Virgin Club v Qantas CL

[Colrad]

Okay, first world problem here.

Having been a Qantas WP for a number of years, it seems I may (may) be invited to enjoy the Virgin Club, by dent of a new job that comes with a certain title.

I currently have everything geared towards QFF - credit cards, loyalty schemes, insurance - you name it. If it earns QFF points, I probably have it.

If offered Virgin Club membership, logic would suggest I transfer everything in that direction, to maximise the Velocity benefits. Therefore, new credit cards etc.

So far, seems pretty simple. But most of business travel I do is international and predominantly to Europe where VA does not fly. I realise I can utilise EY for these routes - and, best I can tell, I will earn the same points and SCs as I would on VA. But keeping up the 8 VA flight segments per year may be a problem (unless I can book all flights on VA flight numbers).

Ease of use, transfer of reciprocal rights across various OW airlines is huge advantage. Discount points and SCs however is a right royal pain.

My question therefore is: Do i switch everything to VA if I get Club membership? Or should I hedge my bets and run a business relationship with VA and my leisure travel through QF/OW?

Any insights, greatly appreciated.

 

[moa999]

How close are you to QF LTV

Does the organisation also direct travel thru VA

 

[Colrad]

Still 5000 SCs off LTG with QF. But I approve all air travel - so I guess I direct it.

 

[Matt_01]

If you can self approve travel without breaching Company Policy I would stay with OW carriers.

 

[samh004]

Having seen a video review of EY's Residence earlier today, I'd almost say go the VA route. Especially with The Club as I'd imagine that'll give you very good service. But LTG is for life so I'd also make sure you get to the goal.

 

[trippin_the_rift]

Show your club invitation letter to Qantas, and let them know of your intention to switch all of you current QF activity to VA.

Then ask for CL


Sounds to me like you're being offered The Club membership because of a business relationship, and not because you're a valuable frequent flyer as such.
Heck, Virgin Australia and Velocity have no clue how much activity you have with Qantas. You don't have to send Velocity any new business because they're not expecting it.

It's important to keep the airline, and the loyalty marketing programs separated for discussion purposes. You would need to contact Qantas (not Qantas Loyalty) for CL.

 

[Daver6]

So far, seems pretty simple. But most of business travel I do is international and predominantly to Europe where VA does not fly. I realise I can utilise EY for these routes - and, best I can tell, I will earn the same points and SCs as I would on VA. But keeping up the 8 VA flight segments per year may be a problem (unless I can book all flights on VA flight numbers).

Would you even require the 8 VA segments if invited to The Club?

 

[Mattg]

To be honest, I wouldn't bother switching over to Virgin if you do a lot of overseas travel. Virgin's network of international partner airlines is severely limited, and the partnerships just don't work as well as Qantas' do, being a member of oneworld.

 

[Dr Ralph]

Would you even require the 8 VA segments if invited to The Club?

I'd stick with Qantas.

 

[bullerdude]

VA only has the Club lounges in the main capital cities and I haven't seen much evidence indicating superior services on VA's partners due to club membership. So the club membership may not benefit you much if you aren't flying domestically often.

Once you have the club invitation letter I'd give QF a call to discuss CL membership and corporate travel arrangements to see what Qantas are willing to offer.

 

[Colrad]

Would you even require the 8 VA segments if invited to The Club?

It's a very good point Daver6, I was just thinking about maintaing VA WP, in the event that the Club membership (which is reviewed every two yeas) were not renewed. But you are absolutely right.

Would be a good problem to have!

Thanks

 

[Colrad]

To be honest, I wouldn't bother switching over to Virgin if you do a lot of overseas travel. Virgin's network of international partner airlines is severely limited, and the partnerships just don't work as well as Qantas' do, being a member of oneworld.

That was my thinking too Mattg, but for a timing issue, which may see me lose my QFF WP in March - only to regain it towards the end of this year - but with two Europe trips in between.

And also having been in both the Club and the CL as a guest - I would rate the Club as the far superior domestic lounge. You also get four free upgrades to business each year (inc MEL-PER) so it is fairly attractive in that regard.

 

[Colrad]

VA only has the Club lounges in the main capital cities and I haven't seen much evidence indicating superior services on VA's partners due to club membership. So the club membership may not benefit you much if you aren't flying domestically often.

Once you have the club invitation letter I'd give QF a call to discuss CL membership and corporate travel arrangements to see what Qantas are willing to offer.

Sounds like a solid plan bullerdude.

Cheers

 

[clazman]

I like trippin_the_rifts idea ... got to be worth asking