Tofino87

No workaround. VS can only book at -331.

DesperateDan

Yes, it's true - only 331 days - and no, unfortunately there's no work around unless you have miles with other airlines.

simpim

I have miles with Air Canada, so would it make sense to book the F seats that are available and then when it is 331 days before call VS, cancel my AC booking and book with VS? Any insight on whether the F seat is released and made available?

DesperateDan

In my experience F seats are made available pretty quickly but as always there's the possibility that they won't be. As long as Air Canada aren't going to charge a significant amount to cancel your reward booking I would be tempted to give it a go.

danpeake

One my my flights I booked with Virgin Atlantic miles for a flight to Japan on ANA was cancelled.

It seems the award availability is not available on the day before or after the original flight. Does VS have the ability to request ANA open award space the way United would since they're in the same alliance, for example? I'm just wondering what my options are when I call.

Thanks.

Tofino87

unfortunately not

Edit - also they are NOT in the same alliance. Virgin isn’t part of any alliance, but has a partnership arrangement with ANA.

Their ability to rebook you will be dependent on existing award space.

danpeake

Thanks. I realize they are not in the same alliance.

Tofino87

Apologies, read your post way too quickly!

freakazoid

If you work through this thread then you can find rare reports that people managed to do it. I recall one report that an VS agent managed to work out something with ANA and another that contacting ANA itself worked out. Those cases seem to be rather unicorns though. Everytime I've asked VS staff about it, they act like contacting ANA is impossible. Never tried to call ANA, but usually airlines like to point at the travel agency (VS) and act like they can't touch it. Of course airlines can and do change your ticket directly when they deem it necessary for their own benefit, but good luck trying to get them to help you. I can only assume in both cases you need to get very lucky to find someone that has the knowledge, compassion and necessary privileges to help you.

night718

Is it possible to find 2 award seats in F or J from JFK to Tokyo? I read they only release 1 F and 1 J per flight?

Tofino87

People have reported them popping up in the last couple of years - but I think it’s safe to say they disappear VERY quickly, when it does occur.

With the staged reopening of things, kind of a unicorn now, I think is almost fair to say.

tripmaster

I can see ANA award availability today 6/26 for 5/26 on United, though - that doesnt mean it's bookable on Virgin yet, then?

Tofino87

3 more days until it’s available to them

Colin

ANA releasing 0 F/J seats at end of schedule now. big change from pre-COVID.

Tofino87

I suspect that they are still releasing them, but NH members or other Star Alliance carrier members are booking them as soon as they become available, way before they’re available to VS points holders