Virgin Australia

As one of Australia’s leading airlines, Virgin Australia is a favourite among frequent flyers. Its Velocity Frequent Flyer program is also highly popular, offering members fantastic opportunities to earn and redeem points for flights, upgrades, and more. Discover tips, guides, and insights below to make the most of flying with Virgin Australia and leveraging the benefits of the Velocity Frequent Flyer program.

Etihad Airways bar

How to Avoid Velocity’s Carrier Charge for Etihad Flights

Since 2016, Virgin Australia has imposed a hefty “Etihad Airways Reward Seat Carrier Charge” when redeeming Velocity points for Etihad flights. This Etihad carrier charge adds up to USD300 ($420) to every single Etihad flight sector booked using Velocity points. Until recently, Virgin Australia was charging this Etihad carrier charge on all Etihad reward flight … Continued

22 Oct 2018 Virgin Australia
Virgin Australia 777 in Abu Dhabi

Double Velocity Points on Virgin Australia Flights

Virgin Australia is now offering double Velocity points on new flight bookings for travel next year. Book by 22 October 2018 to receive double points on Virgin Australia flights taken between 1 January and 9 October 2019. To receive double Velocity points, you’ll need to first register on the Velocity Frequent Flyer website. Then, just … Continued

16 Oct 2018 Virgin Australia
Singapore Airlines Airbus A350

Velocity Devalues KrisFlyer Transfers

The ability to transfer Virgin Australia Velocity points to Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer miles is a hugely popular benefit of the Velocity Frequent Flyer program. Sadly, the number of Velocity points you’ll need to transfer to KrisFlyer will increase significantly from next year. You can currently convert Velocity points to KrisFlyer miles – or vice versa – at … Continued

15 Oct 2018 Virgin Australia
Alitalia is shutting down

Benefits for Velocity Members Flying Alitalia?

Since Airberlin went broke last year, Alitalia has been the only Virgin Australia partner airline operating flights within Europe. The Italian flag carrier, which also has ongoing financial difficulties, has been a partner of Virgin Australia and Velocity Frequent Flyer since April 2016. With hubs in Rome and Milan, Alitalia operates many short-haul flights within … Continued

2 Oct 2018 Virgin Australia
Bill shock resort fees surprise restaurant

Virgin Overcharges, Threatens Membership Termination

A Virgin Australia customer was recently overcharged by more than $4,000. But, despite acknowledging the error, Virgin initially refused to refund any of the money. This customer claims that an airline representative even threatened to cancel their Velocity Frequent Flyer membership and revoke their Platinum status if they submitted a credit card chargeback claim. The … Continued

1 Oct 2018 Virgin Australia
How to Redeem Virgin Australia Travel Bank Credits

Virgin Responds Perfectly to Qantas Axing Music

Earlier this week, we brought you the story that Qantas has removed all music from its domestic in-flight entertainment. Claiming that fewer and fewer flyers are tuning in to music, Qantas decided back in July to remove the music playlists and CD collections in favour of more film and TV content. Many in the Australian … Continued

21 Sep 2018 Virgin Australia
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Unpublished Benefits of Velocity Platinum Status?

Velocity Platinum status is the highest level available to frequent flyers with Virgin Australia (other than “The Club” which is invitation-only.) Platinum status comes with a range of useful published benefits. There are the usual perks like lounge access (with up to 3 guests), priority check-in, priority boarding, bonus points and an increased baggage allowance. … Continued

6 Sep 2018 Virgin Australia
Bain Capital to Buy Virgin Australia

Virgin Australia Reveals $653m Loss for 2017-18

A week after Qantas posted a record annual profit, its competitor Virgin Australia has revealed a yearly loss of $653 million for the 2017-18 financial year. But much of the loss can be attributed to asset write-downs and restructuring costs for the airline. Once the impact of these one-off costs are accounted for, Virgin is … Continued

31 Aug 2018 Virgin Australia
How to Redeem Virgin Australia Travel Bank Credits

Virgin Adds Free Bags, Meals to New Zealand Flights

Virgin Australia has announced a host of improvements to its trans-Tasman and short-haul international flights. From 28 October, all Virgin passengers flying between Australia and New Zealand will receive a complimentary 23kg baggage allowance, meal and drink. There are also changes coming to the number of Velocity points and status credits earned for all short-haul … Continued

1 Aug 2018 Virgin Australia
Virgin Australia 737

New International Flights for Newcastle Airport

Newcastle Airport will receive its first international flights since 2002 with non-stop flights to New Zealand. The direct Virgin Australia flights from Newcastle to Auckland will take off from 22 November 2018. Running 3x weekly, this will initially be a seasonal service operating over summer until 17 February 2019. But Virgin has said it will … Continued

19 Jul 2018 Virgin Australia