Points for Pets with Velocity

[markis10]

VIRGIN Australia has launched a new frequent flyer program that is sure to have tongues - and tails - wagging.
The airline has become the first in Australia to let pets earn frequent flyer points.
Members of the airline's Velocity scheme can earn 300 points every time their dog or cat flies on the Virgin Australia domestic network.
Velocity Frequent Flyer Chief Executive Officer Neil Thompson said it's about time our four-legged friends reaped the benefits of their high-flying lifestyle.
"Virgin Australia flies almost 30,000 pets each year around Australia, and a large proportion are owned by Velocity members, so we know how important their companions are to them," Mr Thompson said.




Read more: Virgin Australia launches frequent flyer program for pets | News.com.au

 

[erkpod]

As I said on the VA FB page, can I claim extra SC/points for flying my pet elephant Stampy?

I never realised that many pets flew. Are people taking their pets on holidays, moving house or a combination of the 2?

 

[drewbles]

No SC earn for taking Fido along... that's a bit... ruff

*da dum tish*

 

[dalereardon]

Hi,

Virgin has confirmed to me that they will not award points for guide dogs travelling in the cabin as they receive a free seat.

Guess I'll stick to Qantas then - I think my dog, Charlie, should get points regardless - would have been a nice PR gesture.

 

[Gold Member]

Family pooling available??

 

[Mr_Orange]

I just got this email. So funny!

 

[samh004]

I got the email. Thought they were 3 months late for April Fools Day!

 

[RooFlyer]

The policy is clearly hexapodist and arachnidist.

No points for the ant farm pets or pet tarantula :shock: :evil:

Guess I'll just have to let the boys look after themselves on the flight ...

 

[FlashKiwi]

Like most AFF members I immediately thought of some point earning opportunities......Being the entrepreneur type maybe there is business in collecting and renting out strays at a booth at the airport? Kind like in the US where you can pick up a DVD at one airport and drop it off at another.....Maybe extra income for the SPCA?

Then I did the numbers..... as Plat get 600 points for a cost of $55, plus the capital investment of a pooch cage, possible 'rental' of said animal (is that even legal), plus having to drop off and pick up Fido or Fluffy off at the local Toll Depot. If family pooling and SC's were added then there may be a marginal benefit. Then you got to look at the complexity of the quarantine laws state by state.

The biggest risk (for me) would be a flight delay and trying to explain to the next door neighbors why I am stuck in Kalgoorlie with their cat

 

[hummel]

My cat may understand SC run's more than the good lady...

Also probably cheaper to take him with me than pay boarding fees! :shock:

 

[markis10]

Apparently 1A has gone to the dogs

Picture credit http://www.smh.com.au/travel/travel-news/pets-to-earn-frequent-flyer-points-20130701-2p787.html