A little positive note for Virgin (Velocity)
Having relocated to the UK 3 months ago and being a little over halfway to retaining Platinum with 2.5 months remaining I thought my days of enjoying the Etihad First lounge were over. A creative trip back to Oz via AUH, HKG and SYD onto MEL, and a cheep J fare to MCY via SYD to visit some family had me in with a sniff. I'd sat down and done the numbers. 17 SC required to retain, after factoring in my return to UK trip, and some still to be credited EY SCs. Right, a quick visit to Perth to catch up with some friends. Prices heading over were $500+ so redeemed some points, with a cash fare coming back which was a more palatable price. I'd done it, maintained for another year, and would be able enjoy Virgin Atlantic and Delta lounge access for the next two years, by way of the soft landing to gold (both valuable thanks to the new base).
The only problem was the Coronas in the VA lounge I'd sat down in which to do my calcs had had an affect. I'd double counted somewhere, or forgot about credits dropping off. I was 13 short. And I was on my way out of the country with no way of a status run.
...however, a couple of emails to Velocity, initially offering for me to buy it with points, and then upon realising how close I'd be, giving it to me for another year (as well as sending out my Gold Membership pack- that bit had me worried..)
Nevertheless I'm a happy Virgin platinum frequent flyer, and will enjoy the perks for another 2 years to come.
It also reaffirmed how much a few smiles and a nice meal on a Middle East lay over mean to me.
It's a good thing I like flying!
Having relocated to the UK 3 months ago and being a little over halfway to retaining Platinum with 2.5 months remaining I thought my days of enjoying the Etihad First lounge were over. A creative trip back to Oz via AUH, HKG and SYD onto MEL, and a cheep J fare to MCY via SYD to visit some family had me in with a sniff. I'd sat down and done the numbers. 17 SC required to retain, after factoring in my return to UK trip, and some still to be credited EY SCs. Right, a quick visit to Perth to catch up with some friends. Prices heading over were $500+ so redeemed some points, with a cash fare coming back which was a more palatable price. I'd done it, maintained for another year, and would be able enjoy Virgin Atlantic and Delta lounge access for the next two years, by way of the soft landing to gold (both valuable thanks to the new base).
The only problem was the Coronas in the VA lounge I'd sat down in which to do my calcs had had an affect. I'd double counted somewhere, or forgot about credits dropping off. I was 13 short. And I was on my way out of the country with no way of a status run.
...however, a couple of emails to Velocity, initially offering for me to buy it with points, and then upon realising how close I'd be, giving it to me for another year (as well as sending out my Gold Membership pack- that bit had me worried..)
Nevertheless I'm a happy Virgin platinum frequent flyer, and will enjoy the perks for another 2 years to come.
It also reaffirmed how much a few smiles and a nice meal on a Middle East lay over mean to me.
It's a good thing I like flying!
