VA status extensions

[Zinger]

Thanks to those above who were in a similar situation to me and shared their experience in obtaining that extra year extension of status.

My anniversary is at the end of August. I retained my platinum status requirements for the following year soon after that.

I thought I was just unlucky to not be included in the extension as when I received my new card it was valid until August 2020.

I emailed last night and received a reply this morning...

In line with status extension, Im pleased to let you know that as youve reached the requirements on your previous benefit period, well be maintaining your Platinum membership for a further 12 months (until XX August 2022).

For now, youll be seeing your review date as XX August 2021 as the system can only show one 12 month benefit period at a time, but rest assured that the status extension is noted on your account.

Great news despite the missing apostrophes and VA lounge in my home port of Cairns.

 

[serfty]

As an aside, has anyone got new cards on their anniversary? It’s been a month and there still nothing in the mail.

After requalifying WP back in Jan with a May review I did not receive a new card in the subsequent months bit eventually one arrived a couple of months ago.

In line with this thread, I just called as well and was able to get approval for an additional year's extension. Note that I was advised that the normal status review next May would occur and I may see a brief drop to Gold before going back to Platinum.

I have asked for an email confirmation of this and was told to expect one within 24 hours - I received it within 10 minutes.

 

[ozstamps]

As an aside, has anyone got new cards on their anniversary? It’s been a month and there still nothing in the mail.

Got a Plat card this week.

Have totally lost the plot what they are doing. It seems they themselves have no clear policy.

With Qantas tossing Gold Cards about to Virgin Plats and Golds late this week, they really better make things clear FAST or vast numbers will take the carrot and jump ship.

A Gold card that gives me lounge access and goodies, or a Virgin Plat card that does not ... not a tough call for many.

 

[Poss]

I'm in the same boat, requalified platinum on my own steam back in February before the 'rona status extension/gifts announcement was made. My review date was June and as I had already requalified the status extension and status gift meant zip to me.

I'm based in Melbourne so haven't flown at all since. Velocity account currently saying I still need to fly 8 eligible sectors and achieve 800 status credit before my review date in June 2021 to maintain for a further year.

I've been trying to give the new owners the benefit of doubt but they appear to be asleep at the wheel in keeping their status passengers incentive to stay so I've started booking my travel with QF.

I am in a similar situation. My review date is March 24th. Also being in Melbourne, I have been unable to do any flights, though have 3 interstate ones already booked. Mine is also showing that I still need to do 8 flights. With my bookings I will probably get there anyway. The point though, even without me or you having to do those 8 flights sectors my platinum (and yours at review) will/should be extended for a further 12 months from March 24th 2021. My status credits are now dropping off and will continue to do so coming up to the March review date. That will mean that whilst my platinum will be extended to March 24th 2022 I will still need to earn the 800 status credits to requalify at the next review date. Being in Melbourne the bonus status credits proved to be of no value and will just drop off like the others that I have earned.

 

[lewyVA]

Is the general consensus that we need to call and have this manually added to our accounts? Or do we feel it may happen automatically? My review date is May 2021 and am in a similar position to others.

 

[serfty]

Is the general consensus that we need to call and have this manually added to our accounts? Or do we feel it may happen automatically? My review date is May 2021 and am in a similar position to others.

I guess it is better to call and get it documented rather than hope.

Maybe they do plan a very lenient review criteria over the next year or so, but other than reports such as those in thread I have seen nothing.

 

[MH_fan]

I guess I'd better email or call them as well. I had re-qualified for WP in Feb with my anniversary in Sep this year, so I should be getting my status extension to Sep 2022.

 

[jonboixxx]

This from an email they sent me 2 April 2020;

Terms and Conditions 1. Status Extension and Status Preservation Status Extension: All Velocity members holding Silver, Gold or Platinum Status between 4 March 2020 and 29 March 2020 (Promotion Period) will be given a 12-month extension to their Benefit Period to maintain that Status level (Status Extension). Status Preservation: If you are a current Silver, Gold or Platinum member and your Status level was downgraded to Red, Silver or Gold during the Promotion Period, Velocity Frequent Flyer will reinstate your Status level as at the day before commencement of the Promotion Period. All eligible members for the Status Preservation would have a new Benefit Period commence Monday 30 March 2020. Eligible members for the Status Extension or Status Preservation are still able to maintain or upgrade their Status to the next Status membership level in accordance with the Velocity membership Terms and Conditions. Find out more about how to maintain or upgrade your Status level. This offer is not transferable. Any Status Credits and Eligible Sectors earned in a member’s account are subject to expiry after 12 months from earn.​

and also this;

'Your current Status will be extended for a further year1. Since we weren’t planning on reviewing your status until 18 March 2021, you’ll get a further 12 months once you reach that date. You don't need to do anything and once your bonus year of Status begins, you'll be able to see this on our Website and in the Velocity App. '

 

[SheikYerbouti]

My SG review date is next week (X Dec 2020). I re-qualified back in March 2020 and haven't been able to fly since then.

