Has VA scrapped Platinum Complimentary Upgrade Certificates [no]

[anthonydc]

@AFF Editor - Quietly noticed that the VA Platinum Complimentary 4 upgrade certificates have disappeared from the "my benefits" screen in recent days. I was finding it increasingly difficult to redeem them over the last 6-12 months anyway but a little disappointed that this handy little membership perk has potentially been quietly shelved. Have others noticed this as well?

 

[oz_mark]

I am not aware of them being scrapped, but if your account is under review, they may have expired.

 

[RooFlyer]

Is this what you mean? Still there for me and I tried to use one today (without success).

 

[AIRwin]

in recent days

Was your review date 28 February last week?

 

[clifford]

But they're not really worth having are they.

Just to be clear, I'm a VA Plat and will be until May 2024 at least.

 

[RooFlyer]

But they're not really worth having are they.

I'm new to VA Plat, so this is a new benefit to me. I have 2 Flex fare flights coming up. One, abt 2 hrs, had availability but I declined as I didn't think it was worth it (I'm already in row 3). The other, over 3 hrs wasn't available but I was encouraged to call nearer the flight time.

Do you say not worth having because the availability is rare? If so, should I have taken the 2 hr flight upgrade? Would have been my first of four available.

 

[clifford]

I say not worth having because, IME, the price difference between flex and bus is usually minimal (if not negative).

But, I do think you should have gone for the 2-hr flight upgrade.

 

[jase05]

I'm new to VA Plat, so this is a new benefit to me. I have 2 Flex fare flights coming up. One, abt 2 hrs, had availability but I declined as I didn't think it was worth it (I'm already in row 3). The other, over 3 hrs wasn't available but I was encouraged to call nearer the flight time.

Do you say not worth having because the availability is rare? If so, should I have taken the 2 hr flight upgrade? Would have been my first of four available.

I find their best worth is on SHI routes.
Both the bogan bus or Fiji can be good value.
Flex to Fiji is often around $600 each way whilst J is often $1300+ each way.
Treat yourself to a week in Fiji

 

[AFF Editor]

@AFF Editor - Quietly noticed that the VA Platinum Complimentary 4 upgrade certificates have disappeared from the "my benefits" screen in recent days. I was finding it increasingly difficult to redeem them over the last 6-12 months anyway but a little disappointed that this handy little membership perk has potentially been quietly shelved. Have others noticed this as well?

This is still listed as a Platinum status benefit. It hasn't been removed as far as I'm aware.

Platinum Membership

Enjoy gold membership benefits as soon as your status credit reaches to 1000. benefits includes priority phone service, upgrademe points, advance seat selection, priority wait list and also enjoy priority check-in, virgin Australia lounge, complementary baggage allowance and rewards benefits...

experience.velocityfrequentflyer.com

 

[EuroKick]

I used all four in a two week period before they expired. Success on all flights with a call around four hours from departure. All seats open at this point.

 

[RooFlyer]

I say not worth having because, IME, the price difference between flex and bus is usually minimal (if not negative).

Thanks. I must say, having 'lived' with one airline for a couple of decades, and then largely moving across to another takes a lot of time and effort to get to know how it 'works'. I watch the Virgin 'newbie' thread with great interest

 

[jase05]

Thanks. I must say, having 'lived' with one airline for a couple of decades, and then largely moving across to another takes a lot of time and effort to get to know how it 'works'. I watch the Virgin 'newbie' thread with great interest

I know they are hard to find and I know flying in a 737 Transcon isn’t fun for most people but I saw some MEL-PER flights recently that had availability and flex was $645 and J was $1455 so not bad value if you have any comp upgrades spare

 

[anthonydc]

Was your review date 28 February last week?

Hi Airwin - yes...my review date was 28Feb.

 

[oz_mark]

Hi Airwin - yes...my review date was 28Feb.

Had you achieved the requirements of platinum for the new year?

 

[EuroKick]

In a strange twist – with my status renewed a few days ago, I was curious to see if the upgrades still showed. Bit surprised to see this.

 

[Carrots]

In a strange twist – with my status renewed a few days ago, I was curious to see if the upgrades still showed. Bit surprised to see this.

Just had a look - me too.

 

[RooFlyer]

In a strange twist – with my status renewed a few days ago, I was curious to see if the upgrades still showed. Bit surprised to see this.

So I think we can confidently say that the answer to the thread title question is - "No".

 

[HeavyElectricity]

Just had a look - me too.

Not me though - my status is now showing as Platinum again for the next year (rather than under review), but only the usual 4 upgrades showing as available.

 

[serfty]

Not me though - my status is now showing as Platinum again for the next year (rather than under review), but only the usual 4 upgrades showing as available.

Same for me ...

 

[Bagpuss]

Just had a look - me too.

Me three