If you’re a frequent flyer of Singapore Airlines and hold KrisFlyer miles, the option to transfer them to Velocity, the frequent flyer program of Virgin Australia, can open up new possibilities for travel.
How do I convert my Krisflyer Miles to Velocity Points?
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to transfer KrisFlyer miles to Virgin Velocity Points, along with considerations and insights to help you make the most of this transfer. I have added some screenshots so you can navigate a bit easier – yes it can feel like trying to find a needle in a haystack sometimes.
Step 1: Go to your KrisFlyer account and log in.
To initiate the transfer, start by logging into your KrisFlyer account. Ensure that you have the necessary login credentials (an OTP may be sent at the time of transfer).
Step 2. Under PPS Club / KRISFLYER > Navigate to USE MILES
Before transferring, familiarize yourself with the various ways you can use your KrisFlyer miles. This step ensures that you make an informed decision about whether transferring to Velocity aligns with your travel goals.
Step 3. Click on OTHER WAYS TO REDEEM MILES
Explore alternative redemption options within KrisFlyer to see if there are more suitable choices for your current needs. Sometimes, it might be more advantageous to use your KrisFlyer miles directly rather than transferring them.
Scroll all the way to the bottom to find Velocity.
Step 4: VELOCITY – Convert Your Krisflyer Miles to Velocity Points
Once you’ve decided to transfer, locate the option for transferring miles to Virgin Australia’s Velocity program within your KrisFlyer account.
Click on “convert your krisflyer miles to velocity points”.
Be aware that there is a minimum point transfer requirement of 5000 KrisFlyer miles, and the transfer ratio is 1:1.55.
Step 5: Transfer Now
Follow the prompts to complete the transfer process. Note how many KrisFlyer Miles you are entering and what they will convert to in Velocity Points. If you are happy with this, click Proceed to finalise the conversion.
It’s essential to note that while the transfer is typically instant, allow for up to 24 hours for the miles to appear in your Virgin Velocity account.
Is it worth transferring KrisFlyer to Velocity?
It depends.
✅Transferring KrisFlyer miles to Velocity can be worthwhile in certain situations. If you have a specific redemption in mind with Velocity and need to top up your miles, this transfer can be beneficial. I have done this once. I needed a top up once for a reward ticket on Qatar through the Velocity Rewards Program and transferred some points over from Singapore Airlines.
✅Additionally, considering the three-year expiration policy for KrisFlyer points, transferring them to Velocity becomes a strategic move to avoid losing miles that you don’t plan to use within the KrisFlyer program. I have done this once as well. I had 7,000 KrisFlyer Miles left over in my account that were not going to be used. Rather than lose them altogether, i transferred them across to my Velocity account. Relying on Singapores option of a waitlist are slim and haven’t really worked for me.
✅The unique partnerships held by Velocity with airlines like Qatar, a oneworld alliance member, and Etihad, which aren’t partners of KrisFlyer, provides another compelling reason. If your travel preferences involve these specific airlines, transferring points to Velocity becomes a necessity, as bookings with these partners may not be available through the KrisFlyer/Singapore Airlines platform. Another way of course to fly on points with airlines like Qatar and Singapore is to transfer from Amex. (if you have a card and membership account with them)
❌I wouldn’t recommend transferring all your KrisFlyer miles for a full reward ticket if you can book this through the Singapore Airlines site. It often requires fewer miles.
I’ll give you an example of what I mean.
Let’s say you wish to travel to: Melbourne to Bali (One Way)
Through KrisFlyer you could book the following:
Singapore Airlines: 30,500 + AUD 101.14
OR (Partner Airline)
Virgin Australia: 28,000 + 110.76
Through Velocity you could book the following:
Virgin Australia: 22,300 + AUD145.76
At the current conversion of 1:55:1 you would need to transfer 34,565 KrisFlyer Miles into Velocity in order to redeem that flight with Virgin at 22,300 velocity points.
Singapore Airlines is selling you the same reward ticket with VA for 28,000 miles. If you are a family and travelling with kids it can add up.
Summary
In conclusion, transferring KrisFlyer miles to Velocity can be a smart decision for those with specific travel plans and a need to maximize their rewards. However, it’s crucial to weigh the benefits and drawbacks, considering factors like expiration policies, alternative redemption options, and unique airline partnerships. You should also check for availability on Velocity before you move any points over. Remember, you cant undo a transfer.
By staying informed and making strategic choices, you can make the most of your loyalty points and enhance your travel experiences.
Looking to do this the other way around? No problem. Follow this simple guide on how to use velocity points to upgrade on singapore airlines. It outlines the way you can transfer your velocity points into your KrisFlyer Program. These two airlines have go it right. Happy travels 😊.
