Can't achieve segments outside Australia

[CPMaverick]

Hi all, I've been a VA Platinum for 4 years. I was based in Australia that entire time but worked in the US for a few months (3-5 trips) a year.

Obviously it isn't possible to travel between the US and Australia realistically. So late last year I relocated (intended to be temporary) to the US. I can work remotely for my Australian customers but my US business needs me here.

Until Australian borders are back to semi-normal, I won't be back. But I've been flying Delta in the US and will reach SC to requalify for Platinum. My review date is Nov 1 and originally I assumed I'd be able to get back and fly some VA segments before then, but it doesn't seem likely now.

Sorry for the long explanation. But has anyone been able to get a status extension for not reaching the VA segments? Any other advice?

Cheers

 

[henrus]

Sorry for the long explanation. But has anyone been able to get a status extension for not reaching the VA segments? Any other advice?

I suspect there aren't many in your situation so perhaps why VA hasn't really thought of such solutions.

I'd start by sending an email to [email protected] and explaining the situation. (I'm not 100% sure if the email address is still checked so if you don't get a response within a week then perhaps call or fill out the contact form online).

Technically you're meant to live in Australia, NZ or the pacific to be a part of the velocity program but I'd let them know you're "stuck" because of COVID. Worst case scenario you drop to Gold (still gives some benefits on DL) and then hope the AU border reopens by November next year (I'm hoping fingers crossed).

 

[CPMaverick]

I suspect there aren't many in your situation so perhaps why VA hasn't really thought of such solutions.

I'd start by sending an email to [email protected] and explaining the situation. (I'm not 100% sure if the email address is still checked so if you don't get a response within a week then perhaps call or fill out the contact form online).

Technically you're meant to live in Australia, NZ or the pacific to be a part of the velocity program but I'd let them know you're "stuck" because of COVID. Worst case scenario you drop to Gold (still gives some benefits on DL) and then hope the AU border reopens by November next year (I'm hoping fingers crossed).

Thanks for that.

I guess I will shoot them an email. I was a little worried that there is a problem with me being a Velocity member and residing outside AU. Hopefully they would understand the situation though given all the restrictions.

If I were staying in the US, Gold would actually be fine... basically the same benefits here. But I would like to keep Platinum for when I return.

 

[Must...Fly!]

I would put forward to them not so much that you reside in Australia but are unable to return for an extended period due to limited quarantine places and work situation, rather than residing in the US. I would be surprised if they didn't give you some sort of exemption based purely on the fact that you earning on DL means money coming in to Velocity.

 

[CPMaverick]

Happy to report that I received an email reply thanking me for my continued flying in 2021 and confirming an automatic extension of my Platinum status for another year.

Thanks all.

 

[Thibault]

Thanks for that.

I guess I will shoot them an email. I was a little worried that there is a problem with me being a Velocity member and residing outside AU. Hopefully they would understand the situation though given all the restrictions.

If I were staying in the US, Gold would actually be fine... basically the same benefits here. But I would like to keep Platinum for when I return.

Interestingly, the Velocity website has been updated :

Access to Delta Owned and Operated Lounges

There have been some changes to Lounge access eligibility when flying with Delta. Effective 1 September 2021, domestic lounge access within the USA is only available to Platinum and Gold members in conjunction with an International same day journey.

Seems that they are aligning with other frequent flyers programs when flying on Delta.

 

[CPMaverick]

Ouch! That hurts.

 

[henrus]

Ouch! That hurts.

I guess that severely degrades holding onto VA Platinum whilst in the US?

 

[CPMaverick]

I guess that severely degrades holding onto VA Platinum whilst in the US?

Definitely. They took away Comfort+ upgrades some time ago.

So now the benefits are limited to baggage check lines and the limited benefit of preferred seating (I often buy Comfort+ anyway). And since I carry-on regularly and have TSA Pre check that's not a huge benefit.

Oh well

 

[ozstamps]

So a Virgin Platinum, flying paid Delta domestic First Class, has no lounge access now?

 

[Must...Fly!]

It would seem so.

I wonder if there are more US-domiciled Velocity members than we would assume. Besides, the theory when the tie up was announced was that it was to answer the direct competition with the QF-AA partnership but likely now it is just costing money for literally zero benefit to VA. Whenever travel restarts, assuming DL maintain their presence in to SYD then I wouldn't be surprised to see the benefit restored.

 

[CPMaverick]

It would seem so.

I wonder if there are more US-domiciled Velocity members than we would assume. Besides, the theory when the tie up was announced was that it was to answer the direct competition with the QF-AA partnership but likely now it is just costing money for literally zero benefit to VA. Whenever travel restarts, assuming DL maintain their presence in to SYD then I wouldn't be surprised to see the benefit restored.

I doubt there are many. The lounges almost never know what Velocity is. But it was a decent program if you wanted lounge access and didn't care about First Class upgrades.

VA does make money when people fly Delta, Delta would pay for the Velocity points. Although VA would pay for lounge access, probably why it's going away.

So a Virgin Platinum, flying paid Delta domestic First Class, has no lounge access now?

This is accurate, however in the USA First Class domestic never provides lounge access regardless of status.

Lounge access was previously provided to VA Gold/Plat on any fare. Now it's only international itineraries. This is in line with Delta's own status members.