Virgin mocks Qantas with “Huge news” billboard

Virgin Australia has commissioned a very cheeky billboard outside Sydney domestic airport, seemingly taking aim at Qantas’ “huge” Frequent Flyer overhaul.

The billboard, created by CHE Proximity for Velocity Frequent Flyer, reads “Huge news. Nothing’s changed.” followed by a reference to the program’s award-winning reward seat availability.

The ad seems to make reference to last week’s announcement that Qantas’ loyalty program would receive a $25 million shake-up, including more than 1 million new rewards seats in response to growing complaints about reward seat scarcity.

According to the Australian, Qantas’ announcement has received a mixed response from frequent flyers, with some happy with the extra reward seats and others disappointed in the additional points needed for upgrades to premium seats.

In a statement, Virgin Australia said Velocity Frequent Flyer “continues to be the best value airline loyalty program in Australia” with added bonuses like no joining fee, the most points earned per dollar spent, lowest number of points required for flight redemption and seat upgrades, lower fees and, as previously touted, best reward seat availability.

Travel Weekly approached Qantas for comment but is yet to receive a response.