Virgin's new VIP tier... predictions?

[aus_flyer]

Some reporting this week on Virgin's new VIP tier...

Virgin Australia to launch new elite VIP tier next month
Virgin Australia's VIP lounges will reopen in April - Point Hacks

... but not a lot of detail in there!

Anyone want to make some predictions? What will be the eligibility requirements? And how will Qantas respond?

If it's a really good offering, it might tempt some Qantas P1s across...

 

[jase05]

I have my doubts that it will be open to leisure travellers and will be purely for businesses that spend a absolute stack.
Would be happy to be wrong and even if they made it say 3500 SC’s it would be something that is obtainable if the perks were decent enough.

 

[Carrots]

My prediction?

That I won't get an invite!

 

[oz_mark]

I'm guessing it will be tied directly to how much money you spend.

 

[jase05]

My prediction?

That I won't get an invite!

That’s two of us.
Despite earning close to 3000 SC’s this year (pending on the decision from VA) I’d dare say I wouldn’t even be on the horizon for them

 

[ozstamps]

United for 15 years or so have had an invite only level of 'Global Services 1K' which a normal 1K (Virgin Plat) on super steroi_s!

Based on your SPEND .. they do not care about SC or segments or miles flown per se. Last rumour I heard was $US75k a year or about $A100,000 a year.

OR the card is often extended to travel decision makers at large corporations who spend big on UA.

GS members get their own phone line that actually answers on a couple of rings, (was on hold to Virgin Plat line an hour Tuesday, and 40 mins Wednesday evening) by highly empowered US based agents who can do the 'impossible'.

Virgin regular phone staff cannot even upgrade tickets using Platinum member upgrades, (why it can't be web based is anyone's guess) unless you happen to get patched through to the priority desk. This week there just was a single person on duty until 7pm. (Her name was Andrea!)

GS agents can force inventory on sold flights, force award inventory, either clear immediately or get top P1 priority waitlisted any upgrade request, and so on. Have agents meet you at gate for IRROPS, or tight connections etc.

Spend $100K and you deserve it!

Virgin CLAIM the criteria to qualify for it will be 'open and transparent' -- I bet it will not be. Why on earth WOULD it be?!

And agree this will always occur in the real world -

''There were also the more nebulous 'F-o-Js', which in the Borghetti era stood for Friends of John, and in 2022 may well continue as Friends of Jayne.''

 

[jase05]

Agree this will always occur in the real word -

''There were also the more nebulous 'F-o-Js', which in the Borghetti era stood for Friends of John, and in 2022 may well continue as Friends of Jayne.''

Absolutely and it happens with all big businesses. I don’t have a real issue with it though

 

[jakeseven7]

I think it will allow access to their hidden VIP lounges, like the one in HBA.

 

[ferntree]

I don't have a crystal ball but I'd like to see a new tier - say Platinum Plus at around 2000 SCs with VIP lounge access and a few other perqs.

 

[jase05]

I don't have a crystal ball but I'd like to see a new tier - say Platinum Plus at around 2000 SCs with VIP lounge access and a few other perqs.

2000 SC’s is still fairly easy to earn so I doubt it would be that low if they went that way. I strongly suspect it will be on a $$$ figure regardless and you will need to spend $40k a year or something

 

[jakeseven7]

2000 SC’s is still fairly easy to earn so I doubt it would be that low if they went that way. I strongly suspect it will be on a $$$ figure regardless and you will need to spend $40k a year or something

Agree it will have to be $$ as VA2 status is very easy to earn, perhaps it will be a combo of cash and status credits.

 

[Mr H]

My guess is something like the SQ PPS - dollars spent on premium cabins.

 

[MARTINE]

And agree this will always occur in the real world -

''There were also the more nebulous 'F-o-Js', which in the Borghetti era stood for Friends of John, and in 2022 may well continue as Friends of Jayne.''

Or ….(NOT) For Ordinary Jos

 

[BCons]

I think it will allow access to their hidden VIP lounges, like the one in HBA.

Ssshhh.. that lounge is sposed to be a Secret!

 

[jakeseven7]

Ssshhh.. that lounge is sposed to be a Secret!

Meet you there on Friday?

 

[aus_flyer]

Ssshhh.. that lounge is sposed to be a Secret!

Hobart? Huh?

 

[jakeseven7]

Hobart? Huh?

If you know you know, if you don't you aren't VIP.

 

[Mr H]

If you know you know, if you don't you aren't VIP.

Let's face it - if you're flying VA on a route that QF covers, you aren't VIP.

 

[MARTINE]

If you know you know, if you don't you aren't VIP.

Bit like having to ask the price of something!
.. and you are not ultraVIP as they don’t take ‘scheduled flights’ as they are referred to in Succession

 

[aus_flyer]

I wonder if this will still be announced this month...