My wife is also SG (review date was X Sept 2020), and she was automatically sent a new SG card expiring X Sept 2021). So I believe my SG will be automatically extended to X Dec 2021.

Are you all now implying that it would be possible to extend further beyond that? I think I'm reading that wrong as it wouldn't make much sense.

 

[MooTime]

VA will certainly add very similar status extension....how could they not.

They currently till yesterday had the offer of transferring 100k velocity equivalent points & get 50 status credits. So they would prefer that to finish as some will transfer & that'll benefit Velocity cash balance.
I was about to proceed with this offer, but once the QF status extension was ann, I decided to wait it out for the odds on VA like for like offer.
I wouldn't qualify for QF offer as not flying for work any longer & just leisure traveller. QF flight this weekend thou.

Of course most with preference will keep their QF status as & maybe, just maybe a few will get matched at VA just for the hell of it & occasional alternate option of flying.

In the end majority of status members will be status members at both airlines. Where they go after year 1 or 2 will depend how & what VA Mk2 offer down the track.

 

[Jusrus]

Currently based in Madrid, so calling during their limited opening hours is annoying. Same boat as everyone here, long term platinum/gold member. What email address are you using? I've filled in something via the feedback form.

Would love to have this sorted soon as I'm going to start booking flights for the backend of 2021 over Christmas.

 

[AIRwin]

Velocity Status Rewards

Find out how Virgin Australia is rewarding existing Status members with Status Rewards. Find out more about our Status Match extension with our Discover Gold Program update.

experience.velocityfrequentflyer.com

 

[MooTime]

This an odd offer.
For me it's a 6 month extension from oct21, not 12month, how could it be when it's a blanket 28th March new extension date.
Also can't use a reward seat like Qantas offer. Plus have to actually fly by end of March.
I know all offers differ, but this seems not very good, yeah bonus points & seat upgraded, but only to March, short space of time.

I got few reward flights before March as cos heap of points.

Look forward to others thoughts.

 

[Carrots]

I can see their logic behind this, drive some sales in the new year and then given things are starting to look to be on the up, it will give people 12-15 months to re-qualify rather than a blanket 12 month extension.

 

[GSP]

I received the letter also. My anniversary was May, so it would mean an extra 10 months. I have a return flight booked in March courtesy of my one ANZ Rewards Traveler Credit Card which I assume will have me qualify (My skim over the terms didn't indicate an issue).

 

[hydrabyss]

I do like this offer for Platinum.

Fly 3 eligible flights* by 28 March 2021 and use your current complimentary Business Class upgrades on any Virgin Australia Economy fare until 28 March 2021

Good to see they are not offering a Platinum status challenge and only Gold. I doubt any one with Qantas would switch anyway.

 

[wendlle]

I was supposed to get Gold in Sept but had 3 flights cancelled (one was international) so had no chance and was going to stay on Silver.
I sent them an email and explained and gave all my flight confirmations, they actually gave me Gold which I was so happy about because I had it previously and let it lapse.
I have a flight in Feb so looks like with this offer I will get around an extra 6 months.
Pretty happy with that.

 

[MooTime]

View attachment 235301

I can see their logic behind this, drive some sales in the new year and then given things are starting to look to be on the up, it will give people 12-15 months to re-qualify rather than a blanket 12 month extension.

Status credit still expire after 12 months so all will have from end of March to gain the reqd amount of status credit to requalify.
The offer just delays the need to start to requalify.

 

[Jousams]

What a low energy offer. Have taken up the QF status fast track and wont be looking back. The way that bain have managed the purchase, focusing on budget travellers prior to addressing the concerns of frequent flyers (lounge access, FF program, status, etc) says everything. Good luck to VA, they will need it.

 

[hydrabyss]

What a low energy offer. Have taken up the QF status fast track and wont be looking back. The way that bain have managed the purchase, focusing on budget travellers prior to addressing the concerns of frequent flyers (lounge access, FF program, status, etc) says everything. Good luck to VA, they will need it.

What did Qantas offer as I have not looked into it.