Should Velocity FF honor existing Etihad bookings and award status/points ?

[Mattsapprentice]

I'm a Platinum Virgin Velocity member and booked and paid for a cash flight with Etihad in Sept 2024. I am flying in June 2025. On 26/11/24 I received an email stating changes to the Etihad Partnership (for bookings departing from 1/6/2025 onwards they will not award status of points for any flights with Etihad Airways).
I booked in good faith expecting to receive my entitlements. I have since been told I will not receive any points or status for the flight. Surely, they should have to honor existing bookings made before the announcement. I note that Virgin Velocity is allowing members to book reward seats until 31/5/2025 for travel up to 31/5/2026.
I am sure I am not the only member impacted by this change. I have written an email to them, but they won't budge. Any suggestions? (My platinum status has been gained through flying and family pooling with my spouse so I think I am a "good " member. I believe they are aiming to encourage members to gain status and points through flying in future).

 

[justinbrett]

The problem is that it's Etihad paying for those points. Ideally they would have given you more notice or a longer transition time, but due to the QR buy in the relationship ended rather abruptly.

It's a bit different for points redemption as the transaction occurs at the time of booking (ie, VA pays EY). For earning, the transaction doesn't happen until you fly (EY pays VA).

It sucks, but the T&Cs only require them to give you 30 days notice. The contract is between you & EY, nothing to do with VA, so there's no recourse unfortunately. EY is still happy to fly you and you're welcome to credit to another partner.

 

[clifford]

you're welcome to credit to another partner.

I do feel for the OP's predicament. I wouldn't be thrilled either, as EY don't have any partners I'd be interested in. Just one of the many issues arising from VA's not being in a formal alliance, such as Star.

 

[Mattsapprentice]

The problem is that it's Etihad paying for those points. Ideally they would have given you more notice or a longer transition time, but due to the QR buy in the relationship ended rather abruptly.

It's a bit different for points redemption as the transaction occurs at the time of booking (ie, VA pays EY). For earning, the transaction doesn't happen until you fly (EY pays VA).

It sucks, but the T&Cs only require them to give you 30 days notice. The contract is between you & EY, nothing to do with VA, so there's no recourse unfortunately. EY is still happy to fly you and you're welcome to credit to another partner.

I really appreciate the explanation you have provided Justinbrett. I just had a quick look at the other partners and will have to do some reading before I decide which to credit.

 

[andye]

Personally I'd credit to AA (which can be quite valuable on Oneworld flights) or AC (potential to top up with VA or buy points) as I dont think you'll get any joy with VFF

 

[drron]

Personally I'd credit to AA (which can be quite valuable on Oneworld flights) or AC (potential to top up with VA or buy points) as I dont think you'll get any joy with VFF

Definitely agree with AA. I find them excellent even though their awards only released at 330 days.