OK, it's time to reveal the announcement. Let me preface this by saying that the most exciting part of my day has been experiencing Virgin Australia's business class on the A330. The announcement is good, but:
a) The Virgin Australia SYD-PER flight was the best domestic flight I've ever had. I want to experience it again, and would be happy to pay for it in Velocity points or cash.
b) The new partnership with Singapore Airlines is well deserved. Having flown business class on both airlines, I can't say which is better but they are both really good and make potentially tedious travel a real pleasure.
A proper trip report will be forthcoming soon. In the meantime, I'm sure you're keen to hear the announcement... this relates to a new partnership with American Express and a range of co-branded credit cards. Our lunch included "The AFF Five" (love the title), Velocity Rewards, American Express and CreditCardFinder.com.au. Specifically:
The American Express Velocity Platinum Card (credit card)
Unlimited two-for-one international Business Class Flexi fares on V Australia (and Delta code-shares).
1.5 points per dollar uncapped, plus 3 points per dollar when spending with the Virign Australia group.
Complimentary return flight annually.
Two complimetary lounge passes per year.
30,000 bonus Velocity points for applications by September 30, following $500 spend
$349 annual card fee, $0 for supplementary cards
The American Express Velocity Gold Card (credit card)
1.25 points per dollar uncapped, plus 2.5 points per dollar when spending with the Virign Australia group.
Two complimentary lounge passes per year.
20,000 bonus Velocity points for applications by September 30, following $500 spend
$199 annual card fee, $0 for supplementary cards
The American Express Velocity Business Card (charge card)
1 point per dollar uncapped, plus 2 points per dollar when spending with the Virgin Australia group.
Two complimentary lounge passes per year.
20,000 bonus Velocity points for applications by September 30, following $500 spend.
$249 annual card fee, $99 for supplementary cards
Additionally all cards include domestic and overseas travel insurance, purchase protection and refund protection.
My personal opinion, without much analysis, is that the platinum card seems like a good deal if you can utilise the 2-for-1 business class flights. I don't know much about business cards but it sounds competitive.
It's been amusing watching this thread throughout the day. I find it compelling that Velocity Rewards and American Express have invited AFF members to be part of the launch and to contribute their opinions on a variety of topics. But most of all, it has been a privilege to share this opportunity with the other members of the "AFF Five", namely oz_mark, Travel Guru, pshepvic and malmacdowell.
