Status Changing Up Mid Holiday - How to get VA to move faster on Delta flights?

[babysun]

Hi,

I've seen many posts about the delays people are experiencing getting SC credited.

The benefit of status will be wasted on our family (not my husband who travels regularly for business) on holidays in America. It could also save us a bit of money not having to pay for baggage on Delta domestic flights.

A couple of years ago when he reached Gold, Velocity had screwed up and the website still said that he had qualifying flights to take but he'd taken them. I called and they fixed it straight away. Yes, for me. His wife. Privacy eh?

We are off on a family trip in a few weeks and currently pool to my husband. Whilst we are away he will hit Gold after we arrive at our first destination. We are there for about 10 days which it would seem might mean VA won't have got the memo that he's now Gold (especially if SC are coming from Delta Domestic flights). They're all Delta flights in Comfort Plus which earns at Premium Economy rates.

Then have three more domestic legs before we return home. These will then bump him up to Platinum somewhere in the middle of all the flights.

The return flight to BNE-LAX is VA flight number and metal. The domestic flights are all Delta flight numbers & mostly their metal. If they're not Delta metal they're all the correct codeshare to ensure VA SC & points.

My plan (once I've done the maths & checked the dates) is to then pool everything to me as I will then be either Silver or Gold.

I think he/we will travel enough in the next year to maintain both if we keep pooling with our kids.

Does anybody have any tips to get Velocity to move faster or do we just accept the lower status and consider anything else a bonus?

We will have our phones with us so any new status shows on our Velocity apps (no need for new cards).

This is the "biggest" trip we've taken as a family. Usually we're more lay on the beach in Fiji kind of people. This time traversing the USA and it would nice to do it with a bit more comfort/less expense if we can.

Any other tips travelling with VA & Delta with two kids (8 &10) much appreciated.

Thanks everyone!

 

[Bagpuss]

Does anybody have any tips to get Velocity to move faster or do we just accept the lower status and consider anything else a bonus?

If you are willing you can call them or send them a message via Facebook. Would recommend waiting until at least 24 hours after your flight.

 

[Icy]

Just returned home from Canada and the States. We did a couple of Delta domestic flights in first class. They weren't that much more expensive than comfort plus. The SCs posted within 3 days of each flight. However, I'm not sure how quickly VA update your status based on that.

 

[Sbv72]

Just returned home from Canada and the States. We did a couple of Delta domestic flights in first class. They weren't that much more expensive than comfort plus. The SCs posted within 3 days of each flight. However, I'm not sure how quickly VA update your status based on that.

I flew VA CBR-TSV last Sunday. SC posted Tuesday and status updated to Gold on Wednesday.

 

[Jude Starr]

I recently did a similar thing (VA flight to LAX and several Delta flights within USA) and I must say I was quite impressed with how fast the points/scs were credited. Status upgrade happened while I was away too, and pretty much within days.

 

[babysun]

Thanks everyone for your replies.

They're all very reassuring. Especially that the Delta SC came through so quickly. I think the minimum we will have between flights will be 3 days so that should be enough to see SC come through. We can always call VA to nag about upgraded status.

 

[babysun]

Thanks Icy,
I will have a look but 4 x tickets in first class might be pushing the friendship with my husband. I haven't booked the flights though. I'm hoping with upgraded VA status that we will get free upgrades onboard.

Just returned home from Canada and the States. We did a couple of Delta domestic flights in first class. They weren't that much more expensive than comfort plus. The SCs posted within 3 days of each flight. However, I'm not sure how quickly VA update your status based on that.

 

[Milboo]

Set your expectations very low about getting an onboard (or even at check in) upgrade as a Gold VFF while flying Delta. They would give priority to their own elite. Chances are reduced more by have multiple pax on the same ticket.

I have had 5 trips to the US as VFF Gold and it is pushing it even to get them to know who VFF is.

 

[babysun]

The only time I've been upgraded was as a kid travelling unaccompanied from SYD to MEL. Back in the olden days when they have first class on domestic flights here. My Mum reckoned they upgraded me because I wouldn't drink the free alcohol!

I won't be holding my breath for an upgrade now either. You are so right that there are four of us which makes it even less likely. Comfort Plus is enough to keep me happy. I can live with economy food etc I just hate squashed knees. A teensy bit more leg room is all I want.

Set your expectations very low about getting an onboard (or even at check in) upgrade as a Gold VFF while flying Delta. They would give priority to their own elite. Chances are reduced more by have multiple pax on the same ticket.

I've been reading how Delta don't know much about VA status (it's all on their website) but many people have positive reports too so hopefully that will work out for us.

I have had 5 trips to the US as VFF Gold and it is pushing it even to get them to know who VFF is.