Availability VA flights in aug 2013 using miles

[finmummy]

Do VA flights go on sale 11 months in advance? If we book an economy flight without using miles, can we then use VA airmiles to upgrade to PE? We intend to fly out Sunday 19th aug 2013 gatwick to Orlando.

If we use miles and money, are we likely to be able to get a sunday flight, most probably at a cost though? Can we also upgrade to PE this way?

Don't think we will have enough airmiles for 2 adults and a child economy flight, if we used airmiles for 2 flights are we still able to pay for a 3rd flight using cash?

Will we need to book as soon as the flights go on sale, and are we likely to be able to get a sunday flight on any of these options?
S
orry this is all new to me!
Thanks for any help.

 

[wayneg]

You can book 11 months from your return date. Unfortunately VA know people are waiting for flights to be released so they rarely realease any offers so far in advance, best deals for this August have been this past week, in my experience Xmas thru Jan is the best time to book for August but no-one can know.

To be able to upgrade using miles you have to book the correct ticket code to start with. See here http://www.virgin-atlantic.com/en/gb/frequentflyer/spendmiles/upgradeandcompanionflights/index.jsp
To give you an example I just search 19th August 2012 for 14 nights cheapest economy would cost you £2,384.00
Cheapest fare you could buy that is upgradeable with miles (code L) £3,206.00 (£2,766.00 by going at returning a day later)

Similar dates from Manchester PE both ways Miles & Money £2,125.27 +22,500 miles

Getting a deal for flights is all about patience & being flexible, be flexible on dates or airports and you increase your chances no end. On the other hand you stick to only those dates, booking 11 months out, only that route and you will almost certainly either not get what you want or pay a very high price.
Good luck.