-
I need to book 2 x one way MIA to LHR next November
UC points are shifting from 88,000 to 200,000 plus $600 so not attractive
PE points are as low as 27,000 and $180
What is the best way to use my voucher given that we’re now down to red again.
Thanks
You can use it as an upgrade voucher, but note that the value will be capped at 75,000 points for both travellers. You will have to pay anything over that, so assuming the difference between Premium and UC is at least 37,500 each it is effectively a 75,000 (in total) points discount on the UC price.
If you can get the seats for nearer 88k points, using the voucher as a 241 might be better value in this case?
From what I’ve read, they don’t charge the 50% extra points on UC redemptions any more.
If you can get the seats for nearer 88k points, using the voucher as a 241 might be better value in this case?
From what I’ve read, they don’t charge the 50% extra points on UC redemptions any more.
I just don’t feel comfortable paying 88,000 points each on a fare that was 47,500 each before the change.
But am I wasting a voucher using it on a PE seat which sells at 27,000 each.
Should I buy the 2 PE seats at 27,000 each and then upgrade using a voucher?
In practice, if you’re maxing out the voucher value at the 75,000 point cap it makes no difference whether it’s used as an upgrade or companion voucher. Either way, if the seats are 88,000 each the minimum you will have to pay is 88,000×2-75,000 = 101,000 plus the voucher for UC.
Alternatively you can use it to travel in PE – the best route for that will depend on whether economy is less than half the PE points or not.
Presuming it’s an overnight and you’ll be asleep for much of it, it might depend on what level of comfort you’re prepared to accept! I’d probably go with PE as I prefer to forego F & B and just try to get to sleep asap on a night flight.
I am new to virgin having been a BA loyalist…but seems the switch came at a wrong time. Is it save to assume that even though we all have to spend 10k on our credit card and pay an annual fee to earn the voucher, the voucher can barely pay for a one way upgrade and if you are red it is assigned less value even though we all (red/silver/gold) pay 10k to create the voucher?
Depends on when and how you use it. You can still upgrade a return redemption with the voucher and no additional points so long as the difference is no more than 75K, and of course the lower cabin is priced at a rate you’re willing to pay. In practice that becomes quite challenging for UC on many routes as you need both Premium availability at a reasonable price as well as the UC difference to be with 75K for the return journey to pay no extra points.
Upgrades to Premium are likely to be easier.
But yes, it is potentially a lot more valuable to Silver and Gold status holders even though the spend threshold is the same for everyone. That aspect of it is a status reward as opposed to a reward purely for holding and using the credit card.
- You must be logged in to reply to this topic.
