VA status extensions

[AIRwin]

For those booking an eligible flight, there is a Clear Your Calendar Sale ending tonight:

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specials.virginaustralia.com

 

[MooTime]

I have quieried the "12 month extension".

It can't be if they lock in the new status extension date being 31st March 2022.

Only those expiring March 2021 have 12 month extension. All others will have varied extenstions.

Velocity will get back to me.

I have to ask how difficult is it to have a clear simple status offer?
Both QF & VA seen to have made things difficult for themselves.
How many ppl check these offers thoroughly before going to market with them?

 

[Jack_OC]

I do like this offer for Platinum.

Fly 3 eligible flights* by 28 March 2021 and use your current complimentary Business Class upgrades on any Virgin Australia Economy fare until 28 March 2021

Good to see they are not offering a Platinum status challenge and only Gold. I doubt any one with Qantas would switch anyway.

The whole thing is extremely underwhelming for me. Even the Business Class upgrade part. This is only activated after taking 3 eligible flights, and the upgrades have to be used by 28 March. So the only way someone will be able to take full advantage of this is if they fly at least 7 times with VA over the next 3 and a bit months (at a time when many people still have zero work-related travel). Even then "Upgrades are subject to availability which is controlled by Virgin Australia. Some flights may have no upgrades available."

More generally, the requirement to take an eligible flight by 28 March to extend status is not exactly an open goal (compared to what QF have offered). I was wondering why they picked 28 March, rather than say the end of the month - my guess is it's to make sure that any travel in Easter week is excluded, just to make it that bit harder.

My existing review date is in August, but I had requalified as Platinum well before COVID materialised, so I didn't benefit from the free 1 year extensions handed out originally. I wonder if they will give me an extra year (up to Aug 22) if I ask, as others have reported earlier in the thread? Or will this new offer supersede that?

 

[Stealthflyer]

I get that they want bookings, but I wish they’d just grant a blanket extension and instead use other inducements to book flights. With the continued uncertainty I am reluctant to book for even the near future. Plus flying is still unsafe. I can’t afford to have to have to suddenly quarantine for two weeks if there’s a sudden outbreak at my destination. My employer would be very unimpressed if I couldn’t be on site for two weeks.

 

[freebo]

I just came back from BNE-CNS-BNE, however it was a free flight with my Amex. I'm guessing this wouldn't count as an eligible flight?

It was good to be back in the BNE lounge, even though breakfast was very limited.

 

[Matt_01]

I wonder if they will give me an extra year (up to Aug 22) if I ask, as others have reported earlier in the thread? Or will this new offer supersede that?

No harm in trying, VA extended my status to late May 22.

 

[Jack_OC]

I just came back from BNE-CNS-BNE, however it was a free flight with my Amex. I'm guessing this wouldn't count as an eligible flight?

It was good to be back in the BNE lounge, even though breakfast was very limited.

I think Amex free flights should be eligible:
"An Eligible Flight is a Virgin Australia marketed and operated flight with a “VA” flight number that you have flown during the Flying Period (we assess this on an individual member basis) and that is not a Reward Seat. Codeshare services marketed or operated by partner airlines are not eligible for this offer."

However, note that the "Flying Period" only commenced today, so if you took these flights before today they won't count.

 

[freebo]

I think Amex free flights should be eligible:

However, note that the "Flying Period" only commenced today, so if you took these flights before today they won't count.

Ah nuts, we came back from CNS on Saturday!

 

[Jack_OC]

No harm in trying, VA extended my status to late May 22.

Good to know. Did you phone or email to request this? I can't actually find an email to address to contact them, although I'm sure I have emailed them in the past.

 

[Matt_01]

@Jack3193 I called them. From calling to having my status extend and the conformation email the whole experience was less than 10 minutes.

 

[serfty]

@Jack3193 I called them. From calling to having my status extend and the conformation email the whole experience was less than 10 minutes.

Good to know. Did you phone or email to request this? I can't actually find an email to address to contact them, although I'm sure I have emailed them in the past.

See upthread from post #11

 

[ozstamps]

I assume all Platinum members at least, see on their Velocity page they are extended to 31 March 2022 as long as one (1) flight is taken in next few months.

Not sure I get it with using upgrades on any fare ... can you do that ONLY for flights made up to March 31, 2021 ... and only after you have made 3 flights already?

 

[Port Power]

On television news tonight it was said VA gold and platinum members received status extension for 12 months. Not that they bothered mentioning the requirement to fly one flight, but it was only a snippet. Also that VA is offering status match for QF SG and WP who flew with them. Seems like VA has been reading Qantas newsletters!

 

[hydrabyss]

I assume all Platinum members at least, see on their Velocity page they are extended to 31 March 2022 as long as one (1) flight is taken in next few months.

Not sure I get it with using upgrades on any fare ... can you do that ONLY for flights made up to March 31, 2021 ... and only after you have made 3 flights already?

Some already received an extension back in march so are not included.

The upgrade offer runs out on 31 march.

 

[AIRwin]

The upgrade offer runs out on 31 march

28 not 31?

 

[hydrabyss]

28 not 31?

Thanks, theres to many different dates and status extension offers I am starting to get them mixed up unless I go back and check each time.

 

[Dee#]

I requalified in Jan 2020 for June. I have plat status currently til June 2021. I was told this would be auto extended til June 2022. Does this mean I now have to take a flight and only get to March 2022? Asking the brains trust? (Also Mr Dee in same boat but earlier for Jan 2021)

 

[hydrabyss]

I requalified in Jan 2020 for June. I have plat status currently til June 2021. I was told this would be auto extended til June 2022. Does this mean I now have to take a flight and only get to March 2022? Asking the brains trust? (Also Mr Dee in same boat but earlier for Jan 2021)

Velocity handed out extensions in march, so if you got one this new extension would be for those that missed out then. My partner upgraded to platinum in may or june so from my understanding she needs to take a flight.

 

[BNEFlyer]

Velocity handed out extensions in march, so if you got one this new extension would be for those that missed out then. My partner upgraded to platinum in may or june so from my understanding she needs to take a flight.

People who got the March extension are eligible for this offer, as long as their review period is in 2021.

 

[henrus]

Some already received an extension back in march so are not included.

It actually seems to be the opposite of this:

You won’t be eligible for the Status extension if you: (my bold)

• have a Review Date in 2022
• have a Review Date in 2021, were eligible for the first Status extension announced in March 2020 and have not yet had your extra year of Status applied to your Velocity membership
• upgraded your Status between 1 April 2020 and 31 March 2021
• were awarded an individual discretionary Status extension by Velocity

I read this as those who got the first one are eligible and those who are yet to receive it (or because they've earnt it on their own) won't get this bonus.