The excitement of new tiers and "fancy lounges" but I'd start with making the travel experience more seamless.
In my crazy opinion, VA needs to look at former partner Air NZ, just to see how things work in the IT department. With Air NZ domestic flights, it's possible to change bookings instantly, request refunds for refundable tickets (or credits for those that are eligible for a credit) and most importantly when a ticket eligible for a fly ahead (called Flexitime over there) it's possible to make those request directly via the app. The number of times as Gold or Platinum I've had to call VA to make simple requests like that drives me insane.
Aside from IT upgrades, Many small changes would make a world of difference but also require minimal effort/spend.
Benefits could include:
- More business upgrades, the club gets 8? (but also the ongoing ability to use them from any fare and perhaps apply them to family/friends flight even when not traveling with them)
- Fly ahead but again on any fare, making it possible to make these changes via an app!
- Fly back, if you're running late or things run overtime, the ability to make a phone call or change via app to a later flight (if last flight of the day then allow free changes to first flight the next morning).
- Bring back anytime lounge access, after all, a person holding top tier [above platinum] VA status is likely traveling VA anyway or heading somewhere VA doesn't operate too.
- Ability to board even before priority boarding (US airlines manage it).
- A complimentary snack and drink off the menu when in Economy.