Velocity Frequent Flyer has unveiled a series of program changes which are likely to make it harder to earn status with Virgin Australia but could benefit those who fly frequently with the carrier and who usually purchase more expensive tickets.
Velocity members also will need to earn at least 50 per cent of the status credits required to achieve their status tier from Virgin Australia marketed flights instead of the current requirement that Silver, Gold and Platinum members need to fly at least two, four or eight times on eligible Virgin Australia fares, respectively.
Virgin says the changes, to be introduced over the next 12 months, following “member feedback and extensive research” and are designed to deliver on what is most valued by Velocity members: Domestic redemptions and being better recognised for their loyalty. Most changes will not take effect until October 2025.
To soften the blow Velocity has also released one million additional Virgin Australia Domestic Reward Seats in a four-day sale, available to book HERE from today until Sunday 20 October 2024, for selected travel dates.
Velocity Frequent Flyer CEO Nick Rohrlach said understanding the feedback and needs of Velocity members has been central to the program’s expansion.
“Today’s changes to the Velocity program represent our focus and investment in areas that matter most to our members, like great value Domestic redemptions and being better recognised for loyalty,” Rohrlach said. “For the first time since 2011, the introduction of two exclusive new tiers – Forever Gold and Platinum Plus – demonstrates our commitment to rewarding the ongoing loyalty of our most frequent flyers.
“We are also proud to be further reducing the lead-in Velocity Points required to redeem a one-way Domestic economy Virgin Australia Reward Seat, now starting from an even lower base fare of just 5,900 Points – a move that enables members to get to reward flights even faster.
“We have more ways than ever before for members to earn and redeem Velocity Points and will soon have additional opportunities to be recognised for loyalty through the new tiers and benefits announced today.
“These new changes are balanced by adjustments to other areas of the program to ensure we continue to have a sustainable, competitive and valuable proposition for members.
“We have made it a priority to give members plenty of advance notice on the program changes, understanding how crucial it is for them to stay informed to get the most out of Velocity now and into the future.
“I want to thank our more than 12 million members for their ongoing loyalty. We look forward to continuing to deliver exceptional value and choice for Australians alongside our wonderful partners,” he said.
The lowdown
- Rewarding long term loyalty to Virgin Australia with the introduction of Velocity Forever Gold Status.
- The recognition of loyalty beyond Platinum, with the introduction of Velocity Platinum Plus Status3.
- Faster rewards with Virgin Australia Reward Seats now starting from an even lower base fare of just 5,900 Velocity Points for one-way Domestic economy fares (additional taxes, fees and carrier charges apply) #.
- Virgin Australia continues to have the lowest lead-in one-way Domestic economy Reward Seat base fare prices of any Australian airline.
- Changing other select Reward Seat pricing on Virgin Australia Domestic services and increasing Reward Seat pricing on Virgin Australia Short-Haul International services as well as select routes and cabins on International Partner Airlines.
- Simplifying the way members earn or maintain Status, including the removal of Eligible Sectors5 and awarding Status Credits based on total fare paid on eligible Virgin Australia flights.
- Reducing Status Credit earn rates on eligible International Partner Airline flights.
- Maintaining the base earn rate of 5 Velocity Points per $1 spent on eligible Virgin Australia flights for Velocity Points earning credit card holders, while reducing the current base earn rate for other members to 4 Velocity Points per $1 spent.
- Changes to Companion Platinum, Companion Gold eligibility and Guaranteed Economy Reward Seat benefits.
- Moving to one single Points price across Choice and Flex fares for UpgradeMe Points; increasing the minimum Points required to upgrade on an eligible fare (excluding Economy Lite fares.
