Fewer Velocity Status Credits on Some Singapore Airlines Fares

Virgin Australia’s Velocity Frequent Flyer members will now earn 50% fewer status credits on Singapore Airlines Economy Standard fares. The adjustments to Velocity points and status credits earn rates follow the changes made to Singapore Airlines fare classes in January.

The major change sees Singapore Airlines Economy Standard fares now earning Velocity status credits at the “discount economy” rate. Economy Standard fare classes are M, H and W. Formerly Flexi Saver fares, these bookings used to earn full economy status credits. Full economy fares earn double the status credits of tickets classified as discount economy.

Singapore Airlines Economy Standard fares were popular with Velocity members because of the higher status credits earned, especially as they are only a little more expensive than Economy Lite fares. But this recent change was not unexpected…

Unfortunately this change was always going to happen at some stage. The reduction in SC earn on the old Flexi Saver fares is the big negative here (these are now discount Y for SC earn in W, M, H and L classes).

Not unexpected but geez the SQ Flexi Saver was usually a great SC per dollar earner.

There are also some changes to the rate at which Velocity points are now earned for Singapore Airlines flights with “SQ” flight numbers. Some First, Business and Premium Economy class tickets will now earn a higher rate of Velocity points per mile flown. But cheaper Premium Economy and some Economy fares will see a reduction in Velocity points earned. Economy Standard fares are particularly affected by a 25% reduction in Velocity points.

The changes affect flights flown from 1 March 2018. But they weren’t announced by Velocity until almost two weeks later, on 12 March 2018. Some AFF members have been told by Velocity that bookings made prior to 13 March will continue to earn points and status at the old rates…

I’ve received an email from Velocity confirming bookings made prior to 13 March 2018 will earn at the old rate.

…But our members have received contradictory information about this. One member was told the new, lower rates would apply to a booking made last year. Either way, it seems that the old rates are not being applied automatically for existing bookings.

My W class ticket [Economy Saver] flown on the 8th March was classified as Discount economy. I have Emailed velocity to get it looked into. Pretty sure I will get the SC’s and points credited but frustrating to follow up.

If you have an existing Singapore Airlines Economy Standard (or Flexi Saver) booking that you are crediting to Velocity Frequent Flyer, keep an eye on the points and status credits awarded. Contact Velocity if you believe you have been short-changed.

Join the discussion on the Australian Frequent Flyer forum: Change to SQ Earn Rates

Matt Graham

The editor of Australian Frequent Flyer, Matt's passion for travel has taken him to over 70 countries… with the help of frequent flyer points, of course!
Matt's favourite destinations (so far) are Germany, Brazil & Kazakhstan. His interests include economics, aviation & foreign languages, and he has a soft spot for good food and red wine.

You can connect with Matt by posting on the Australian Frequent Flyer community forum and tagging @AFF Editor.