Time for Velocity to allow international members?

[dajop]

I forgot that Velocity is only open to Australia and NZ members. With recent move overseas I went to change my address and was advised that I need to have a postal address in Aus or NZ to be member. Which is fine, I have plenty of options with parents etc there just not my actual address!

But I just wondered - with V Australia now flying to US and the ever expanding presence of Pacific Blue (the group now flies to 9 countries other than Aus/NZ) is time to open the doors more formally to international members?

 

[stryker]

Virgin Blue seems to be very small minded.

 

[pauly7]

Virgin Blue seems to be very small minded.

I disagree - keep in mind their international ops although growing are very very small still and I would suspect a huge majority of their PAX are still Australian. They have probably looked at the cost/benefit and decided it isn't worth it at the moment - there is plenty they can do to recruit more Australian customers first and improve the Velocity program...

 

[ANstar]

IThey have probably looked at the cost/benefit and decided it isn't worth it at the moment - there ...

How much can it cost to post a memberhsip card overseas and have a phone number redirect to Australia?

They just need to allow members to have an overseas address. they have done it for NZ and I would expect it is something to be looked at in te future. Especially for US residents.

I'd also like to see if Emirates and Virgin Atlantic will partner with VA for FF miles as DJ has.

 

[Flashback]

They could just do what most other airlines do, and with international members only send out a proper card once some sort of status has been reached.

 

[crazydave98]

It's not the admin cost of cards/kits that's the hold-up. It's tax and legal issues with foreign jurisdictions. We recognize that there is an increasing demand for foreign membership and are looking at resolving the issue.
cheers
CrazyDave98

 

[Flashback]

It's not the admin cost of cards/kits that's the hold-up. It's tax and legal issues with foreign jurisdictions. We recognize that there is an increasing demand for foreign membership and are looking at resolving the issue.
cheers
CrazyDave98

As always, thanks CrazyDave98!

 

[dajop]

It's not the admin cost of cards/kits that's the hold-up. It's tax and legal issues with foreign jurisdictions.

Thanks crazydave98, thought that might be the case.

 

[heleno]

It's not the admin cost of cards/kits that's the hold-up. It's tax and legal issues with foreign jurisdictions. We recognize that there is an increasing demand for foreign membership and are looking at resolving the issue.
cheers
CrazyDave98

Anything new to report on this?

 

[Mal]

Anything new to report on this?

Yeah, I'll be in the same boat soon... although will still have a postal address here, so Velocity isn't going to know or care really (I hope).

Would be nice to get an update.

 

[crazydave98]

Guys I'm going to have to be deliberately vague here - can only say we have something very significant brewing and you will hear something about it soon. Sorry I can't say any more.

cheers

CrazyDave

 

[Travel Guru]

It's not the admin cost of cards/kits that's the hold-up. It's tax and legal issues with foreign jurisdictions. We recognize that there is an increasing demand for foreign membership and are looking at resolving the issue.
cheers
CrazyDave98

Hi Crazydave,

Off topic a bit, but still lounge related, is there any chance DJ may consider adding priority checkin to the benefits of Lounge membership?

With your network beating that of QF's in alot of cases these days (excluding JQ obviously) i'm finding myself on more and more DJ flights and have considered joining the Lounge, but the lack of priority checkin which is a feature of Qantas club membership seems to be lacking and holds me back, especially when flying from ports where no lounge exists it would be the only benefit of value.

Just curious to find out whether they've looked at adding it at all?

Thanks for your time.

TG

 

[crazydave98]

Hi Crazydave,

Off topic a bit, but still lounge related, is there any chance DJ may consider adding priority checkin to the benefits of Lounge membership?

With your network beating that of QF's in alot of cases these days (excluding JQ obviously) i'm finding myself on more and more DJ flights and have considered joining the Lounge, but the lack of priority checkin which is a feature of Qantas club membership seems to be lacking and holds me back, especially when flying from ports where no lounge exists it would be the only benefit of value.

Just curious to find out whether they've looked at adding it at all?

Thanks for your time.

TG

Hi Travel Guru

Yes it has been considered but was decided not to include priority check-in with Lounge membership. For what it's worth my own opinion is that it should be included but I was out voted. However as we seek greater reciprocity with foreign airline partners for lounge and loyalty programs I think this will have to be revisited. If you don't have luggage to check-in you can of course just check-in at the Lounge.

cheers

CrazyDave98

 

[docjames]

Do Silver or Gold Velocity members get priority checkin? If so, i cant imagine the cost of providing priority checkin to Lounge visitors would be that great? As you note, will have to change if you develop codeshares/mutual recognition of status (hopefully then moving towards joining an alliance ! )

 

[Travel Guru]

Hi Travel Guru

Yes it has been considered but was decided not to include priority check-in with Lounge membership. For what it's worth my own opinion is that it should be included but I was out voted. However as we seek greater reciprocity with foreign airline partners for lounge and loyalty programs I think this will have to be revisited. If you don't have luggage to check-in you can of course just check-in at the Lounge.

cheers

CrazyDave98

Thanks for that Dave, it's a pity they did decide to exclude priority check-in, not only would it influence me to take out Lounge membership (i generally always travel with checked luggage), but given my preference for avoiding JQ would likely lead to more flights where QF isn't an option economically or routing wise.

Lets hope they revisit it soon, would be good to see it added in.

TG

 

[thegurio]

Thanks for that Dave, it's a pity they did decide to exclude priority check-in, not only would it influence me to take out Lounge membership (i generally always travel with checked luggage), but given my preference for avoiding JQ would likely lead to more flights where QF isn't an option economically or routing wise.

Lets hope they revisit it soon, would be good to see it added in.

TG

+1 to this... Not only would it make me buy it but i wouldnt really use it either so its an all round winner for DJ!

 

[v8Statesman]

I'll +1 purely as a loyal QFF flyer I want some checks and balances in place to keep my prefered airline on the level