Is velocity platinum worth it anymore? Especially for international.

[lexical_regatta]

Hi all,

I’m new here, please be gentle

I had a look at the forum and couldn’t find the relevant thread.

I’m a velocity platinum member owing to a lot of travel I did in 2018 and 2019. I travelled a few times at the start of 2020 and once at the start of 2021.

With all of the reprieves from VA I kept getting my platinum status maintained but it’s up for review at the end of March 2022. I have 5 out of the necessary 800 status points to maintain, so I’m starting from the beginning.

I always enjoyed the velocity platinum for domestic for lounge access, priority boarding and the free upgrade to the increased legroom seats. The yearly upgrade to business class wasn’t a big deal. I also rarely check luggage so that wasn’t important either.

For international travel I enjoyed the increased baggage allowance and priority boarding. But the biggest appeal to me was that I got access to the Etihad first class lounge in Abu Dhabi.

Domestic travel is going to be scaled back for me at least for the next 2 years.

I know VA has made so many changes and it seems like it’s almost a “budget” airline at the moment.

I wanted to get the AFF community’s opinion. Is it worth it for me to aggressively pursue status credits over the next 3 months (including taking several unnecessary trips) just to to maintain my platinum status?

Another thing thats changed for me is this option of obtaining emerald status with OneWorld via the Finnair plus program (although maybe I missed the boat on this?).

What do people think? Is velocity platinum still worth it? Or should I just let it go and perhaps pursue OneWorld?

 

[hydrabyss]

Hi all,

I’m new here, please be gentle

I had a look at the forum and couldn’t find the relevant thread.

I’m a velocity platinum member owing to a lot of travel I did in 2018 and 2019. I travelled a few times at the start of 2020 and once at the start of 2021.

With all of the reprieves from VA I kept getting my platinum status maintained but it’s up for review at the end of March 2022. I have 5 out of the necessary 800 status points to maintain, so I’m starting from the beginning.

I always enjoyed the velocity platinum for domestic for lounge access, priority boarding and the free upgrade to the increased legroom seats. The yearly upgrade to business class wasn’t a big deal. I also rarely check luggage so that wasn’t important either.

For international travel I enjoyed the increased baggage allowance and priority boarding. But the biggest appeal to me was that I got access to the Etihad first class lounge in Abu Dhabi.

Domestic travel is going to be scaled back for me at least for the next 2 years.

I know VA has made so many changes and it seems like it’s almost a “budget” airline at the moment.

I wanted to get the AFF community’s opinion. Is it worth it for me to aggressively pursue status credits over the next 3 months (including taking several unnecessary trips) just to to maintain my platinum status?

Another thing thats changed for me is this option of obtaining emerald status with OneWorld via the Finnair plus program (although maybe I missed the boat on this?).

What do people think? Is velocity platinum still worth it? Or should I just let it go and perhaps pursue OneWorld?

Only if you fly enough to use the benefits. Plus you will go down to gold which other than for seating is not that much different domestically.

 

[lexical_regatta]

Only if you fly enough to use the benefits. Plus you will go down to gold which other than for seating is not that much different domestically.

Thanks for the reply hydrabyss!

Yes you’re so right on all those points.

I’m pretty irrational, the “top tier” status is so important to me. Guess I’m making up for something else in my life.

With all the changes to VA you think the velocity benefits are not quite what they used to be? Last time I flew was January 2021 and it was virgin regional, so I couldn’t gage any of the changes that had been made the the airline.

 

[SYD]

Another thing thats changed for me is this option of obtaining emerald status with OneWorld via the Finnair plus program (although maybe I missed the boat on this?).

What do people think? Is velocity platinum still worth it? Or should I just let it go and perhaps pursue OneWorld?

Alas, the AY promo is finished. If you were prepared to fork out the money, there was definitely some value to be had. It could have come in handy if VA do a status match in the future .

As far as VA Plat goes, I personally wouldn’t chase it with my own money. As above, apart from the seating on domestic whY, VA Gold is adequate.

 

[lexical_regatta]

Alas, the AY promo is finished. If you were prepared to fork out the money, there was definitely some value to be had. It could have come in handy if VA do a status match in the future .

As far as VA Plat goes, I personally wouldn’t chase it with my own money. As above, apart from the seating on domestic whY, VA Gold is adequate.

Oh that’s sad I missed out on the promo. I had been willing to fork out the cash up front for it owing to it probably costing me a similar amount (probably more) to accrue 795 status points in 3 months.

Do these kind of opportunities present themselves often?

