Virgin Australia Discover Gold (Status Match)

[oz_mark]

I also didn't apply against the T&C, I applied based on what I seen on here.

I think you will find the article on FF today was a different offer, these guys at Virgin are now having something called switcharoo, it sure looks like they are going out of their way to chase down the Qantas customers. Its very obvious its a gimmick, if they wanted good paying customers they would have taken me, I am platinum, it's a no brainer....

In Switcheroo, it is:

Note that the offer is unavailable to Velocity members that have held Silver Status or above since April 2020.

 

[dairyfloss]

Can confirm. I was in SIN over the weekend travelling SQ Y as WA WP. Gold lounge only. Had to show my Virgin card on entry too even though it was printed on the BP that I had access to the Gold lounge. As it happened I had the physical card with me so not sure if a digital one would have sufficed (I didn't have to show a card to enter the SQ lounge in MEL so it may just depend on the agent).

The SIN Gold lounge is certainly a much nicer space than the old (pre-renovation) one (and it has toilets now!) but not as big and not as nice as the SilverKris/J lounge next door. Much more limited food selection -- the items provided were very similar to what was in the SilverKris J lounge when I was there back in August, just with much less variety/choice.

I’ve been *A Gold on and off in the past and visited the KrisFlyer Gold lounges many times. I was excited to hear they were adding toilets

Cheers,
Matt.

 

[RooFlyer]

They reviewed your account and verified that you previously hold a higher Tier Status with Velocity. As per our offer's terms, please note that members who were once a Silver, Gold or Platinum membership with Velocity will not qualify for a Discover Gold membership. This also applies to members that have ever held a Pilot Gold trial membership.

Thus, we regret to advise that your application for Discover Gold has been unsuccessful. You can also find the details mentioned on our website through the below link.

I think its a bit steep to try on that you once were something at Virgin when these guys went broke and everyone lost out.

I think the whole thing is a bit of a gimmick, we will stick with Qantas, they are better airline allround.

Well, its the way they decided to pitch it. And as for 'better airline all round' ... well, besides all the problems they have been having this year, are Qantas better on price? You can sometimes fly business on Virgin for the price of economy on Qantas.

I also didn't apply against the T&C, I applied based on what I seen on here.

That's going to be a problem most times, isn't it?

I am not sure what you were reading but I am not upset, I couldn't care less to be honest. I am platinum with Qantas, I would be lucky to fly once a year with Virgin, simply sent an email as it was noted on this website. I travel OS a lot and it may have come in handy with other airlines.

I'm Plat with Qantas (for 12 years), LTG, lover of the Qantas First lounges and I took my first flight with Virgin in several years (so therefore happily Red), last week. I jumped at this opportunity from Virgin - I'll be Plat with them in a few weeks and Plat with OneWorld for another 18 months thanks to QF's status extensions. No more domestic status handcuffs

I think you will find the article on FF today was a different offer, these guys at Virgin are now having something called switcharoo, it sure looks like they are going out of their way to chase down the Qantas customers. Its very obvious its a gimmick, if they wanted good paying customers they would have taken me, I am platinum, it's a no brainer....

Dunno about 'very obvious a gimmick'. Status matches with various combinations of limits & requirements are pretty common through the aviation industry. Virgin have pitched this at their own lowest tier flyers - I imagine that way they'll get the most revenue leverage that way - a person taking hardly any VA flights to the flight volume of Qantas Gold and Plat flyers. And they won't be flooding their lounges with newly minted Plats.

They have taken me, as QF Plat etc etc as noted above.

 

[kangarooflyer88]

This Roo has decided to cheat on QF once to get VA Gold status. My flight from OOL to ADL in J is booked for Dec 18 which will earn exactly 80 status credits (and 1 flight segment on Virgin) enabling me to match to Gold (fingers crossed). Fare was a bit pricey at $399 but didn't have the flexibility to spend much more BISness on Virgin. I'll email them sometime next week to do the status match from Qantas Gold so that I can be confident that the 3 month window ends after by trip down to ADL. If for some reason Virgin doesn't honour the status match request, I can always cancel out the flight for a full refund.

In terms of benefits I look forward to it's gotta be the priority services on United and Air Canada mostly. I'm unsure what benefits if any I truly will experience flying Virgin Australia since lounge access is already complimentary with the AmEx Platinum card I have. Am I right in assuming that I can re-qualify for Gold by simply earning 400 status credits with Virgin? If so, then it shouldn't be too difficult between Coles shops flights with AC and other partners, etc.

-RooFlyer88

 

[CZ322]

QF Gold now and will be Plat in November. Wondering if I should apply now or wait til Nov to email them and try my luck.

 

[AIRwin]

Am I right in assuming that I can re-qualify for Gold by simply earning 400 status credits with Virgin? If so, then it shouldn't be too difficult between Coles shops flights with AC and other partners, etc.

