how in gods name do i use Virgin air miles in a useful way

[kennycapes]

hi all, hope all is well with my fellow dibbers.

we are looking to go back in Aug 2020 for our 3rd trip but onsite this time with the free DDP (if it still exists then).

we were last there in 2016 and due to a number of work things and other things etc... i now have 90,000 air miles.

What i want to know is how can i get free seats with these.

Years ago i remember doing part cash part miles but that is when i only had a few miles.

What should my expectations really be,

i am under the impression (sarcastically) that they sell 1 seat a year in the middle of winter at 1am where you can use all miles to purchase (+ tax +charges etc...)

is it possible in Aug to used virgin airmiles to buy a seat with my 90k miles?

Thanks all

[Loulou127]

Hi Kenny, not sure about August availability, I’m sure someone else will answer that one, but there will always be taxes to pay so your miles won’t cover that unfortunately x

[coggie]

Mr Morrow is the man for this

[joolsleeds]

I transferred mine for £ off Virgin Holiday packages, I couldn't get any free flights otherwise!

[Mrs Valentine]

We upgraded from Econ to PE with Miles but I had to speak to someone to do it, not just me on the computer i mean. And we got a discount once on an Econ flight.

[Alices Aunt]

Best bet is to be flexible and call the flying club.

[orlandonewbie]

Yes it is possible. I just had a quick look for this August (next week!) and there are still return direct Premium Economy flights for 65000 and about £400. If you look at flights on the VA website and set payment as miles rather than money you can see what’s available. It’s a difficult time to see August - you might need to wait a few weeks.

[Burgmeister]

You can use them as miles+cash. In this instance each point would be worth 0.6p discount on your flights so 90,000 miles would be worth £540 off your fares.

Alternatively, you could use them against reward seats (subject to availability). During peak season each economy return seat is 45,000 miles plus about £250 in taxes and charges (I forget the exact price).

[Guest]

You can certainly get availability in August - but rarely easily at 11 months - it is more common nearer the date when they have seen the demand for cash tickets

You just need to be flexible and call them don't use the online search, there always seems to be more availability when you call and ask

[Mr Tom Morrow]

I'm seeing more and more Miles flights this year. Last year they were thin on the ground I must say.

Be flexible, anticipate they won't be there but keep looking. School holidays aren't impossible but they are harder to find Miles flights for.

As an aside I had an E Mail today from VA announcing an enhancement in 2019 to the Miles program. The FAQs are pretty thin so I think it's in the development phase.