BA Amex or Virgin Atlantic Amex?

lnr

I've been looking at both - they seem much of a muchness, other than BA being administered directly by Amex, therefore good customer service, but Virgin is MBNA, presumably less so, and Virgin having slightly lower qualifying thresholds.

I only fly longhaul once or twice a year (mostly to the US), but am interested in spending fairly heavily on the card to get points to redeem on flights/upgrades.

I'm swinging towards Virgin as I have 4,430 points with them due to expire in June. Would it be foolish to just let these points expire? Was also tempted to pay for the Black version for increased points, but not sure if the benefits are worth it (Regus membership def isn't!). My flying preference is pretty much equally split between BA and Virgin.

Argh, I'm so bad at making decisions! :think: Any views would be gratefully received... Thanks in advance.

Roger1

lnr wrote: »

I only fly longhaul once or twice a year (mostly to the US), but am interested in spending fairly heavily on the card to get points to redeem on flights/upgrades ...

My flying preference is pretty much equally split between BA and Virgin.

Argh, I'm so bad at making decisions! :think:

From the info you give, it seems that you are equally split and either could be right for you. Just a couple of observations, though.

Redeeming flights on both are similar, though Virgin is cheaper to New York in economy - 29,000 Virgin miles compared with 50,000 with BA. However, redeeming for economy flights is generally reckoned to be poor value as the notorious taxes and fees still have to be paid. Business class offers better value, and Virgin usually have the edge.

If you are looking at redeeming a second 'free' flight (2-4-1), note that BA lets you have 2 flights for the miles price of one, plus the outrageous taxes and fees for both. By contrast, you have to buy a flight with Virgin to be able to use a 'free' flight, and the flight you buy is usually one of the more expensive ones, plus the taxes and fees for both. More money but fewer miles to pay.

Also, BA have more earning partners, for example Tesco Clubcard points. Depending on your buying pattern, you may find your BA Miles rack up quicker. (I do.)

Best to spend a few minutes on the BA and Virgin websites to see which partners could be better for you.

If all else fails, write BA and Virgin on a blank sheet of paper, close your eyes and stab the paper with a pin. Good luck!

lnr

thanks Roger, that's really helpful. Didn't know about Clubcard points, we get quite a lot of those, so could be good to convert with the BA miles too.

Think my decision is made - I was going to swing to Virgin because of my existing points, but I think I'll just let them expire than fret about them any more.

speedbird1973

Take a look at the flyer talk forum too. Helpful people on there.

Roger1

lnr wrote: »

... I think I'll just let them expire than fret about them any more.

Heresy!

You could donate them to Free the Children - see http://www.virgin-atlantic.com/en/us/frequentflyer/fcpartners/localpartners/freethechildren.jsp

lnr

Roger1 wrote: »

Heresy!

You could donate them to Free the Children - see http://www.virgin-atlantic.com/en/us/frequentflyer/fcpartners/localpartners/freethechildren.jsp

Wow I didn't know that - I'll definitely do that. Thank you very much!

Roger1

You're very welcome.

I hate to see points or miles wasted, and have done something similar with my Delta miles which would otherwise have disappeared.