Virgin Australia launches 'coronavirus status extension' plan

[serfty]

This is far fairer that Qantas's effort. It does not leave those who's "year" just ended in the lurch.

It's effectively extending status for those who have it month by month, presumably for as long as necessary. If it goes for a full year at the same rate than that is 840 SC's for WP - just need the 8 flights I guess.

 

[AIRwin]

This is far fairer that Qantas's effort.

And simpler.

 

[MH_fan]

I think VA's offer is quite reasonable. I'm sure they've crunched the numbers and a blanket extension of status didn't make the most sense to them. QF's position is different, as I'm guessing the majority of their elite members rely on international travel. VA not so much, so putting out this offer allows them to respond faster to any recovery in the aviation industry and dampening of domestic travel won't be anywhere near the scale of what we're currently seeing for international travel. QF's FF members will find it very difficult to move up the status ladder wirh the current situatipn but VA's FF members should have more of an opportunity to move up with their offer.
I guess I personally don't have to worry as I'd already re-qualified for WP 5 months into my year.

 

[Muppet501st]

its a great offer, for me.
My membership year ends, the end of June. Ive already re-qualified for WP, but im shy of gifting WP by 150sc. Im still traveling for work- but via car. So with this offer, i'll be able to gift WP.
Thank you VA

 

[Rob.au]

I really wish they included a comparable eligible sector gift as well. I’ve already got enough SCs to re-qualify for Gold in May, but I only have 3 out of 4 eligible sectors. I had a return flight booked in April and would have been at 5, but I now won’t be travelling.

I can’t justify risking the health of myself and others just to maintain status, so if this is the deal, my Gold will fall back to Silver, taking the bulk of my benefits with it. Not great for when I can go back to travelling again unfortunately.

Potential opportunity for Qantas to pinch some customers on the other side of this if they wanted to offer a status match for people tumbling out of Velocity.

 

[knagelli]

Email this morning from Virgin Australia

 

[Must...Fly!]

I think this is a good move. As others have mentioned, you do need to incentivise people to travel once the bulk of the restrictions have been lifted.

It also staggers the cost of sending out new membership packs/cards which is important.

 

[Denali]

Not going to complain but dont need SCs, need 2 sectors flown so would have preferred just a 12mth extension.

But, we are booked for August to fly to tassie>return for the 2 sectors.... hopefully Tassie have not closed their borders by then

 

[andye]

I'm in a similar position. Comfortably have enough SCs for WP but need two more sectors by end May.
I'm finding it difficult to justify the exposure risk of a sector run, even if small

 

[Warks]

I've got a flight in a week, wasn't sure I was going to do it but now I'm getting the SCs to requalify I'm not as pressured to take it (not that there was much pressure anyway).

 

[jpp42]

My WP status expires 4 April and I had a return to NZ scheduled last week that was cancelled, which would have given me my last 2 eligible sectors. I have enough SC's and 6 sectors. I am not too fussed about this as WP doesn't really give that much more than SG, especially since most my travel in the past has been on Singapore Airlines and Delta anyway, but it's annoying that there seems to be no leeway on the eligible sectors qualification.

 

[MH_fan]

For people who need the eligible sectors, I think it's only fair that VA accept those eligible sectors for flights that are booked (and potentially will be cancelled) or flights that have been cancelled by the airline.

 

[knagelli]

I have just hit Platinum as of last week , so I am not complaining to have additional SCs. However will I be getting status credits based on Platinum status or status Gold as it was upgraded only last week.

 

[exceladdict]

I'll also be 2 sectors short, but if this plan continues for 6 months, I'll manage to hit the SC retain level for gold. There'll have to be some sort of sector requirement waiving if it goes on for that long though.

It does make sense that VA's method of extension is different to QFs though, as their earn and retain methods are vastly different, with QF being fixed date.

 

[Vic]

Virgin Brass appear totally asleep at the wheel at this crucial time. Pulled half their flights, but leases and 10,000 staff all still need to be paid, and are doing absolutely ZIPPO to fill planes or attract any new bookings via juicy price discounts, or discounted FF points offers, or double or treble SC etc, etc.

I've been directed NOT TO FLY by work. Exactly what strategy by Virgin will get my bum in their seats?

It's been mentioned by others but the Qantas status extension means I don't have to buy their flights for 18 months. If I'm allowed to fly again in July, then the 3 month pro-rata thing then gives me a reason to buy a virgin seat to get the extra status I need.

 

[ozstamps]

Near 11am AEST and not a word about this on Velocity website that i can see, even after logging in.

Seems like very little thought went into this.

What are folk's talking abut re sectors needed - is that explained anywhere other than in the blog last night which was in pidgin English that made no sense to me anyway.

You need to do certain number of flown sectors EACH month to get these SC, or just some in the 3 month period?

 

[Harthagan]

This is far fairer that Qantas's effort. It does not leave those who's "year" just ended in the lurch.

It's effectively extending status for those who have it month by month, presumably for as long as necessary. If it goes for a full year at the same rate than that is 840 SC's for WP - just need the 8 flights I guess.

I'd agree except that it is only starting in April. Like as if the first 3 months of the year never happened?

Also there is no mention of scope for it being continued if the current situation persists. Might seem like a small detail but to some I am sure it would be meaningful to hear that Virgin are committed to the long term rather than the just slapping a band aid on it approach.

 

[serfty]

The email simply stated that SC's will be applied in the first week of the next three months, the amount depending on you status (presumably) at the time. The were no caveats, so this is irrespective of how much you fly.

For me, that means 70 in 2 weeks, 70 in six weeks and 70 in 11 weeks. I will not be flying in that time.

 

[ozstamps]

The email I got only mentuoned Status Credit GIFTS for 3 months and outlined that came to 210 SC.

Nowhere on it did it mention any flight sectors required to receive this "gift".

 

[Must...Fly!]

Near 11am AEST and not a word about this on Velocity website that i can see, even after logging in.

Seems like very little thought went into this.

What are folk's talking abut re sectors needed - is that explained anywhere other than in the blog last night which was in pidgin English that made no sense to me anyway.

You need to do certain number of flown sectors EACH month to get these SC, or just some in the 3 month period?

Are you ok?

As far as has been stated, Status Credits are being gifted - eligible sector conditions still apply for renewing/upgrading status.