HHonors Gold/Diamond for Velocity Gold/Plat

[grubbidok]

Status matches are once off benefits, with the expectation that from the many given, some will retain status after it expires. If it was offered each year there would not be the pressure to maintain that some feel

I get that. But VA don't advertise or promote it as a 'status match'. They offer 'complimentary partner membership' as a benefit of Gold and Platinum, with no mention of its once-off nature until you get deep into the fine print. They make it look more like the permanent deals you get with some credit cards, rather than a once-off status match.

I'd also prefer a once-off benefit than no benefit, but they at least need to be honest about it.

 

[bullerdude]

I get that. But VA don't advertise or promote it as a 'status match'. They offer 'complimentary partner membership' as a benefit of Gold and Platinum, with no mention of its once-off nature until you get deep into the fine print. They make it look more like the permanent deals you get with some credit cards, rather than a once-off status match.

Agreed - on the Velocity website it reads as a 'permanent' benefit of the Gold and Plat tiers, and their isn't even a * linking it to the T+C's that say its a once off. I would have though that this is bordering on - if not actually - false advertising.

 

[markis10]

Agreed - on the Velocity website it reads as a 'permanent' benefit of the Gold and Plat tiers, and their isn't even a * linking it to the T+C's that say its a once off. I would have though that this is bordering on - if not actually - false advertising.

View attachment 15645

I disagree, it says its a benefit of the status level and further down the page is the terms and conditions link which makes it very clear:

17.1 Gold and Platinum Members are entitled to enrol once into each of:
(a) one car hire loyalty program with a Program Partner (Car Hire Partner Program);
(b) one hotel loyalty program with a Program Partner (Hotel Partner Program); and
(c) one travel service product with a Program Partner (Travel Service Partner Program),
at no charge for 12 months in accordance with this clause Complimentary Partner Membership.


17.7 A Member's eligibility for continued membership in the Program Partner's loyalty program after Complimentary Partner Membership and the membership level will be as follows:

17.7.1 For Car Hire Partner programs and Hotel Partner Programs, subject to the Member fulfilling the standard program requirements outlined in the relevant Car Hire Partner Program or Hotel Partner Program's terms & conditions to maintain the relevant membership level in the Car Hire Partner Program or Hotel Partner Program. The relevant Program Partner will conduct a review according to the terms and conditions of the relevant Car Hire Partner Program or Hotel Partner Program. If the Member did not fulfil the requirements to retain their membership level in the Car Hire Partner Program or Hotel Partner program, the Member may continue as a member of the Car Hire Partner Program or Hotel Partner Program, but their status may be downgraded within the Car Hire Partner Program or Hotel Partner Program;

 

[bullerdude]

Respectfully Markis10, hiding that information deep in the terms and condition does not make it clear, UNLESS there is a * or something that mentions there is a specific condition in the terms and conditions. Based on the information provided on the page, one would have no reason to assume that the complimentary membership expires after one year.

You will notice on other benefits - such as the air new zealand international benefits - there are *'s to detail that the lounge access excludes the pacific island etc.

 

[markis10]

Respectfully Markis10, hiding that information deep in the terms and condition does not make it clear, UNLESS there is a * or something that mentions there is a specific condition in the terms and conditions. Based on the information provided on the page, one would have no reason to assume that the complimentary membership expires after one year.

You will notice on other benefits - such as the air new zealand international benefits - there are *'s to detail that the lounge access excludes the pacific island etc.

Its not that deep in the terms and conditions frankly, it could be worded better in the benefits page but the master terms and conditions prevail from a legal sense, its also clearly spelled out in the membership kit most would have in a drawer at home. I wonder what would happen if one was plat then gold and took two bites at the cherry, then returned to Plat???

 

[oz_mark]

Its not that deep in the terms and conditions frankly, it could be worded better in the benefits page but the master terms and conditions prevail from a legal sense, its also clearly spelled out in the membership kit most would have in a drawer at home. I wonder what would happen if one was plat then gold and took two bites at the cherry, then returned to Plat???

Are you volunteering to find out

 

[markis10]

Are you volunteering to find out

Funny you should say that, I am expecting to be in that very situation!

 

[Deleted member 29185]

Funny you should say that, I am expecting to be in that very situation!

Reports in the fullness of time, greatly appreciated!

 

[QF WP]

Only remembered to sign up for the Diamond upgrade on 20th May, got the following email:

Dear Mr Wilson,
We are pleased to confirm that you have selected to receive a complimentary 6 month membership into the Diamond Elite tier of the Hilton HHonors™ program.

Hilton HHonors™ will be in contact with you by email to complete your membership in up to 20 business days. Please ensure you check your email account during this period, including your junk mail folder. If after this time you have not received any correspondence, please contact Velocity Frequent Flyer on 13 18 75.
Kind Regards,
The Velocity Frequent Flyer Team

Just checked my Hilton account to see if the pending transaction for Hilton Perth has been posted (not yet) but my account does show :


CURRENT STATUS

DIAMOND


Now the fun begins

Pity that it didn't show that prior to the 4 night stay, the bonus points could have been really worth the change. They also did not contact me, but who cares - looking out for the membership pack to arrive.

 

[Catweazle]

Don't suppose it works the other way? DJ Gold for HH gold? :mrgreen:

 

[Hvr]

Don't suppose it works the other way? DJ Gold for HH gold? :mrgreen:

It used to happen, not sure about now.

 

[Fifa]

They also did not contact me, but who cares - looking out for the membership pack to arrive.

I never received a membership pack and I'm sure I read that a lot of others didn't either.
BTW - I've never been asked for the card at check-in and am usually welcomed as a Diamond.

