Hi all,
Virgin Australia today announced a "sale" for fare upgrades to Business class using points. An upgrade for Melbourne to Sydney is now just 2,450 points (down from 4,900) and Melbourne to Perth is just 4,950 (down from 9,900). I haven't been able to find any mention of this promotion on the Virgin Australia website, but Australian Business Traveller is a reliable source, and I called Velocity to confirm this promotion this morning so it is definitely on.
Edit: Virgin has now posted the details: http://www.velocityrewards.com.au/content/Specials/Airlines/…
In my opinion these upgrades are great value at full price, so half price really is outstanding value. I've just upgraded a Melbourne to Perth Flexi fare which cost $307; the full price of a Business class seat on this route is $1299. Of course I will still earn points on the initial $307 fare which will defray the cost of the upgrade even further.
In order to use points to upgrade to Business class, you must be a Velocity member and have booked a Flexi fare (Saver fares are not eligible for points upgrades). Points upgrades to Business class are of course subject to availability and are not necessarily available on all flights. Business class is only available on selected routes. Upgrades can't be requested online, you must call the Velocity call centre on 131875 no later than 24 hours before your flight.
So do you have to call them in order to upgrade? Can you do it online?