Is a big drop in the numbers of VA Golds likely?

[Warks]

Since they halved the SCs for the cheapest fares I'm finding it very hard to get enough SCs to requalify for Gold. I'm okay this year as I got a big boost from some Delta Comfort Plus flights but my ordinary SC earn here has halved. I'm self-funded so paying an extra $50 or so per flight just for the SCs is hard to justify.

The VA lounges are still pretty packed every day. I wonder if this will drop off as this has to have an impact on BFOD flyers not just people like me. Check in about a year I guess.

 

[Ausbt]

By minting two Partner Golds this year, I'm doing my bit to redress the balance. But yes, you would expect a bit of a drop off surely. Lounge overcrowding can be a real problem - been in OOL lately? Pax will be sitting on the stairs soon. Also on a recent departure from MEL, I'd say 50+ in the PB queue.

 

[Jack_OC]

It will also be counterbalanced by stuff like this: Virgin Velocity Gold Status Fast-Track

 

[Pleb Status]

With VA giving away Explore Gold memberships like Uber gives out free initial ride vouchers, I would think that an explosion of SG is more likely than a reduction.

Also, the recent changes in SC earn reward any pax not flying on Getaway fares, so for most the losses are offset by the gains..

 

[Warks]

It will also be counterbalanced by stuff like this: Virgin Velocity Gold Status Fast-Track

I wonder how long it would take between my SG status lapsing and getting an offer. They're not to know I haven't switched loyalties I guess. Or do they know more?

 

[Warks]

Also, the recent changes in SC earn reward any pax not flying on Getaway fares, so for most the losses are offset by the gains..

I was invited to speak at a conference at the Gold Coast so made sure I booked a flexible ticket as they were paying for it. That should earn me a few more SCs than usual at least.

 

[Jack_OC]

I wonder how long it would take between my SG status lapsing and getting an offer. They're not to know I haven't switched loyalties I guess. Or do they know more?

According to the other thread on this forum, they are sending the Explore Gold offer to people who currently have Gold Status, so it doesn't seem like their targeting is particularly sophisticated!

 

[JohnK]

Halving the SCs on Getaway fares was a huge devaluation for me. The difference between Getaway and Elevate can be $80-$90 or more and I cannot justify spending extra to book Elevate.

It's going to be a struggle for me to maintain Gold from October 2017. I'm only just getting over the line requalifying QF Platinum and don't want to sacrifice that to keep VA Gold. Perhaps I can book some SQ flights to BKK in flexible economy.