Concerning partner redemptions, there is a special offer in the current newsletter which I have just received by email. Cyprus Airways is offering Larnaca to London Heathrow and back for 20,000 miles 26 October to 11 December and 7 January to 28 March 2015, which seems not too bad although I can't remember what it was before. Click on the 'Spend Miles' button in the following link:
http://www.virgin-atlantic.com/gb/en...ovember%202014
I had a sudden doubt when I saw the words "From Larnaca" in the 'Spend Miles' section, because I really wonder if it works the other way around (like it does with most frequent flyer programmes). Because if not, that could explain the difficulty some people have with these partner redemptions.