamond Club members will no longer be able to earn or spend destinations miles on flights with Virgin Atlantic.

I have a future redemption booking for travel with Virgin Atlantic, will this be honoured?
Any flight redemption bookings made before 31 August 2012 will be honoured. Please note from 01 September 2012 Diamond Club members will no longer be able to earn or spend destinations miles on flights with Virgin Atlantic.

I have a redemption booking with Virgin Atlantic which I need to amend. What should I do?
Until 31 August 2012, you are able to change your redemption booking by contacting the Diamond Club service centre. From 01 September 2012, unfortunately you will be unable to make any changes to an existing redemption booking that you have with Virgin Atlantic.

I have a redemption booking with Virgin Atlantic which I need to cancel. What should I do?
If you wish to cancel your redemption booking with Virgin Atlantic please contact the Diamond Club service centre.

Hi, hope someone can help.

I have 6 x return VS flights to Orlando (from a return flight yesterday) to claim back before the end of August, is the best way to expedite this to call DC office? The outbound flight from a few weeks ago hasn't been credited yet.

Also can I book VS flights with the credited miles for travel after 31st August and would this still be through ICC?

Many thanks

Changing earnings with such short notice is just a pile of junk. At least I can still credit my outbound on 8/31, but I will have to find a new home for the return on 9/9 :td:

F*ck BA. Changing earnings with such short notice is just a pile of junk. At least I can still credit my outbound on 8/31, but I will have to find a new home for the return on 9/9 :td:

Oh come on.

1. This is partner earnings, not home earnings. Even out side of the current circumstances this would not be 'that' short notice for a partnership change.

2. Every diamond club member knows about the change of ownership of bmi, transfer options to BA, etc. As such they had reason to expect changes to be happening in the short term and not to make longer term plans around diamond club.

3. Of anything bmi related that you could expect to change, this is unquestionably one of them.

I suspect each person will have to raise a missing miles request and send in boarding cards. Do they all have their own Diamond Club accounts? have you confirmed that you was on a miles-earning fare class?

Boo - got 2 paid for tickets leaving 2/9! Really annoyed as I had a direct choice between BA and Virgin when I booked - hey ho!

Consider US if you want to spend miles earned through VS on *Alliance flights.

Oh come on.

....is the right answer.

Maybe a merge into, and title change for....

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/bmi-diamond-club/1352652-vs-still-available-awards-not-1-sept-2012-a.html ?

Consider US if you want to spend miles earned through VS on *Alliance flights.

yeah, but I currently don't earn anything on US. When I booked the ticket there was CO and BD and now none of them works anymore.

From the FAQ:As a Diamond Club member, can I continue to redeem my destinations miles with airline partner Virgin Atlantic?

From 01 September 2012 you can no longer use your destinations miles to book with airline partner Virgin Atlantic.Does anybody know whether NEW VS redemptions for travel after 1 September 2012 can still be made? The Virgin website is quite clear that new VS redemptions on BD must be flown by 31 August 2012:For new reward bookings please contact your local Flying Club helpline to check availability. Travel must be completed on or before 31 August 2012. http://www.virgin-atlantic.com/en/gb/frequentflyer/fcpartners/airlines/bmi.jsp?bfSubmit1.y=8&bfSubmit1.x=25

I haven't yet got my dates for 2013 travel, for which I had hoped to redeem DC miles for VS flights. I fear the worst but would be delighted if I can get my award booking for 2013 in quickly.

Does anybody know whether NEW VS redemptions for travel after 1 September 2012 can still be made?

Yes, they can. (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/19032488-post975.html)

Thanks, Oxon Flyer.

A fine example of how FT delivers late on a Saturday evening when the call centre is closed. :)

Just a reminder, dear readers, that the deadline for spending on VS is now only a week away.

Don't think the LHR-MAN flights are available to book yet, would be interesting the taxes VS charge on that redemption.

Perhaps VS will status match BA next year, to try and win over some former bmi pax on this route.

I called the call centre twice in the last 2 weeks, and on both occasions they told me that Virgin redemptions would continue beyond 31st August.

Was trying to credit 8/31 VS flights to BD but it is already disabled; no earning anymore today/tomorrow :(

I spoke to the call centre today (1st Sep) and they said virgin redemptions can still be made!! They said flights can be booked with BMI, BA, and partners Qatar and Virgin!! Lets hope so, even tho everything else seems to point to no more VS reward flights! Maybe someone can post if they make a successful VS redemption after today please.

Just what I've been saying, in my last three close encounters of the 3rd kind with the call centre.
But, as others have posted, don't count on it really being the case. Have you tried making a redemption.