Availability of platinum Mile upgrades on VA to Lax
Nov 1, 2014, 1:44 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Detroit, MI
Programs: Delta DM-2MM,VAus VIP,, MR/Bonvoy LT Platinum, AA Ex Plat,LH FT, HH,hyatt, Accor Gold
Posts: 138
Availability of platinum Mile upgrades on VA to Lax
I will be moving next year for a 3 year contract to Melbourne. Very exciting, but long and very expensive flights home to Detroit ( business preferred of course) are a concern, family of four.
So far I plan on using new Delta global upgrades (diamond though 2017) and status match with United for theirs. also have AA option, but their SWU don't work, as only AA metal, not Quantas.
I had not even considered joining a local program for just 3 years, but VA may be attractive if these are somewhat easily available. I will continue to fly plenty.
Any experience or other idea is appreciated.
So far I plan on using new Delta global upgrades (diamond though 2017) and status match with United for theirs. also have AA option, but their SWU don't work, as only AA metal, not Quantas.
I had not even considered joining a local program for just 3 years, but VA may be attractive if these are somewhat easily available. I will continue to fly plenty.
Any experience or other idea is appreciated.
Nov 1, 2014, 6:32 pm
#2
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Melbourne
Programs: ►QFWP/LTG►VA WP►HyattExpl.►HiltonGold►ALL Silver
Posts: 21,994
Such upgrades (Transpacific) are available for VA "Velocity" Gold or Platinum flyers using points (miles).
The fare needs to be booked into Flexible Economy or Premium Economy classes to be eligible for such an upgrade.
A Platinum gets 4 complimentary 'upgrades' per year for use on domestic segments. Points can also be used - again the fare needs to be of a Flexible Economy class.
The fare needs to be booked into Flexible Economy or Premium Economy classes to be eligible for such an upgrade.
A Platinum gets 4 complimentary 'upgrades' per year for use on domestic segments. Points can also be used - again the fare needs to be of a Flexible Economy class.
Nov 2, 2014, 3:28 pm
#4
Join Date: Aug 2013
Programs: Platinum, HH Diamond
Posts: 335
I believe VA no longer flies Melb>LAX, you go via either Sydney or Brisbane.
Im platinum and usually phone the airline to check availability and then book over the phone, I ask them to waive the $$ fee person because I couldn't do the booking online.
Im platinum and usually phone the airline to check availability and then book over the phone, I ask them to waive the $$ fee person because I couldn't do the booking online.
Nov 2, 2014, 3:52 pm
#5
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Melbourne
Programs: ►QFWP/LTG►VA WP►HyattExpl.►HiltonGold►ALL Silver
Posts: 21,994
Basically, if there is award redemption availability, there should be upgrade availability.
Generally booking 11 months out will get these awards or upgrades. It's easy enough to search online using www.virginaustralia.com.
For the upgrades you need to call. Similar to Osmo, I search online and call Velocity to verify. Generally I go through the booking process online right to the payment screen before calling.
Failing anything else, the other thing is you can do is credit VA travel to SKYMILES®.
http://www.delta.com/content/www/en_...australia.html
Generally booking 11 months out will get these awards or upgrades. It's easy enough to search online using www.virginaustralia.com.
For the upgrades you need to call. Similar to Osmo, I search online and call Velocity to verify. Generally I go through the booking process online right to the payment screen before calling.
Failing anything else, the other thing is you can do is credit VA travel to SKYMILES®.
http://www.delta.com/content/www/en_...australia.html
Nov 3, 2014, 2:22 am
#8
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Melbourne
Programs: ►QFWP/LTG►VA WP►HyattExpl.►HiltonGold►ALL Silver
Posts: 21,994