Update: Thankfully it seems like this issue might now be resolved! Kudos to Velocity (or Etihad) for recognising and getting on top of it.
Go book your Etihad Guest redemptions as you need…
Previously from October 27th
Several folks have contacted me in the last few days after having trouble redeeming Velocity points for Etihad-operated flights.
The issue seems to be specific to the Velocity website, with availability on long-haul Etihad flights not showing unless there’s a connecting domestic flight on Virgin Australia.
When looking on the Etihad website, reward seats showing at the Etihad Guest level are usually also open to Velocity members, but right now this is not the case.
I only recently showcased the excellent value to be had from long haul Etihad flights when using your Velocity points. So this systems problem is bad timing!
The Velocity award chart page currently states:
Please note: Etihad Airways is currently not available via our website for reward reservations. Please contact our call centre for assistance in processing your request.
But even when calling to redeem via the Velocity call centre, there doesn’t seem to be a simple solution at this point, with some members being charged more for two long-haul connecting Etihad flights than the Velocity award chart otherwise states – i.e. adding the price of the two legs together, rather than the total distance.
Alongside the ongoing availability issues on Virgin Australia flights to the US, this is getting pretty frustrating for Velocity members looking to redeem their points haul from recent chunky sign up bonuses on offer.
Bear it in mind if you are looking to make a Velocity redemption on Etihad in the near future.
Thanks to people in the Point Hacks community for persisting with Velocity and getting to the bottom of why availability wasn’t showing!
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