Velocity - Loss of points when reward cancelled

[kamchatsky]

That's probably why I actually haven't used any of my 57K points yet .... until the new enhancements of the program comes along!

 

[JohnK]

It appears that I may have caused some offence to some other members with my post, I apologize to Cruiser Elite and anyone else that I may have offended

Didn't feel offended at all. Just a little disappointed that everyone was attacking someone who had a very valid and fair point.

In regards to JohnK's post, I think some kind of admin fee and a refund would be a better idea, I suppose I'm just too paranoid that some of the features that make the Velocity program a standout for me will change drastically (Like $ based SCs as opposed to distance based) :-|

Of course there should be some sort of token penalty such as QF or SQ but not total loss of points. That is totally unacceptable regardless of whether it is written in the terms and conditions.

I have a very modest Velocity balance which is not likely to grow too rapidly in the foreseeable future but I would hate to save Velocity all those years and then book an award and then get sick and have to go to hospital and cannot travel. Bye bye hard earned Velocity points....

 

[markis10]

Didn't feel offended at all. Just a little disappointed that everyone was attacking someone who had a very valid and fair point.

....

Nobody was attacking anybody, its not the way we do things here, and in fact there were more people agreeing with the lack of a refund being unfair than those that thought otherwise despite your earlier post stating the majority were against it. As has been stated by the company reps, things are changing with Velocity, and they take the constructive feedback on AFF very seriously, watch this space is what I read into that.

 

[Mal]

Always throws me when the first post is a quote from another thread ... Must remember that split threads often occur!

I have two different views:
- Where is travel insurance responsibility in the matter? From what I've read - travel insurance should deal with the issue involved - assuming a correct policy was purchased.
- The Velocity system is a little flawed. Cancellations and adjustments should be possible with a minimal admin fee charged.

I can't decide which view is the correct one.

Hope things work out for the best.

 

[JohnPhelan]

If people believe the DJ terms and conditions in relation to this are unreasonable and unfair, then please let the people at Virgin know. Write a personal letter to John Borghetti. If his office gets enough of them, on the same subject, it will have an impact.

It's great that people air their opinions on this forum - and no doubt the DJ posters here do pass what they hear up the line - but customers making individual contact to complain will have a much greater impact.

 

[Cruiser Elite]

A big thank you to all those who have contributed to this thread - I think that any Virgin reps who might browse AFF would be now critically aware that there is significant disenchantment with the 'Points Forfeiture' clause in the Velocity T & C's.

A couple of points of clarification:
1. I have sent a letter to Virgin - not JB as it was sent off 12 months ago
2. On 2 occasions I spent in excess of 1 hour on the phone with Virgin reps requesting and requesting I be passed up the hierarchical DJ chain so I might air my views to the most senior person I could - little satisfaction in this endeavour
3. Don't ever shoot the messenger guys - when the Velocity T & C's are changed it will benefit far more members than just me

Again thanks to AFF for giving me the forum to air my views - I know I am opinionated and appear brash - but I firmly believe brutal honesty is a far better course to tread than cough footing around the edges.

 

[anat0l]

As a comparison, not completely as tight as the current Velocity provisions, but Virgin Atlantic Flying Club has a fairly stiff provision in case of cancelling a booked flight reward:

4.2.1. ...

If for any reason a flight reward is not taken up outside 7 days prior to departure, 75% of the miles will be recredited to the member's account. A cancellation fee of £30 for changes in the UK, US$50 for changes in the US or local currency equivalent of US$50 for changes in any other region will apply. If for any reason a flight reward is not taken up inside 7 days of departure, no miles will be refunded and no fee will be charged. Once travel has commenced miles cannot be refunded. Miles are not refundable and changes or revalidation are not permitted in case of no-show.

So whilst T&Cs don't necessarily reflect a degree of fairness for customers, it's still important to check them.

 

[StevePER]

I suppose I'm just too paranoid that some of the features that make the Velocity program a standout for me will change drastically (Like $ based SCs as opposed to distance based) :-|

But that's the worst part of the Velocity program! Interesting to see a different perspective on this from those on the east coast. But sitting on those hard seats for five hours and only getting ~900 points is a bit of a joke.

 

[oz_mark]

But that's the worst part of the Velocity program! Interesting to see a different perspective on this from those on the east coast. But sitting on those hard seats for five hours and only getting ~900 points is a bit of a joke.

Yes, I remember something like that happening :evil:

 

[anat0l]

But that's the worst part of the Velocity program! Interesting to see a different perspective on this from those on the east coast. But sitting on those hard seats for five hours and only getting ~900 points is a bit of a joke.

You could pay the same price with JQ and get 0.

 

[yohy?!]

You could pay the same price with JQ and get 0.

And like my last flight with JQ have a broken seat that doesn't recline whilst the person in front you can!

 

[StevePER]

You could pay the same price with JQ and get 0.

What's your point?

 

[pshepvic]

So I think the solution for Velocity points is quite clear. Use them for Myer and David Jones vouchers! That's what I'll be doing, esp. since all my personal travel is all QF/OW...

 

[markis10]

So I think the solution for Velocity points is quite clear. Use them for Myer and David Jones vouchers! That's what I'll be doing, esp. since all my personal travel is all QF/OW...

Or wait for the revamp to see what value is on offer with the new "velocity" program?

 

[pshepvic]

Or wait for the revamp to see what value is on offer with the new "velocity" program?

I'll definitely wait before redeeming anything ... will be flying DJ somewhere between weekly and fortnightly in the near future by the looks of things. So will let all the points build up.

Although I guess we've only got another 9 days to wait (assuming the Velocity changes are announced at the same time as the rebranding).

 

[dk4]

...9 days to wait (assuming the Velocity changes are announced at the same time as the rebranding).

IMO it’s time for a BANG not a DRIP… or they risk crying wolf!

On the 23rd of February I want to be blown away, and this time ‘round - that’s gonna take all the cards thrown down on the table at once:!: