Virgin Australia Discover Gold (Status Match)

[jase05]

Where?

I haven’t taken any notice on recent flights but shower facilities were meant to opened on July 1st

 

[MooTime]

Mel still closed last week but BNE was open. Was going to ask when they opened alas I didn't.

 

[Thibault]

Mel still closed last week but BNE was open. Was going to ask when they opened alas I didn't.

I was able to have a shower Saturday 6th around 0600. Was great after a 14h flight.

 

[HS-TQE]

They are just cherry picking NZ and South Pacific, which are areas where VA lacks partner coverage.

NZ lacks coverage, and is likely to be limited for the foreseeable future as VA won't selling for NZ anytime soon and their own metal into New Zealand will be extremely limited. (as long as the 'reportedly profitable' QF/NZ domestic codeshares remain in place).

Although it seems VA are doing (many) South Pacific Islands flights themselves with more flights restored in January 2023.

 

[Guvner]

I've applied using my OWE (Finnair) card. See what happens.

 

[Mattg]

I've applied using my OWE (Finnair) card. See what happens.

How did you apply? I assume through the contact form on the Velocity website?

 

[Guvner]

I followed the guide on PointHacks. So, yes, submitted a Customer Feedback form with links to screenshots of my digital membership card.
I'm hoping it comes through in a few weeks as I have a J return on VA (MEL-ADL) which nets more than enough SC's to retain Gold for 12 mths.

 

[500miles88]

If I read this correctly then Qatar Privilege Club members aren't eligible because they are a partner of Virgin but the partnership (and associated benefits) is yet to commence and doesn't have a start date? Find this a bit frustrating as I fly VA fairly frequently (my points/status pool into my partner's account as she also flies) and would very much appreciate these benefits opening up.

 

[biggy]

Can the the eligible Velocity sector and status credits be earned by flying with Singapore Airlines booked with Velocity points (economy), let's say SIN->MEL flight?

 

[theoracle30]

Can the the eligible Velocity sector and status credits be earned by flying with Singapore Airlines booked with Velocity points (economy), let's say SIN->MEL flight?

Status credits can be earned with any airline (including SQ on a paid (not reward) fare). The eligible Velocity sector must be a VA-coded flight.

 

[love_the_life]

I got a bit excited for a moment but then read the following:
"If you have previously held a Silver, Gold or Platinum status membership with Velocity Frequent Flyer, then you will not qualify for a Discover Gold membership. This also applies to members that have ever held a Pilot Gold trial membership."
Had a status match to Plat through work about 10 years ago, which then lapsed so looks like it's not a goer for me (and I would think quite a few others).

 

[sudoer]

Had a status match to Plat through work about 10 years ago, which then lapsed so looks like it's not a goer for me (and I would think quite a few others).

I would still suggest applying. The worst thing they can say is no.

 

[trippin_the_rift]

Looks to me as if Virgin is checking a box rather than genuinely wanting to capture incremental business.

My guess is the gold challenge will turn more potential business away from the brand because of the 'meh' offer than any revenue gain they might receive from new members taking it up.

Similar to airlines showing award flights that cost 2,000,000 points. The volume of members they lose (that disengage entirely from the program after seeing such high numbers) is more painful than the revenue gain of that one person who books it at 2M points.

I think it's a case of - do it properly, or not at all.

 

[Mrmaxwell]

If successful with status match are there any benefits on partner airlines eg UA while being on the 3 month qualification period? If not maybe a Star Alliance/UA status match would be better...

 

[Mattg]

If successful with status match are there any benefits on partner airlines eg UA while being on the 3 month qualification period? If not maybe a Star Alliance/UA status match would be better...

Yes, you get all the usual partner airline benefits during the trial.

 

[Fortunatecrow]

Just curious if anyone has applied and had a response at all? I will be in the business lounge next week, I might ask in person as there has been no response to my feedback form. Seems like a bright idea from marketing that no-one is actually implementing?

 

[Brian Gow]

Just curious if anyone has applied and had a response at all? I will be in the business lounge next week, I might ask in person as there has been no response to my feedback form. Seems like a bright idea from marketing that no-one is actually implementing?

Same here, I applied last Tuesday week and haven't had any response either. They should be proactively doing these requests as the delay or lack of response isn't a good look and besides I'm keen to book some flights with them.

 

[Fortunatecrow]

Just curious if anyone has applied and had a response at all? I will be in the business lounge next week, I might ask in person as there has been no response to my feedback form. Seems like a bright idea from marketing that no-one is actually implementing?

Got an email today

 

[itsjackson]

I completed the discover gold challenge earlier this year when it was offered to me through support. However, after the trial period, I was downgraded to silver even though I had met all the requirements to retain. I'm still in contact with Velocity to get this sorted, has anyone else had this experience?

 

[Fortunatecrow]

Got an email today

Sent the photo of my QF lifetime Gold yesterday, have just been advised of status match to VA gold tonight