Show me the way... to Christchurch, NZ

I beseech ye all, forgive me if in the wrong forum - this request does involve VA, so thought this best.

I need to make a trip to Christchurch, New Zealand, in the next few weeks to pen a deal. My first thought, of course, was VS200/201 LHR-HGK-SYD-HGK-LHR, with a connecting flight from Sydney to Christchurch, to earn a few miles and get to Au (!). But everyone I have discussed this with has recommended other routes, usually involving just two flights. ANZ, for example, do a stopover in HKG, then direct to CHC, I think. I could earn miles on this, as they are a partner, as well as TPs, though not as many. I think SG do something similar.

I will only need 16TPs to get Au after my trip to MIA next week.

So, not being a FF eastbound beyond Europe:

1) Do I stay a loyal point/tp whore and do VS200?

2) Take the best route, in terms of comfort, time etc. (which may still be VS200, though I doubt it)?

3) A mix of both? VS200 to HKG, then another carrier direct to CHC?

4) Am I missing something far more attractive, say via NRT?

I don't have time to do stopovers this time - total trip only 6-7 days. Any advice welcome.

Thanks[y]

Option 1 would be what I would take.

However, you can consider either ANZ LHR-LAX-AKL-CHC or VS to LAX and ANZ onwards.

ANZ has the UCS fitted on the LAX/AKL routing so you get the same seating as VS, cannot comment on what furniture is fitted on their LHR/HKG/AKL route unfortunately though.

Nice place to go sign a deal.......[y]

How about SQ via Singapore? Same TP's as VS. No UCS but I think good flight times and less change of planes.

Also you don't have the hassle of immigration in LAX.

Have a good trip.

David

[HighFlyer]

All depends how keen you are to go for Gold i guess. What class would you be booking in? Premium Economy to SYD is 12 TPS return, your SYD-CHC return in Business would only net one TP each way as the flight is under 2000 miles (approx. 1337 i think) so you would almost be there, unless you are going in Upper?.

Thanks,
Sarah

Coincidentally I need to do something similar next month as well. Though I need to stop in Sydney first. I am thinking of doing the VS200 LHR-HKG-SYD, then Air NZ SYD-CHC, followed by SQ on CHC-SIN-LHR, as this keeps the number of stops to a minimum.

Unfortunately CHC doesn't have a huge number of international destinations, so most options would route you via AKL or SYD.

Routing through Asian airports would be a far more pleasant experience than the US airports as well IMHO.

AF

Originally posted by DaveVal
How about SQ via Singapore? Same TP's as VS. No UCS but I think good flight times and less change of planes.

Also you don't have the hassle of immigration in LAX.

Have a good trip.

David

LAX is definitely not my preferred route, but in any case, I didn't think SQ did have the same TPs as VS? For the UC equivalent (Business - J, C, D, Z), you only earn 5 TP each way, as opposed to 10 with VS to Sydney. Even in First (F, A P) you only earn 7 each way. I would think that if you get a single itinerary, like LHR-CHC via SIN, VS would only credit 5 TP each way in J. And the direct routing, via SIN, is a 35 hour trip [:0]!

Thanks though.

Originally posted by tallprawn
Option 1 would be what I would take.

However, you can consider either ANZ LHR-LAX-AKL-CHC or VS to LAX and ANZ onwards.

ANZ has the UCS fitted on the LAX/AKL routing so you get the same seating as VS, cannot comment on what furniture is fitted on their LHR/HKG/AKL route unfortunately though.

Nice place to go sign a deal.......[y]

Too many changes, very long trip time!

Thanks though.

Originally posted by HighFlyer
All depends how keen you are to go for Gold i guess. What class would you be booking in? Premium Economy to SYD is 12 TPS return, your SYD-CHC return in Business would only net one TP each way as the flight is under 2000 miles (approx. 1337 i think) so you would almost be there.

Thanks,
Sarah

Doh! Should have mentioned VS200/201 would be UC, so J equivalent on any other route. Au is a definite nice to have (and I might have to go more than once anyway) but not a tragedy if I don't make it this time, if the concensus is a different route/carrier that will not earn enough to get to Au.

Thanks

ISTBC but I think it's 5 TP's per sector so would total 20 round trip. I flew Y and earned 2 per sector, total 8.

Originally posted by AtlanticFlyer
Coincidentally I need to do something similar next month as well. Though I need to stop in Sydney first. I am thinking of doing the VS200 LHR-HKG-SYD, then Air NZ SYD-CHC, followed by SQ on CHC-SIN-LHR, as this keeps the number of stops to a minimum.

Unfortunately CHC doesn't have a huge number of international destinations, so most options would route you via AKL or SYD.

Routing through Asian airports would be a far more pleasant experience than the US airports as well IMHO.

AF

Cool! Double the need for replies .

SQ is definitely ok on the way back, but ignoring the SYD requirement on the way out, 35 hours on the way out, as I said earlier [B)]!

Let me know how you get on - maybe we'll end up on the same flight!

Thanks

Cool! Double the need for replies .

SQ is definitely ok on the way back, but ignoring the SYD requirement on the way out, 35 hours on the way out, as I said earlier [B)]!

Let me know how you get on - maybe we'll end up on the same flight!

Thanks

Will do, but I'll be down the back on this one unfortunately....

If you were considering SQ both ways, there are 3 daily departures from LHR spread over the day - the SQ321 STD 2215 only has a 2:10 connection in SIN, giving a total travel time of 24:40

That might make it more interesting for you.

Cheers
AF

Originally posted by DaveVal
ISTBC but I think it's 5 TP's per sector so would total 20 round trip. I flew Y and earned 2 per sector, total 8.

Thanks Dave. Confusing one. Can any gurus confirm? RichardMannion maybe?

Thanks

Originally posted by AtlanticFlyer

Cool! Double the need for replies .

SQ is definitely ok on the way back, but ignoring the SYD requirement on the way out, 35 hours on the way out, as I said earlier [B)]!

Let me know how you get on - maybe we'll end up on the same flight!

Thanks

Will do, but I'll be down the back on this one unfortunately....

If you were considering SQ both ways, there are 3 daily departures from LHR spread over the day - the SQ321 STD 2215 only has a 2:10 connection in SIN, giving a total travel time of 24:40

That might make it more interesting for you.

Cheers
AF

Well, if SQ have the same clubhouse policy as VS (bring a guest) then come on in! [y]. Is their clubhouse for first only, or for business too?

The route you suggest does sound a bit more reasonable - I didn't see that one on their site. Thanks!

[HighFlyer]

Originally posted by DaveVal
ISTBC but I think it's 5 TP's per sector so would total 20 round trip. I flew Y and earned 2 per sector, total 8.

Yes, 20 TPS for a round trip LHR-SYD in Upper Class. Exactly the same as going LHR-HKG-SYD-HKG-LHR.

And muchos miles to boot!

Flights with SQ (over 2000 miles) earn 5 tier points a leg in Business/Raffles Class (7 per leg in First)

Thanks,
Sarah

Why not go all the way around on one of the great escapades? fares reasonable, flexible tickets and everything gets TP's!!

Originally posted by HighFlyer

Originally posted by DaveVal
ISTBC but I think it's 5 TP's per sector so would total 20 round trip. I flew Y and earned 2 per sector, total 8.

Yes, 20 TPS for a round trip LHR-SYD in Upper Class. Exactly the same as going LHR-HKG-SYD-HKG-LHR.

And muchos miles to boot!

Flights with SQ (over 2000 miles) earn 5 tier points a leg in Business/Raffles Class (7 per leg in First)

Thanks,
Sarah

HighFlyer,

So are you saying 20TPs for SQ too LHR-SIN-CHC-SIN-LHR? If so, I presume there is no benefit on the VS route in my case, except outright loyalty (though obviously SQ is linked to VS)? What about the clubhouse? Can Business/Raffles pax use that, or first only?

Thanks,

Originally posted by Juliet
Why not go all the way around on one of the great escapades? fares reasonable, flexible tickets and everything gets TP's!!

It is £3996 in UC, compared to £2,800 if booked direct with VS. Even when you add the flight to CHC from SYD, it is a lot more expensive.

Thanks though.

[HighFlyer]

Originally posted by radar
So are you saying 20TPs for SQ too LHR-SIN-CHC-SIN-LHR? If so, I presume there is no benefit on the VS route in my case, except outright loyalty (though obviously SQ is linked to VS)? What about the clubhouse? Can Business/Raffles pax use that, or first only?

