VA Status Extension - Now changed to BOOK only required not FLY?

[Stealthflyer]

Status extension and bonuses promo has been quietly amended today.
Requirement for extension is now only to book an eligible flight by 28 March (or 30 May? - blurb and T&Cs differ, who knows which is correct) for travel by 22 Feb 2022.

12 Month Status extension​

Simply book 1 eligible flight* by 30 May 2021.

Your Status locked in until 31 March 2022. Exclusions apply. See Terms and Conditions.


“We had previously rewarded existing eligible Gold and Platinum Velocity members (you) with a Status extension, Points bonus and Gold and Platinum benefits (Status Rewards) in accordance with these offer Terms. We have now provided you with more possibilities to access these Status Rewards, by only requiring you to book an Eligible Flight by 28 March 2021 to be able to access the Status extension, and by extending the eligibility date for the Points bonus and the Gold and Platinum benefits to 30 May 2021.”

https://experience.velocityfrequent...city-update/status-extension#rewards-tcs[/URL

Unsurprising that they’ve extended the dates. I reckon there’s still a good chance they’ll automatically extend everyone’s status anyway, even though this promotion is then somewhat undermined.

 

[freebo]

I need to "book one sector" by March 28th to keep Platinum, can this be paid for with FFC and/or points?

 

[QF WP]

Yes, I just got the email (as a Plat, would have thoughts I’d be one of the first to know):





well that benefits me as I have a couple of trips to book this week so I’ll add to by Business Class upgrades. Flights will be by end March

 

[freebo]

I got that too, hence the question, but it doesn't indicate if I can use points/FFC to pay?

 

[QF WP]

Okay, a bit of research in the T&C's from both this email and the previous one (I received it on 7th December):

1 Status extension
Gold and Platinum Velocity Members will be eligible for the Status extension when you book an Eligible Flight between 12:01AM AEST 7 December 2020 and 11:59PM AEST 28 March 2021 (Booking Period) for travel up until 22 February 2022 (Travel Period), and you meet the below conditions. At the end of the Booking Period, we’ll assess your eligibility, and if you’re eligible, you’ll receive a new Review Date of 31 March 2022.

where:

An Eligible Flight is a Virgin Australia marketed and operated flight with a “VA” flight number that you have flown during the Flying Period (we assess this on an individual member basis) and that is not a Reward Seat. Codeshare services marketed or operated by partner airlines are not eligible for this offer.

 

[howardpw]

(we assess this on an individual member basis)

Apologies in advance if asked already - but does this mean that family pooling does not count towards the eligible flight required? Need to fly it yourself?

 

[jayz]

Just received an email from VA in regards to the status extension to 2022 (I am Gold) and there is an interesting change in the email. It states that you only need to BOOK ("previously Fly") 1 sector in order for them to extend your status for another 12 months. (see attached screenshot).

Can anyone confirm what I am reading is correct? So I could just book a super cheap one way flight to somewhere for say end of 2021 and that will grant me another 12 months extension? And I could then change that flight later to something that suits me (hopefully with no cancellation or change fees)?

 

[AIRwin]

What does the footnote 1 say out of curiosity? I have already booked and flown an eligible flight, so mine is worded differently...

 

[CarltonBlues]

What does the footnote 1 say out of curiosity? I have already booked and flown an eligible flight, so mine is worded differently...

This was from my email:
For the purpose of the Status Rewards below, an Eligible Flight is a Virgin Australia marketed and operated flight with a “VA” flight number that you have booked or flown during the relevant periods set out below (we assess this on an individual member basis) and that is not a Reward Seat.

where the Booking Period is defined as:
Gold and Platinum Velocity Members will be eligible for the Status extension when you book an Eligible Flight between 12:01AM AEST 7 December 2020 and 11:59PM AEST 28 March 2021 (Booking Period) for travel up until 22 February 2022 (Travel Period)

Although the website still has a different definition of Eligible Flight (refers only to "flown"):
An Eligible Flight is a Virgin Australia marketed and operated flight with a “VA” flight number that you have flown during the Flying Period (we assess this on an individual member basis) and that is not a Reward Seat. Codeshare services marketed or operated by partner airlines are not eligible for this offer.

 

[QF WP]

Apologies in advance if asked already - but does this mean that family pooling does not count towards the eligible flight required? Need to fly it yourself?

That’s my understanding- it needs to be your bum in the seat

 

[BNEFlyer]

I'm a Gold and did four flights over the weekend, so got 5000 points credited after the second flight and a notification that my status extension is being reviewed (assume this will show up when my current year ends), also notified that I can get complimentary Economy X for me and up to 9 people on the same booking until the end of May, but I just went to book a flight and was being charged for the seats. Looks like I might need to make a call to sort that out (ugh).

 

[howardpw]

I need to "book one sector" by March 28th to keep Platinum, can this be paid for with FFC and/or points?

T&Cs in email

For the purpose of the Status Rewards below, an Eligible Flight is a Virgin Australia marketed and operated flight with a “VA” flight number that you have booked or flown during the relevant periods set out below (we assess this on an individual member basis) and that is not a Reward Seat. Codeshare services marketed or operated by partner airlines are not eligible for this offer.

No mention of FF credits, so I'm guessing it can be booked using credits and be eligible, but not points. Hope so anyway, as that's what I plan to do. Anyone else seen any details on using credits?

 

[AIRwin]

No mention of FF credits, so I'm guessing it can be booked using credits and be eligible, but not points.

As long as it's booked into a Getaway/Elevate/Freedom/Business Saver/Business fare class...

 

[henrus]

No mention of FF credits, so I'm guessing it can be booked using credits and be eligible, but not points. Hope so anyway, as that's what I plan to do. Anyone else seen any details on using credits?

Yep, this is correct, I've flown flights on velocity points that didn't count but ones on credits that did.

 

[kamchatsky]

I've also received the email as Gold as well. My review date is August. So all I need to do is to book a cheap flight way out to say Feb 2021, and then cancel it if needed to get into flight credit, and I will have my Gold extended to March 2022?

I don't need to travel now but I may want to travel domestically later this year, but cannot make the decision yet.

 

[AIRwin]

Final opportunity to book a sale fare?

Virgin Australia On Sale

Virgin Australia on sale. Check out the latest flight specials on offer. http://specials.virginaustralia.com/

specials.virginaustralia.com

 

[Bagpuss]

As long as it's booked into a Getaway/Elevate/Freedom/Business Saver/Business fare class...

To also add, the AMEX complimentary flight redemption (which is a Gateway/Elevate fare) is NOT valid.

 

[lobo76]

To also add, the AMEX complimentary flight redemption (which is a Gateway/Elevate fare) is NOT valid.

Are you sure - I just flew my Amex flight and got the 5000 bonus.

 

[Bagpuss]

Are you sure - I just flew my Amex flight and got the 5000 bonus.

Not for me. However, there have always been comments that the AMEX bookings have been hit and miss when it comes to stats credits and points. So I wouldn't bank on it.

Virgin AustraliaXX Mar 21 - VAxx_, xx_-xx_ (Not Valid For Earn)