Post automatically merged: Dec 30, 2021

Very right that there’s not much difference between the gold and platinum

 

[SYD]

Oh that’s sad I missed out on the promo. I had been willing to fork out the cash up front for it owing to it probably costing me a similar amount (probably more) to accrue 795 status points in 3 months.

Do these kind of opportunities present themselves often?

Post automatically merged: Dec 30, 2021

Very right that there’s not much difference between the gold and platinum

I might be wrong, but one or two times per year. If I understood correctly, this last one was particularly good because it effectively got two years (by attaining status in Dec), plus a soft landing and partner Gold gift. And points leftover to use, upgrades and a bunch of other stuff…. I posted a link on the related thread with a step by step example. A very interesting “Fastrack”!

BTW, isn’t your VA status going to be extended to late 2022, if not early 2023?

 

[Harthagan]

I'm in a similar boat. I relied on at least one trip a year to the states in order to maintain platinum. Without that there's no way I can do it as I'm not a regular domestic traveller, maybe do only 3 or 4 domestic leisure trips in a year at most.

 

[serfty]

BTW, isn’t your VA status going to be extended to late 2022, if not early 2023?

March 31 would concur with the extension referenced in the following thread link:

Further Status Extension to 28 Feb 2023

Just received. As we look towards more borders opening, we are excited to let you know we have further extended your Platinum Status membership until 28 February 2023*. This means that even if you haven't flown recently you'll continue to enjoy your Platinum benefits including complimentary...

www.australianfrequentflyer.com.au

@lexical_regatta - was was your previous review date? Check the above thread, you may have qualified already for that extension.

 

[hydrabyss]

Thanks for the reply hydrabyss!

Yes you’re so right on all those points.

I’m pretty irrational, the “top tier” status is so important to me. Guess I’m making up for something else in my life.

With all the changes to VA you think the velocity benefits are not quite what they used to be? Last time I flew was January 2021 and it was virgin regional, so I couldn’t gage any of the changes that had been made the the airline.

I kept gold for a number of years then an opportunity to get enough status points came along then went back to platinum. So you never know whats around the corner.

My partner made platinum and unfortunately she couldn't care less. For sometime she just had her old red card with her and figured there was no need to change them over. I always find it funny when she needs to call velocity and has no clue what she is doing and has some notes jotted down as she tries to ask the right questions. To make things worse I will drop to gold in 12 months while she retains platinum.

 

[AIRwin]

To make things worse I will drop to gold in 12 months while she retains platinum.

Can she gift you Companion Platinum?

 

[SYD]

Can she gift you Companion Platinum?

SYD+1 has never set foot on a VA plane but has collected the whole set of cards and bag tags thanks to a one-off Companion Platinum gift and subsequent soft landings…

 

[AustraliaPoochie]

At this point, we do not know, if VA and EY/SQ will continue their FF partnership, if you always go up those ways, ...
VA has not officially renwed the FF/JV agreement as of now.
Don't want to go the make a lot of bookings, as with what happens now with VA and DL and, and VA, going with UA.
Where do you travel the most, internationally, and if they have now keep their FF relationship, and if they don't split up, is of importance to consider.
Also, the cheaper domestic fares now do not count as sectors to retain, so you will have to pay the next fare up, to fly the 4 sectors.
Also, Rex say they are starting a new FF system, they have got some owners in Singapore, and they "might" join SQ's KF if VA gives up that FF relationship.
A lot of things to consider to make the effort to retain, what with the changes at VA.
Not sure if they might en(c)hance their FF system when Rex's FF system start.
Sorry, no direct fast answer, but maybe for now, just build up your VA points balance with the FB and Coles tie in, just so that your VFF points do not expire, and keep it going as is for now.
Edit: although Chris C from Executive Traveller, did write an article in Sept last year, that EY and VA will continue their FF relationship, (I missed that article}, but under Aust's official govt agency that looks into alliance, ACCC I think, their most latest JV agreement hasn't been retified.