Don't forget eligible sectors:

Gold Membership

Enjoy gold membership benefits as soon as your status credit reaches to 400. benefits includes priority phone service, upgrademe points, advance seat selection, priority wait list and also enjoy priority check-in, virgin Australia lounge, complementary baggage allowance and rewards benefits with...

experience.velocityfrequentflyer.com

 

[kangarooflyer88]

Don't forget eligible sectors:

Gold Membership

Enjoy gold membership benefits as soon as your status credit reaches to 400. benefits includes priority phone service, upgrademe points, advance seat selection, priority wait list and also enjoy priority check-in, virgin Australia lounge, complementary baggage allowance and rewards benefits with...

experience.velocityfrequentflyer.com

4 Virgin sectors so that's a roundtrip on Virgin - should be easy to attain!

-RooFlyer88

 

[hb13]

How can you be sure that you'll get Platinum? I'm BA Gold - and I'm fairly sure this is equivalent to Platinum (it is equivalent to QF Plat).

When I got the approval email, it just says, earn 80 to retain gold and 'if you're status is equivalent to Platinum, earn 200 SC to get Platinum'. Is there anyway to confirm the system has recognised your status as equivalent to VA Plat?

 

[aikman]

Hmm.. its been 24 hours and no confirmation email yet.

 

[michaele]

When I applied, it was 80SC for gold, and 200SC and 1 sector for platinum. On getting my confirmation, it referenced 1sector for gold and 2 sectors for platinum… and of Course I go back to check the website and it’s been changed.

anyone got a screenshot?

 

[Port Power]

I applied for the status match (now Switcheroo) and was surprised to have it approved immediately. I would have waited another month before applying otherwise. Anyway, I have just booked PER-BME one way in business in November on a day where the business fare is half the usual. So in one flight I earn 80 SC and fly the required segment to retain Gold until the end of November 2023. I am mainly interested in the status for using Singapore Airlines lounges on international trips if I only fly in economy.

For the flight home BME-PER I have booked a classic reward seat with QF. They have a lounge in BME, so I may as well use it for an hour.

 

[kangarooflyer88]

Anyway, I have just booked PER-BME one way in business in November on a day where the business fare is half the usual. So in one flight I earn 80 SC and fly the required segment to retain Gold until the end of November 2023.

I would be curious what "deals" are out there for those seeking to earn Gold status for the least amount of spend. Some examples I found that may be useful for other travellers:

From Sydney

• to Hobart (via Melbourne) - $395 AUD one-way in J nets 110 status credits
• to Launceston (via Melbourne) - $412 AUD one-way in J nets 110 status credits
• to Byron Bay - $478 AUD return in J nets 110 status credits

From Melbourne

• to Brisbane - $289 AUD one-way in J nets 80 status credits
• to Gold Coast - $289 AUD one-way in J nets 80 status credits
• to Byron Bay (via Sydney) - $367 one-way in J nets 130 status credits

From Perth

• to Cairns for $433 AUD one-way in J nets 105 status credits

I'm sure there are some other deals out there, but just thought I'd kick start this to see if there are any creative routings that further minimize the costs.

-RooFlyer88

 

[kerfuffle]

• to Brisbane - $289 AUD one-way in J nets 80 status credits
• to Gold Coast - $289 AUD one-way in J nets 80 status credits

These are $299 one-way unless you use discount codes. Also Virgin Australia charge in AUD so there's no need to put AUD after your prices.

 

[stratosp]

I would be curious what "deals" are out there for those seeking to earn Gold status for the least amount of spend. Some examples I found that may be useful for other travellers:

From Perth

• to Cairns for $433 AUD one-way in J nets 105 status credits

I'm sure there are some other deals out there, but just thought I'd kick start this to see if there are any creative routings that further minimize the costs.

Agree. The PER-CNS in J is the cheapest one I found for Perth based travellers too.

Unfortunately those fares are outside the review date of my Discover Gold (Dec 14). I think PER-CNS direct flights recommences around mid Dec 2022. So those who got approved for status match this week will have to book something else before the review deadline.

For those chasing only 80SC, the PER-BME route one way will do the trick as @Port Power mentioned.

For those chasing 200SC to meet Plat requirements, here are other possible routes from Perth if needing travel before Dec. Basically you can book a return for these routes to reach above 200SC but total spend will be more than $1k:

• PER-DRW (J) one-way $542 for 105SC
• PER-LST (J) one-way $610 for 105SC
• PER-MEL/SYD-LST (J) one-way $637 for 160SC

Use ITX13 promo code. If doing the PER-MEL/SYD-LST in J, the return flight can just be a Choice fare as that will still put your total beyond 200SC.

Unfortunately I'm still unable to find a way to reach 200SC for under $1k if departing from and returning to Perth.

The only way I can think of is position yourself in ADL using QF points and then do the ADL-MEL-CBR (J) return which will net you 220SC for around $700. But not really keen to do a mini vacation in Canberra.

