Ok I'll be that person. If done in Jan/Feb, a status run from Canberra will cost (at least) around $240 (return CBR-MEL-CBR) and if done from Sydney $140 (return SYD-BNK-SYD - can be done same day as same aircraft).
VA Silver status gets you the following:
- 2x single use lounge passes for use at VA domestic lounges only (worth $65 each as that's how much they sell them for at the door)
- 50% Bonus points when flying VA (but you've noted you don't fly a lot anyway)
- 1x extra check bag on fares that include a check bag when flying VA or an extra 10kg when flying with
Etihad.
- Priority check in prior to international flights operated by
Virgin Australia/Virgin Atlantic or Qatar Airways.
My question is are any of these benefits useful enough to spend $ to chase silver?
It's worth noting that Silver used to get slightly better seat selection from Rows 11 however this is no longer the case.