 

[jase05]

Each to their own I guess.
There probably isn’t a great deal of difference between Gold and Platinum which is why I’m hoping for another level one day. I have to fly QF for work but most of our leisure travel is on VA and both my wife and I have already retained Platinum and with the flights we have left this status period I should well and truly have enough to gift a Platinum.
I definitely don’t agree with all the constant negativity about VA being a LCC as to the contrary I think they do a lot of things very well and a lot better than QF but I also realise they can still improve in some areas. Who knows what the New Year brings and what their partnerships with other airlines look like


Platinum might be worth a stack when they join Star Alliance (sorry couldn’t let that one pass)

 

[SYD]

Each to their own I guess.
There probably isn’t a great deal of difference between Gold and Platinum which is why I’m hoping for another level one day. I have to fly QF for work but most of our leisure travel is on VA and both my wife and I have already retained Platinum and with the flights we have left this status period I should well and truly have enough to gift a Platinum.
I definitely don’t agree with all the constant negativity about VA being a LCC as to the contrary I think they do a lot of things very well and a lot better than QF but I also realise they can still improve in some areas. Who knows what the New Year brings and what their partnerships with other airlines look like


Platinum might be worth a stack when they join Star Alliance (sorry couldn’t let that one pass)

Actually, A* tend to map their SG/WP levels to the same A*G level - so no diff (other than any special benefits you get from your own FF program). I always found that a bit odd.

Anyway, your comment also reminds me of one useful aspect of VA FF - “Family pooling”. Without being too clever, you can halve or more the individual bum in seat flying to attain/retain status (although the cost would be similar).

 

[lexical_regatta]

At this point, we do not know, if VA and EY/SQ will continue their FF partnership, if you always go up those ways, ...
VA has not officially renwed the FF/JV agreement as of now.
Don't want to go the make a lot of bookings, as with what happens now with VA and DL and, and VA, going with UA.
Where do you travel the most, internationally, and if they have now keep their FF relationship, and if they don't split up, is of importance to consider.
Also, the cheaper domestic fares now do not count as sectors to retain, so you will have to pay the next fare up, to fly the 4 sectors.
Also, Rex say they are starting a new FF system, they have got some owners in Singapore, and they "might" join SQ's KF if VA gives up that FF relationship.
A lot of things to consider to make the effort to retain, what with the changes at VA.
Not sure if they might en(c)hance their FF system when Rex's FF system start.
Sorry, no direct fast answer, but maybe for now, just build up your VA points balance with the FB and Coles tie in, just so that your VFF points do not expire, and keep it going as is for now.
Edit: although Chris C from Executive Traveller, did write an article in Sept last year, that EY and VA will continue their FF relationship, (I missed that article}, but under Aust's official govt agency that looks into alliance, ACCC I think, their most latest JV agreement hasn't been retified.

Thanks so much for the info. It’s a lot to think about. So much uncertainty.

 

[lexical_regatta]

Actually, A* tend to map their SG/WP levels to the same A*G level - so no diff (other than any special benefits you get from your own FF program). I always found that a bit odd.

Anyway, your comment also reminds me of one useful aspect of VA FF - “Family pooling”. Without being too clever, you can halve or more the individual bum in seat flying to attain/retain status (although the cost would be similar).

The family pooling is useful. My wife and 3 kids all have their velocity funnelling into mine. I keep suggesting a family vacation

 

[lexical_regatta]

SYD+1 has never set foot on a VA plane but has collected the whole set of cards and bag tags thanks to a one-off Companion Platinum gift and subsequent soft landings…

I’m such a sucker for the bag tags. I remember when I got the platinum status it felt so prestigious getting that nice box with everything in it. I’m an easy mark for the airlines.

 

[Harthagan]

The family pooling is useful. My wife and 3 kids all have their velocity funnelling into mine. I keep suggesting a family vacation

Yeah too bad you can't pool sectors. Still needing 8 sectors on VA metal I imagine would all but negate a lot of the benefit from family pooling.

 

[lexical_regatta]

March 31 would concur with the extension referenced in the following thread link:

Further Status Extension to 28 Feb 2023

Just received. As we look towards more borders opening, we are excited to let you know we have further extended your Platinum Status membership until 28 February 2023*. This means that even if you haven't flown recently you'll continue to enjoy your Platinum benefits including complimentary...

www.australianfrequentflyer.com.au

@lexical_regatta - was was your previous review date? Check the above thread, you may have qualified already for that extension.

I can’t recall my previous review date. But I looked at this thread and I think I should qualify! This is awesome. Thanks so much for the info!!

 

[lexical_regatta]

I might be wrong, but one or two times per year. If I understood correctly, this last one was particularly good because it effectively got two years (by attaining status in Dec), plus a soft landing and partner Gold gift. And points leftover to use, upgrades and a bunch of other stuff…. I posted a link on the related thread with a step by step example. A very interesting “Fastrack”!

BTW, isn’t your VA status going to be extended to late 2022, if not early 2023?

Apologies. I only just saw your reply and saw the other thread, yes I think I might be eligible. It’s great news for me if it’s the case.