Announcing our New Velocity Frequent Flyer Program

[LiamR]

I'm going to say something bold here (and maybe a bit harsh & selfish)

As a current Virgin Gold and Qantas Gold (Ex QF Platinum who now flies both to get both status) I find it a little unfair that a not yet so loyal Platinums are given the status over somebody like me who is a Gold (By flying the miles and probably won't make platinum).

I can't really complain, because it's Virgin's game and they set their own rules. But, I do think by letting any Platinum, Gold and his dog into the program with status might take away a bit exclusiveness.

 

[Simsy85]

Seems the goods so far, I'm glad I didn't take up the earlier WP status match offer. I will almost certainly take up this one bye-bye JQ from NTL, can't say I'll miss you

Damn straight.

This match is aimed squarely at QFFer's.

 

[markis10]

I can't really complain, because it's Virgin's game and they set their own rules. But, I do think by letting any Platinum, Gold and his dog into the program with status might take away a bit exclusiveness.

For a short time yes, but that was bound to happen anyway, and not all will requal!

 

[oz_mark]

I can't really complain, because it's Virgin's game and they set their own rules. But, I do think by letting any Platinum, Gold and his dog into the program with status might take away a bit exclusiveness.

They'll roll off in due course. You just have to put up with it for twelve months :shock:

(Still looking to see if there is any sign of lifetime status in there )

 

[djfuzz]

Our research, including your feedback

Thanks!

We’ve also taken on the feedback that our frequent travellers are also family orientated people, so we are introducing a range of new benefits designed to support those of you with families.
Families will soon be able to automatically pool their Points and Status Credits, so you can upgrade to the next level of membership faster.
Parents will also be able to pause their membership for six months for parental leave without losing their status.
For the “super-traveller” there is also the ability to earn your companion a complimentary Gold or Platinum membership.

You may have won me over on this one alone. My work (and leisure) travel was decimated by Djf Jr in the months following his arrival, this would have been amazing.

Also coming soon, you will receive a complimentary Lounge pass for every 100 Status Credits you earn as a thank you for flying with us and our partners.

If this extends to non-elites, you've definitely tapped a well of goodwill there.

We will be, for a limited time, matching your status should you be with another frequent flyer program (excluding selected alliance partners) – details and conditions on this promotion can be found at our website later today.

Fingers crossed, missed out last time, would love to sneak in now - think this would pretty much sew up the rest of my work travel for the rest of the year.

We are extremely excited about these changes, and look forward to hearing what you all think.

Thumbs up. Great work.

For those frequent flyers with other programs, we’d like to ask you the question “What has your frequent flyer program done for you lately?”

They did very kindly allow me to visit their First Class lounge twice this week, which I do appreciate very much, but other than that...

 

[awilcockson]

I can't really complain, because it's Virgin's game and they set their own rules. But, I do think by letting any Platinum, Gold and his dog into the program with status might take away a bit exclusiveness.

VA don't want exclusiveness, they want as many QF WPs as possible to start spending money with them instead of QF/JQ. QF have these great big golden handcuffs on current WPs, who'd want to go and fly with a new airline if it means starting at pleb status level? VA's status match offer removes those handcuffs in one fell swoop. Game, set and match.

 

[LiamR]

Is that Priority Baggage I see?

Oh why yes it is!

Let's see how well that works, compared to, other airlines.

 

[VMAN]

Awesome, it's 1000 points to qualify and also 800 to requalify, today I made it to Platinum...

Awesome 1000 points! You would not believe it but I had 1085 points 2 weeks ago and because I have not travelled much recently I have dropped to exactly.......1000 points, so I am just scrapping through. Anyhow have big trip next week BNE-MEL-SYD-BNE so will crack up over 1000's

Good Work VA!

 

[DJ 1D]

Looks like they've added "Upgrade using points" to the mix.

 

[indigo1]

I was in the BNE DJ lounge the other day during a peak period and it was almost empty. There is so much more capacity that isn't being fullfilled and poaching a few QFers will only bring more $$$ to them.

So, where does this leave QF? I beleive this is going to hit them hard in terms of future travel

 

[markis10]

Looks like they've added "Upgrade using points" to the mix.

It was there before on your previous link, AusBT have just made it readable (presentable), whats Fly Ahead though?

 

[LiamR]

It was there before on your previous link, AusBT have just made it readable (presentable), whats Fly Ahead though?

It's been unofficially available before this update.

Basically it allows you to get on an earlier flight home, should get turn up to the airport before your flight. Pending availability...

A great benefit to me. Often finish early and getting on a earlier flight home makes my day a little shorter!!

 

[Velocity Frequent Flyer]

It was there before on your previous link, AusBT have just made it readable (presentable), whats Fly Ahead though?

Oh I can answer that!

*shortly*

 

[Simsy85]

Oh I can answer that!

*shortly*

When can you tell us about the status match!!

 

[loobloke]

Oh dear I didn't charge my iPhone to full last night damn!! The details hopefully come out before I run out of battery refreshing these pages

In other news a status match is a nice touch though I hope that they realize that there are some who have earned their status with BIS on virgin and recognize them accordingly. Hoping for something like a comp year of status in the future if not enough credits to requalify. Wishful thinking

 

[simongr]

Hmm - interesting and a great set of benefits. I have currently 200K of Amex points which could go across to VR, with a status match to Plat it could be quite nice. I could easily cancel my upcoming QF flights and rebook to DJ. My main question would be whether I could retain status - although I am sure Etihad to JED wouldnt be too bad and would earn 400 SCs. Couple that with 7 upcoming MEL flights...

It would be interesting what lounge access a Plat would have at SYD/AUH/HKG flying in J...

 

[Noob]

Thank you to the Virgin Australia team, what a fantastic offering you guys have now! I truly wish you guys all the best, and cheers for listening

The thing I lijke about VA is you feel like you are dealing with a small business, the representitives on here are a great example. They don't just regegitate text book answers, they actually help the individual.

Isn't it interesting? A few members are keeping very quiet

 

[random111]

Any chance there will be a bonus campaign to transfer points over from award partners (comm bank, amex) as has been previously offered??

I want to have my cake and eat it too!!

 

[blankman]

I wonder if there is any change coming to shopandearn as well. It has been down since last night for "scheduled maintenance"...

 

[kamchatsky]

It is interesting that it is called "Velocity Frequent Flyer" and not "Velocity Rewards". I thought FF is actually a QF trademark?