 

[Deleted member 29185]

I never received a membership pack and I'm sure I read that a lot of others didn't either.

Membership pack is possibly a tad optimistic........Membership letter and card is about it and only after about 3 on-line requests!

PS - The only reason I wanted it was for that magical expiry date in writing!

 

[Deleted member 29185]

Don't suppose it works the other way? DJ Gold for HH gold? :mrgreen:

The way HH dish out gold status, I doubt it very much. Could be a very costly exercise with DJ partner lounge access (Delta) if they gave VA gold to every HH gold who applied!

 

[totd]

OK, I know that some people have had difficulty getting the Gold Comp'd in a reasonable amount of time, but surely they can at list be consistent with the terms. Unless I'm mistaken, the velocity terms are for 12 months minimum comp'd status. Imagine my surprise to receive the following from HHonors

Dear Mr. TOTD,
Thank you for your inquiry regarding a status match. We appreciate you taking the time to contact us.

Based on the documentation you have provided, we are happy to extend to you a special one-time offer to fast track your account to Gold tier status. If within the next 90 days, from today’s date, you record 5 eligible stays or 10 eligible nights at any participating HHonors hotels, your account will be automatically upgraded to the Gold tier status through March 31, 2015.

If there is anything else we can assist you with, please do not hesitate to contact us. For immediate assistance, please click on the link below for the contact number of the Hilton Worldwide Service Center location nearest you.

Hilton HHonors Hotel Loyalty Program Support | Hilton HHonors.

Sincerely,

Anthony W.
Internet Coordinator
Hilton Internet Contact Center
Hilton Reservations and Customer Care
www.hiltonworldwide.com

Que? Has anyone else seen similar? I'm not concerned as I only want this for a trip later this month which will push me over the VA WP line anyway... but still. I'm not feeling the love.

 

[markis10]

OK, I know that some people have had difficulty getting the Gold Comp'd in a reasonable amount of time, but surely they can at list be consistent with the terms. Unless I'm mistaken, the velocity terms are for 12 months minimum comp'd status. Imagine my surprise to receive the following from HHonors



Que? Has anyone else seen similar? I'm not concerned as I only want this for a trip later this month which will push me over the VA WP line anyway... but still. I'm not feeling the love.

Challenges are quite common, here is a blow by blow account from one of our members as to why they are no longer to be found at home when there is a Hilton on offer

http://www.australianfrequentflyer....nd-reviews/21-in-90-hilton-diamond-48057.html

 

[QF WP]

OK, I know that some people have had difficulty getting the Gold Comp'd in a reasonable amount of time, but surely they can at list be consistent with the terms. Unless I'm mistaken, the velocity terms are for 12 months minimum comp'd status. Imagine my surprise to receive the following from HHonors



Que? Has anyone else seen similar? I'm not concerned as I only want this for a trip later this month which will push me over the VA WP line anyway... but still. I'm not feeling the love.

So you are saying that you completed the details in the link from your VFF page (bolding mine)

[h=3]My benefits[/h][TABLE="width: 513"]
[TR="bgcolor: transparent"]
[TH="bgcolor: transparent"]Benefits[/TH]
[TH="bgcolor: transparent"]Remaining[/TH]
[TH="class: last, bgcolor: transparent, colspan: 2"]Details[/TH]
[/TR]
[TR="class: alt, bgcolor: transparent"]
[TD="bgcolor: #E9E9E9"]Virgin Australia lounge member[/TD]
[TD="bgcolor: #E9E9E9"][/TD]
[TD="bgcolor: #E9E9E9, align: right"]Yes[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR="bgcolor: transparent"]
[TD="bgcolor: transparent"]Confirmed Complimentary Fare Upgrades[/TD]
[TD="bgcolor: transparent, align: center"]4[/TD]
[TD="bgcolor: transparent, align: right"]More details[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR="class: alt, bgcolor: transparent"]
[TD="bgcolor: #E9E9E9"]Complimentary Partner membership Car hire:
Hertz #1 Club[/TD]
[TD="bgcolor: #E9E9E9, align: center"]Opted-In
[/TD]
[TD="bgcolor: #E9E9E9, align: right"]More details
[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR="bgcolor: transparent"]
[TD="bgcolor: transparent"]Complimentary Partner membership Accommodation:
Hilton HHonors™[/TD]
[TD="bgcolor: transparent, align: center"]Opted-In
[/TD]
[TD="bgcolor: transparent, align: right"]More details
[/TD]
[/TR]
[/TABLE]

and you got that email. If so, somethings wrong. I'd ring up Hilton and advise that it was the VFF offer...

 

[markis10]

I think Hilton are confusing the two offers!

 

[totd]

So you are saying that you completed the details in the link from your VFF page...

I did that about a month ago.

and you got that email. If so, somethings wrong. I'd ring up Hilton and advise that it was the VFF offer...

I followed up with HHonors yesterday, and that email is their response.

I think Hilton are confusing the two offers!

Yeah... Although I'm not sure how much of a role my email played. FWIW, here's the text:

Hello,

I currently hold Gold status in the Virgin Australia Velocity programme and would like to request a status match with the Hilton HHonors program. I have nominated HHonors as my preferred program on the Velocity website and they have (I Believe) forwarded my account details. My HHonors account number is xx_xx_x. I have included screen shots of my velocity account to assist with verification. Please let me know if you require any additional information.


Regards,
TOTD

I also included screenshots of the Velocity "My Account" page showing both my Gold status and my Complimentary Partner membership selection.

You've answered my question; I now know that there's something not quite right.

 

[JohnK]

Don't suppose it works the other way? DJ Gold for HH gold? :mrgreen:

I have recently put in the status match request and now have Hhonors Gold until March 2015.