Thanks,

Yup, that should be 20 TPS too if all legs are booked in Raffles. I am not sure how the pricing will differ though? If there is not much in it , direct may be the better option.

AFAIK, yes if you are travelling on SQ in F or J you can use Virgin Atlantic Clubhouses, though you will have access to SQ's Raffles lounge.

Thanks,
Sarah

Originally posted by HighFlyer
Yup, that should be 20 TPS too if all legs are booked in Raffles. I am not sure how the pricing will differ though? If there is not much in it , direct may be the better option.

AFAIK, yes if you are travelling on SQ in F or J you can use Virgin Atlantic Clubhouses, though you will have access to SQ's raffles lounge.

Thanks,
Sarah

Thanks Sarah. I was actually referring to the SQ lounges, but if I can use the VS clubhouse, so much the better. Anyone have an opinion on SQ Raffles lounge vs Virgin Clubhouse?

Thanks

Hi,

I think this is my first post here on the forums and just wanted to add my tuppence to this subject.

I recently had a similar choice to make except I was going to Sydney on business (actually, im here at the moment) but with family in NZ whom I wanted to visit for a weekend. Ultimately I had the choice of two options through our corporate travel agents:

i) Travel UC Virgin all the way to Sydney and then pay out of my pocket for a roundtrip SYD-AKL or:

ii) Travel Business Premier ANZ, LHR-SYD via AKL with a stopover in AKL on the return.

Just for info option ii) was GBP1200 cheaper than our Corporate fare LHR-SYD with virgin.

Going on the fact Im a miserly chap, I chose option ii) however I soon realised my mistake when I realised the following:

i) No chauffeur pick up or drop off
ii) Crap lounges (United RCC at LHR *weep*)
iii) Average inflight service (although the food was OK)
iv) some tiny amount of tier points and no bonuses on the air miles (i'm only virgin silver)

As a Kiwi I was feeling patriotic to ANZ but absolutely regret not taking Virgin to Sydney and reaping the benefits that come with being a Virgin FF and flying UC.

The only redeeming facts from taking ANZ was that I saved my employer GBP1200 and that I had the same seat as if I was flying on Virgin UC.

If I was able to turn back time then I'd be choosing Virgin over any other option!

[HighFlyer]

Morgo, Welcome to V-Flyer, and thank-you for your insights.

Radar - A choice between VS and SQ - hmm ... both very good airlines.

I would have to say that the Suite is far better than the Raffles Spacebed seat as a bed (Raffles Spacebed 'transformer' is much like J2000) but very comfortable as a seat. The IFE (Wiseman) is AVOD and pretty much like V.Port. The food on SQ is generally far better and the service is exceptional, the Singapore Girls are fantastic. They do like to feed you on SQ so be prepared for that too. I am very much an SQ fan.

Oh - and they have silky lilac pillows too!

I have pictures in the gallery of SQ Raffles class cabins and also the SQ lounges in HKG and SIN i think. SQ lounges are not Clubhouses but they are very good, lots of nice food available at the serving stations/buffets - the Hokkien noodles are to die for. Plenty of seating, lots of computer terminals, and lovely fishtanks dotted around the place. One thing of note is that SQ do not announce their flights, you have to be alert and go to the gate as required on your boarding pass - though they will tell you if there is a delay. SQ lounges also seem to have places you can sleep, complete dark rooms where you can kip, and they provide alarm clocks, i am certain i used one of these in SIN.

I would check the prices for both routes and see what the difference is - that might help make the decision for you, but i dont think you'll go wrong with either option. Direct with SQ should be quicker, though I do not think you get ground transfers when travelling J with SQ - only with F. Otherwise, not a lot in it.

Thanks,
Sarah

Originally posted by Morgo
Hi,

I think this is my first post here on the forums and just wanted to add my tuppence to this subject.

I recently had a similar choice to make except I was going to Sydney on business (actually, im here at the moment) but with family in NZ whom I wanted to visit for a weekend. Ultimately I had the choice of two options through our corporate travel agents:

i) Travel UC Virgin all the way to Sydney and then pay out of my pocket for a roundtrip SYD-AKL or:

ii) Travel Business Premier ANZ, LHR-SYD via AKL with a stopover in AKL on the return.

Just for info option ii) was GBP1200 cheaper than our Corporate fare LHR-SYD with virgin.

