Understanding Points earn

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bean

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This is partly a test to see who can answer my question the quickest-AFF or the platinum service department who have already had 24 hours....I wager $50 on AFF...

So reviewing my account the other day and I noticed different points earn for the same flight-on one occasion a Freedom fare Perth to Melbourne generated 4,208 points compared to a Freedom fare Perth to Melbourne on another occasion which generated 8,442 points.

I emailed platinum velocity help about this asking how and why the exact same fare on the exact same route generates such different points and they responded with their typical non helpful blow off response 'we have checked the points and they are correct' with no further explanation.

Soooo anyone here able to provide some insight for the variance that is a little more insightful than the 'professionals' at Virgin?
 
I would help if I could but I'm still stuck at trying to get flights taken to show up on the statement!:p
 
What were the fares? One seems to be almost double the other, which would suggest double the fare.
 
Not to mention their beautiful website constantly crashing last night-tried for 30 mins to book $5k worth of fares and gave up in the end. Seriously....I thought it may have been because I was on a Mac, no excuse though. Might try later today...wife says just book Qantas lol
 
For Virgin Australia domestic flights, points are earned per dollar spent (rather than the flight's distance). You generally earn 5 points per dollar, with bonuses for Silver, Gold and Platinum members of 50%, 75% and 100% respectively.

I'd hazard a guess that your Melbourne-Perth flight cost less than the Perth-Melbourne flight, and/or your status tier was higher (giving you a higher percentage of bonus points) at the time of flying Perth-Melbourne than it was when you flew in the opposite direction.
 
Thanks Matt I'll have a look. Wouldn't it have been lovely if Virgin could have just explained that to me. At least I won my bet ;)
 
Both freedom fares-only ever book freedom.

How did the two flights post (base and bonus), and how do the base points compare to the 5 points per dollar earned on the fares?
 
O.K, so just confirming-both flights Im comparing are Perth to Melbourne

Flight 1:

Base Points: 2,104
Bonus Points: 2,104

Flight 2:

Base Points: 4,221
Bonus points: 4,221

Going on what Matt said re $5 per point that would indicate flight one cost $420 and flight two cost $844 each way....

45
4,221
4,221
8,442
 
O.K, so just confirming-both flights Im comparing are Perth to Melbourne

Flight 1:

Base Points: 2,104
Bonus Points: 2,104

Flight 2:

Base Points: 4,221
Bonus points: 4,221

Going on what Matt said re $5 per point that would indicate flight one cost $420 and flight two cost $844 each way....

454,2214,2218,442

Bean

I guess you are having a dig at the call centre ( which I have done many many times and still do ) but sometimes some of our frustration can be avoided by checking on the website.

This is pretty much what Mattg said here https://www.velocityfrequentflyer.com/content/Earn/Airlines/PointsEarn/

Can you confirm that you did in fact pay $420 and $844 ?
 
The Frequent Flyer Concierge team takes the hard work out of finding reward seat availability. Using their expert knowledge and specialised tools, they'll help you book a great trip that maximises the value for your points.

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Bean

I guess you are having a dig at the call centre ( which I have done many many times and still do ) but sometimes some of our frustration can be avoided by checking on the website.

This is pretty much what Mattg said here https://www.velocityfrequentflyer.com/content/Earn/Airlines/PointsEarn/

Can you confirm that you did in fact pay $420 and $844 ?


Just checked and the rate paid was $1,198 so still doesn't quite add up but mehh...

And yes unfortunately I am having a dig at the call centre/help desk. Why is it that some random guy of the internet with no customer service training or specific product knowledge can provide a much more satisfactory response to my question-that's the problem.
Its the outsourcing off shore that's the problem.

Every time I call and speak to an Australian operator they are amazing, the Philippine's ones are just like robots and want to end the call as quickly as possible (though in this instance my interaction has been via email)

Anyways thanks all for your help, much apprciated
 
It is interesting how someone can supposedly reach WP and have no idea how points are earned in the VFF universe.

I believe domestic earn has been based on spend since day one of VFF.
 
Why is it that some random guy of the internet with no customer service training or specific product knowledge can provide a much more satisfactory response to my question-that's the problem.
Its the outsourcing off shore that's the problem.

You have to remember alot of status holders have a vested interest in the program and after many years tend to learn alot and regularly know more than some staff who have had the minimum training regarding a program with no real world knowledge. Unfortunatley this day and age staff turn over can be high where as status holders remain loyal for many years hence the reason people ask on the forum.
 
It is interesting how someone can supposedly reach WP and have no idea how points are earned in the VFF universe.

I believe domestic earn has been based on spend since day one of VFF.

Whys it interesting? It's the first time to be honest I have even looked at the points earned for a individual flight. Sure I keep an eye on my overall balance of points and credits but normally that's it.

I guess this whole thread is just a reflection of my frustration. I looked at the points and see a difference nearly double and think hmmmm that's weird so ask the question-my frustration was that my question wasn't really answered. But anyways all good.
 
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You have to remember alot of status holders have a vested interest in the program and after many years tend to learn alot and regularly know more than some staff who have had the minimum training regarding a program with no real world knowledge. Unfortunatley this day and age staff turn over can be high where as status holders remain loyal for many years hence the reason people ask on the forum.

Thats a very good point. I mentioned earlier every single interaction I've have with the Australian based call centre has just been superb. They are a credit to the company
 
It is interesting how someone can supposedly reach WP and have no idea how points are earned in the VFF universe..

You havent met my husband and hes been a WP for almost 5yrs. He. Just. Doesnt. Get. It. (I manage his FF accounts).
 
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