 

[sudoer]

Use ITX13 promo code.

Amex IAP is another option if holding a Platinum card - it isn't subject to the same blackout dates as ITX13, and you save a few dollars on CC processing fees.

 

[kangarooflyer88]

Agree. The PER-CNS in J is the cheapest one I found for Perth based travellers too.

Unfortunately those fares are outside the review date of my Discover Gold (Dec 14). I think PER-CNS direct flights recommences around mid Dec 2022. So those who got approved for status match this week will have to book something else before the review deadline.

For those chasing only 80SC, the PER-BME route one way will do the trick as @Port Power mentioned.

For those chasing 200SC to meet Plat requirements, here are other possible routes from Perth if needing travel before Dec. Basically you can book a return for these routes to reach above 200SC but total spend will be more than $1k:

• PER-DRW (J) one-way $542 for 105SC
• PER-LST (J) one-way $610 for 105SC
• PER-MEL/SYD-LST (J) one-way $637 for 160SC

Use ITX13 promo code. If doing the PER-MEL/SYD-LST in J, the return flight can just be a Choice fare as that will still put your total beyond 200SC.

Unfortunately I'm still unable to find a way to reach 200SC for under $1k if departing from and returning to Perth.

The only way I can think of is position yourself in ADL using QF points and then do the ADL-MEL-CBR (J) return which will net you 220SC for around $700. But not really keen to do a mini vacation in Canberra.

There are some creative routings that get you just under the $1,000 range before December. For instance the multicity, SYD to LST (via Melbourne) then LST to Melbourne prices out at $967 on flights. This trip would net you 110+55+55=220 status credits. Granted you would need to find a way back to Perth from Mel:


-RooFlyer88

 

[Port Power]

I would be curious what "deals" are out there for those seeking to earn Gold status for the least amount of spend. Some examples I found that may be useful for other travellers:

From Sydney

• to Hobart (via Melbourne) - $395 AUD one-way in J nets 110 status credits
• to Launceston (via Melbourne) - $412 AUD one-way in J nets 110 status credits
• to Byron Bay - $478 AUD return in J nets 110 status credits

From Melbourne

• to Brisbane - $289 AUD one-way in J nets 80 status credits
• to Gold Coast - $289 AUD one-way in J nets 80 status credits
• to Byron Bay (via Sydney) - $367 one-way in J nets 130 status credits

From Perth

• to Cairns for $433 AUD one-way in J nets 105 status credits

I'm sure there are some other deals out there, but just thought I'd kick start this to see if there are any creative routings that further minimize the costs.

-RooFlyer88

That PER-CNS return would fulfil the 200SC and 2 sectors to reach platinum. Not a bad deal at all! Then also utilise the 10% discount promo code! (I still haven’t worked out what value platinum confers, so was happy to just fly the requisite one-way sector.)

 

[Port Power]

Agree. The PER-CNS in J is the cheapest one I found for Perth based travellers too.

Unfortunately those fares are outside the review date of my Discover Gold (Dec 14). I think PER-CNS direct flights recommences around mid Dec 2022. So those who got approved for status match this week will have to book something else before the review deadline.

For those chasing only 80SC, the PER-BME route one way will do the trick as @Port Power mentioned.

For those chasing 200SC to meet Plat requirements, here are other possible routes from Perth if needing travel before Dec. Basically you can book a return for these routes to reach above 200SC but total spend will be more than $1k:

• PER-DRW (J) one-way $542 for 105SC
• PER-LST (J) one-way $610 for 105SC
• PER-MEL/SYD-LST (J) one-way $637 for 160SC

Use ITX13 promo code. If doing the PER-MEL/SYD-LST in J, the return flight can just be a Choice fare as that will still put your total beyond 200SC.

Unfortunately I'm still unable to find a way to reach 200SC for under $1k if departing from and returning to Perth.

The only way I can think of is position yourself in ADL using QF points and then do the ADL-MEL-CBR (J) return which will net you 220SC for around $700. But not really keen to do a mini vacation in Canberra.

Why can’t you fly PER-CNS-PER in November? 210SC for $866 less 10% is under $1,000.

 

[stratosp]

Why can’t you fly PER-CNS-PER in November? 210SC for $866 less 10% is under $1,000.

I searched in both VA website and Google Flights but it seems no direct flights for November. The route looks like will recommence on Dec 17. My review date is Dec 14 lol. I'll just fly that route next time because I agree, it's a relatively good deal.

In the meantime, I'll just book another route (and probably pay a bit more if don't want to touch my QF pts) to reach 200SC & Platinum.

 

[RooFlyer]

Just booked my first ever status run, although as I'm doing something useful at the destination I'm not sure if it qualifies as a pure status run

HBA-xMEL-CBR-xMEL-HBA in J, 220 SCs for just <$1000.

Visit to the National Library for some research at Canberra