Going on the fact Im a miserly chap, I chose option ii) however I soon realised my mistake when I realised the following:

i) No chauffeur pick up or drop off
ii) Crap lounges (United RCC at LHR *weep*)
iii) Average inflight service (although the food was OK)
iv) some tiny amount of tier points and no bonuses on the air miles (i'm only virgin silver)

As a Kiwi I was feeling patriotic to ANZ but absolutely regret not taking Virgin to Sydney and reaping the benefits that come with being a Virgin FF and flying UC.

The only redeeming facts from taking ANZ was that I saved my employer GBP1200 and that I had the same seat as if I was flying on Virgin UC.

If I was able to turn back time then I'd be choosing Virgin over any other option!

Morgo,

Thanks for the information - most helpful - and welcome to the forums! [y]

Originally posted by HighFlyer
Morgo, Welcome to V-Flyer, and thank-you for your insights.

Radar - A choice between VS and SQ - hmm ... both very good airlines.

I would have to say that the Suite is far better than the Raffles Spacebed seat as a bed (Raffles Spacebed 'transformer' is much like J2000) but very comfortable as a seat. The IFE (Wiseman) is AVOD and pretty much like V.Port. The food on SQ is generally far better and the service is exceptional, the Singapore Girls are fantastic. They do like to feed you on SQ so be prepared for that too. I am very much an SQ fan.

Oh - and they have silky lilac pillows too!

I have pictures in the gallery of SQ Raffles class cabins and also the SQ lounges in HKG and SIN i think. SQ lounges are not Clubhouses but they are very good, lots of nice food available at the serving stations/buffets - the Hokkien noodles are to die for. Plenty of seating, lots of computer terminals, and lovely fishtanks dotted around the place. One thing of note is that SQ do not announce their flights, you have to be alert and go to the gate as required on your boarding pass - though they will tell you if there is a delay. SQ lounges also seem to have places you can sleep, complete dark rooms where you can kip, and they provide alarm clocks, i am certain i used one of these in SIN.

I would check the prices for both routes and see what the difference is - that might help make the decision for you, but i dont think you'll go wrong with either option. Direct with SQ should be quicker, though I do not think you get ground transfers when travelling J with SQ - only with F. Otherwise, not a lot in it.

Thanks,
Sarah

Hi Sarah,

Does seem like the choice is between SQ and VS, and price might be the deciding factor, though if their close, the lilac pillows might just tip the balance !

Out of interest, and in case anyone has any last minute opinions, I had good feedback from various family members, who all went different ways! One couple went with Korean via Seoul, another with Malaysian via KL, and the last couple are going in December with ANZ. Those that have already been have said their flights were good, but as they don't travel much, they didn't have much to compare to either [:P].

I did look in the photo section, but must have missed yours - I'll take another peek now.

Thanks again all.

Sarah,

Just found the photos you were referring to. It would seem that VS has the best J class, though I thought I heard that SQ had the UCS too? Is the J class on SQ the same on 777 and 747? Arrangement-wise they look like the J2000 seats, though with a bit more leg room. Bit more exploring of the SQ site methinks, but any feedback greatfully received!

Thanks,

[HighFlyer]

Originally posted by radar
Sarah,

Just found the photos you were referring to. It would seem that VS has the best J class, though I thought I heard that SQ had the UCS too? Is the J class on SQ the same on 777 and 747? Arrangement-wise they look like the J2000 seats, though with a bit more leg room. Bit more exploring of the SQ site methinks, but any feedback greatfully received!

You may be thinking of Air New Zealand, they have the Suite in their J cabin. SQ have Raffles class which is generally the Spacebed seat (AKA Transformer) though some aircraft, mainly 777 still have the older seats. I would almost bet to a certainty for the Spacebed on LHR-SIN flights.

SQ's J class has more of a traditional feel, focusing on food and wine and service. There are a few missing things if you compare to VS, such as sleepsuits - these extras are saved for SQ F passengers.

I'd happily fly SQ J again - but if it were me? ... I'd choose VS i think, mainly because of the suites. But the choice is entirely down to you, dependant on what is important to you on a flight. As i say, while VS offer a great bed and product in general, SQ whips their butt when it comes to the food, service and general professionalism IMHO.

Thanks,
Sarah