2013 Centurion Benefits

[RichardKopf]

Got the invite in my mail today. Any idea if this is in addition to the CX Marco Polo Diamond, or replacing it?

In addition. I got the email asking to confirm my address and choosing a gift. Either noise reducing headphones or a USB charging battery.

 

[sparoz]

Was that after you have registered?

 

[RichardKopf]

Yes, the email came after registration.

 

[blessed11]

Does anyone know when Emirates Gold registration is open until? I'd rather enroll closer to a date I actually need it than having it sit idle.

 

[Cruiser Elite]

Got the invite in my mail today. Any idea if this is in addition to the CX Marco Polo Diamond, or replacing it?

Have been in China for a week but arrived home today to Centurion letter offering complimentary Emirates Skywards Gold.

Attempted to register using link emblazoned across promo literature - link does not work.

Call Cent RM and he confirms link dodgy - emailed me another link and walked me through process.

I specifically asked was this going to replace MP Diamond status but he assured me not the case as MP Diamond will be continuing. Guess we wait another 12mths to confirm that.

 

[Pukka]

Is VA gold status part of the Au Centurion perks or just the US?

I normally use points for upper class anyway but it might be handy.

Do any of the status upgrades make it easier to redeem points for business etc?

 

[RichardKopf]

Neither VA (Virgin Australia) or VS (Virgin Atlantic), which are not the same company, offer status for Centurion in Australia, although it's easy to earn status with VA as they allow status credits to accrue for redemption bookings, and you can have a spouse/partner and kids gifting their status credits to you.

For example, SYD-BNE-CNS-BNE-SYD in business, using points, with a family of 4 travelling, would earn you 800 status credits when combining them into 1 account. You need a few more trips to a good status as there are a minimum number of flights required on VA metal, but I made platinum in less than 7 months, with only 2 of us having a weekend away, every month.

 

[blessed11]

Neither VA (Virgin Australia) or VS (Virgin Atlantic), which are not the same company, offer status for Centurion in Australia, although it's easy to earn status with VA as they allow status credits to accrue for redemption bookings, and you can have a spouse/partner and kids gifting their status credits to you.

Does Virgin redemption bookings still accrue status credits? I thought this was only a short term promotion until 30 June?

 

[RichardKopf]

Does Virgin redemption bookings still accrue status credits? I thought this was only a short term promotion until 30 June?

It's ongoing: Earning Status Credits | Velocity Frequent Flyer

 

[blessed11]

It's ongoing: Earning Status Credits | Velocity Frequent Flyer

"You will earn Status Credits when you fly on an eligible fare with Virgin Australia and selected airline partners, including Any Seat redemptions, plus on airfares flown as part of a Virgin Australia Holidays package."

Aren't Virgin 'Any Seat' redemptions different to their regular redemptions and substantially more expensive? Please excuse my ignorance as I'm not very Virgin-savvy !

 

[RichardKopf]

"You will earn Status Credits when you fly on an eligible fare with Virgin Australia and selected airline partners, including Any Seat redemptions, plus on airfares flown as part of a Virgin Australia Holidays package."

Aren't Virgin 'Any Seat' redemptions different to their regular redemptions and substantially more expensive? Please excuse my ignorance as I'm not very Virgin-savvy !

I'm also unsure about this. The promo was to have run until 30Jun. I always redeem business and did receive status credits for my flights in July and also credits pooled from my wife.

I'm travelling again tomorrow, so I'll post again once I see the credits accrue, next week.

maybe it's because of the booking code used for business rewards, as D, J, I and C are included. http://www.velocityrewards.com.au/content/Info/StatusEarnFareClass/index.htm

 

[Pukka]

I'm also unsure about this. The promo was to have run until 30Jun. I always redeem business and did receive status credits for my flights in July and also credits pooled from my wife.

I'm travelling again tomorrow, so I'll post again once I see the credits accrue, next week.

maybe it's because of the booking code used for business rewards, as D, J, I and C are included. http://www.velocityrewards.com.au/content/Info/StatusEarnFareClass/index.htm

So when you say credits pooled from your wife how does that work? Do you just put your VA number down by her name too or does she need her own number? Also does it work for all family members ie kids too?

Thanks in advance

 

[RichardKopf]

So when you say credits pooled from your wife how does that work? Do you just put your VA number down by her name too or does she need her own number? Also does it work for all family members ie kids too?

Thanks in advance

Google says: Family Pooling| Velocity Frequent Flyer

There may be up to 2 adults and 4 kids in a family pool.

 

[sparoz]

From the Cent member point of view how's Virigin J compare to Qantas J?

 

[RichardKopf]

From the Cent member point of view how's Virgin J compare to Qantas J?

Since all my travel is on points and in premium classes it doesn't make a LOT of difference. I have no status on QF and no way to earn it, but do have CX status from Amex, which helps with QF seating.

VA status means little, except a few car rental addons, and maybe faster phone response time. I DO like the premium entry in SYD, which makes the airport experience a bit more bearable, but that is avail to all premium fare travellers, too.

VA Plat gets 4 upgrades on paid fares, and I have a comp upgrade which I never use, as it's always on points, Europcar Privilege, Secure sentinal (I don't bother), Family pooling (QF doesn't offer this). Other benefits are already avail for Centurion members.

Onboard, VA meals vary, but so do QF meals. I like the tablets on VA, but must take own phones to hear the movie. Main thing I like is VA has a good range of snacks which you can request at any time, in J - cheese, nuts, chips, chocs, etc. They allow you to choose from the menu for sale, if the normal meal is unappealling.

Boarding - VA now offers priority boarding in most places, so no diff to QF.

Otherwise, it's all domestic, and nothing special.

 

[vantage03]

From the Cent member point of view how's Virigin J compare to Qantas J?

A little known but very valuable benefit is that Centurion members get discount pricing for VA, in all classes, if travel is booked through your RM.

It should be noted that unlike a similar previous offering, the discount can not be applied to sale fares.

Also, the discount varies depending on the booking class.

From a product point of view, both have great J class by world standards. Personally I think the service on VA is generally friendlier and I like the much smaller J cabin, but I think it'd come down to personal preference.

 

[serfty]

Since all my travel is on points and in premium classes it doesn't make a LOT of difference. I have no status on QF and no way to earn it, but do have CX status from Amex, which helps with QF seating.....

Actually you do have a way - with points earning any seat awards in award fare buckets.

 

[RichardKopf]

I should have said - No financially worthwhile way.

As I said, my travel is all leisure and on points, in premium classes. If it was available on QF, ASA in first would cost too much to make it worthwhile, and QF has very little F product left, which forces me to other carriers, most often.

 

[Cruiser Elite]

One + from Cent -> MPD recently experienced I was in Y on CX flt HKG-PEK and when asked what drink I preferred with meal I responded 'Champagne' - FA replied no problem and trotted off and got me one - then another - then another - beats the standard red and white vinegar they offer down back.

 

[RichardKopf]

I'm also unsure about this. The promo was to have run until 30Jun. I always redeem business and did receive status credits for my flights in July and also credits pooled from my wife.

I'm travelling again tomorrow, so I'll post again once I see the credits accrue, next week.

maybe it's because of the booking code used for business rewards, as D, J, I and C are included. Status Earn Fare Class| Velocity Frequent Flyer

Sadly, status credits can no longer be earned on redemptions. I am wondering if the earn was based on the booking date, rather than the travel date, as I had 2 redemption flights in July which earned status credits for my own, and the family pool segments.

A flight taken on 3Aug says " Not Valid for Earn". I guess that means the end of easy VA Plat.