One of the changes, slightly removed from this thread's direct focus but directly relevant to the VA focus - ending the Velocity Amex 2 entries to the Amex (now) Centurion lounge (from Anzac Day???) and replacing it with unlimited access to the Virgin domestic lounge.
Looks as if Bain is focusing on filling domestic seats. So, a peeved status chaser who loses out on the SC chase due to the changes just needs to get a Velocity Amex card plus annual fee somewhat (totally) offset by the attached return flight selection from your list. While you lose many Gold benefits you still retain unlimited lounge access (no guests though).
Perhaps this is why Lifetime Gold is not on the agenda? Much better to gain the revenue from the Amex CC co-branding and share of spend revenue...
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Meanwhile, that Virgin are ending the Amex lounge access on Anzac Day does make me wonder what will be announce to take effect from Anzac Day given their need for lounge access for soon to be Virgin branded Qatar international flights?
