Spending Flying Club Miles on AF-KLM
Feb 19, 2020, 5:20 am
#16
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2003
Programs: BA Silver, EY Gold, HH Diamond, IHG Plat
Posts: 12,210
Looks like VS doesn't have the same access to the space as AF/KLM. Found space through ExpertFlyer and on AF/KLM but cannot book on VS site. Also what is odd is that if I search for IAD-CDG and CDG-NCE flights were available but not when searching IAD-NCE. Agent on the phone noted there must be a bug in the system somewhere as they should be able to sell the ticket as one and not charge two separate awards.
Feb 19, 2020, 3:56 pm
#18
Join Date: Jan 2017
Posts: 13
Virgin avilibility and virgin voucher
Hi guys, I agree with the avilibility being limited through virgin miles onto AF / KL. Raffles mentioned to me that the avilibility should be the same for virgin as for all other skyteam partners - any idea how this works for other members outside of FB? Is there a rule as to when they do and dont release seats?
Secondly, for the virgin upgrade / upgrade voucher, can this be used in combination with a flight departing cdg / ams via london to avoid APD?
Thank you!
Secondly, for the virgin upgrade / upgrade voucher, can this be used in combination with a flight departing cdg / ams via london to avoid APD?
Thank you!
Feb 19, 2020, 10:13 pm
#19
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: San Francisco, CA
Programs: VS Gold, Hertz #1 Club Gold, SPG, IHC: Plat Ambasador
Posts: 70
Wanted to spend VS miles taking the family on an trip via AF metal SFO->CDG, but the FC phone folks couldn't find a single flight with more than one open business class seat. Sounds like this isn't as reciprocal as advertised.
Feb 19, 2020, 11:56 pm
#20
Join Date: Feb 2020
Posts: 7
It has been advertised as opening Virgin up to pretty much anywhere in the World but in reality, it falls far, far short of this.
Feb 20, 2020, 6:15 am
#21
Join Date: Dec 2018
Location: Singapore
Programs: FB Gold
Posts: 59
In my opinion most sweet spots are in economy, out of zone 1, taking in consideration cash fare and miles value.
E.g Zone 5: Paris-Male in Y, 15k, 150 euros in taxes using VS miles compared to 29k, 80 euros using FB miles. Taxes may be higher but are worth it to some extent as 70 euros/14000 miles= 0.005 euros/mile so it's a very low value.
Zone 8 South America in Y, 17k, similar tax scheme.
E.g Zone 5: Paris-Male in Y, 15k, 150 euros in taxes using VS miles compared to 29k, 80 euros using FB miles. Taxes may be higher but are worth it to some extent as 70 euros/14000 miles= 0.005 euros/mile so it's a very low value.
Zone 8 South America in Y, 17k, similar tax scheme.
Feb 20, 2020, 9:46 am
#22
Join Date: May 2009
Location: UK
Posts: 3,951
Completely agree. The route I’ve checked, when looked at on Delta’s website has plenty of reward availability but nothing coming up on Virgin’s website.
It has been advertised as opening Virgin up to pretty much anywhere in the World but in reality, it falls far, far short of this.
It has been advertised as opening Virgin up to pretty much anywhere in the World but in reality, it falls far, far short of this.
Feb 20, 2020, 12:15 pm
#23
Join Date: Feb 2020
Posts: 7
Feb 20, 2020, 2:01 pm
#24
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: London
Programs: BA, VS, HH, IHG, MB, MR
Posts: 26,871
There is a specific issue with the Japan routes, Virgin told me. They said it was IT but it may be a contractual issue with ANA.
Feb 20, 2020, 11:58 pm
#25
Join Date: Feb 2020
Posts: 7
Looked again last night and Japanese destinations seem to be slowly being added to the list and was able to find at least some availability. Most of them still showing 0 results.
Feb 21, 2020, 1:13 am
#26
Join Date: May 2009
Location: UK
Posts: 3,951
Hopefully that will improve, otherwise it’s not much of a partnership. Will optimistically put it down to early teething issues :-|
Feb 21, 2020, 2:11 am
#27
Join Date: Feb 2020
Posts: 7
Feb 21, 2020, 1:25 pm
#29
Join Date: Jan 2017
Posts: 13
Just called virgin and found out 2 things:
They removed the ability to book premium economy for af and kl on the 17th of feb - so you can only book economy and biz for now
You can use your credit card voucher with a flight arriving into london so you can get around the APD taxes
They removed the ability to book premium economy for af and kl on the 17th of feb - so you can only book economy and biz for now
You can use your credit card voucher with a flight arriving into london so you can get around the APD taxes