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Frequent Flyer’s Guide to Virgin Australia in Voluntary Administration

Virgin Australia has officially entered voluntary administration, as it struggles with a crippling $5 billion debt and unprecedented weak demand for air travel. But, this may not be the end for Virgin Australia – which continues to operate flights for now and is desperately working to find a long-term solution. So, what does this all … Continued

21 Apr 2020 Virgin Australia

Looking Back: Where Was Your Favourite Trip?

While most Australian frequent flyers are currently grounded, our members are taking a moment to reminisce. AFF members have been invited to post 3 photos from their favourite trip, and the pictures we’ve seen so far have been incredible. We’ve had entries from around Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Iceland, Cuba, the Galapagos Islands and … Continued

20 Apr 2020 Travel Lifestyle

SATA Azores Airlines A320 Economy Class Review

SATA Azores Airlines is a Portuguese airline based in Ponta Delgada. Given the location of the Azores Islands in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, it’s little surprise that the airline is focused on flying between the Azores, mainland Europe and North America. The airline has a small fleet of Airbus A320s and A321s, and … Continued

20 Apr 2020 Flight Reviews

Qantas Enhances Two-Factor Account Verification

Qantas Frequent Flyer members now have the option to get two-factor authentication codes via an offline Authenticator App, rather than relying on text messages or security questions. Qantas implemented two-factor authentication, which adds a second layer of security to members’ frequent flyer accounts, in 2019. Designed to prevent loyalty program fraud, the system requires members … Continued

19 Apr 2020 Qantas

Podcast #34: Are Velocity Points Safe?

As Virgin Australia suspends share trading and considers the possibility of voluntary administration, many Velocity Frequent Flyer members are watching the news nervously. What will happen to Virgin Australia and are Velocity Frequent Flyer points safe? In Episode 34 of the AFF on AIR podcast, Phil Gunter from New World Loyalty shares his insights on … Continued

18 Apr 2020 AFF on Air Podcast

Are Velocity Points Safe? – AIR034

  As Virgin Australia suspends share trading on the ASX and considers the possibility of voluntary administration, many Velocity Frequent Flyers are watching the news nervously. What will happen to Virgin Australia, and are Velocity Frequent Flyer points safe? In this episode, Phil Gunter from New World Loyalty shares his insights with Matt. Phil is … Continued

18 Apr 2020 AFF on Air (blubrry)

Should We Be Worried About Velocity Points?

Many frequent flyers have been watching the news about Virgin Australia nervously this week. As the airline suspends share trading and considers voluntary administration, the question on everybody’s mind is: “Should I be worried about my Velocity points?” For now, the future of Virgin Australia really depends on whether it gets a lifeline from the … Continued

17 Apr 2020 Virgin Australia

COVID-19 Travel Update: 17 April 2020

This article contains an updated summary of the most important coronavirus news that is relevant to Australian frequent flyers as of Friday, 17 April 2020. It specifically covers the implications of COVID-19 in terms of travel and loyalty programs. For the latest health advice, we recommend checking Australian government updates and the latest World Health … Continued

17 Apr 2020 Coronavirus and Travel

Federal Government Underwrites Qantas & Virgin Domestic Flights

The federal government will underwrite a limited network of Qantas and Virgin Australia domestic flights for at least the next eight weeks, starting from today. Alone, the $165 million package will not be nearly enough to save Virgin Australia. But it will provide some further relief to the airlines, while ensuring that essential air connectivity … Continued

17 Apr 2020 Airlines, Miles and Points

Virgin Australia Just Flew Non-Stop from Paris to Brisbane

Virgin Australia has been all over the news this week, as it suspended trading on the Australian stock market and considers voluntary administration. But, while much of the media was distracted by other events, Virgin Australia has achieved something quite remarkable this week. Last Tuesday morning, a Virgin Australia Boeing 777-300ER departed from Paris and … Continued

16 Apr 2020 Virgin Australia

Reduction in Velocity Global Wallet Earn Rate

Velocity Global Wallet cardholders will earn fewer points on transactions within Australia from 4 May 2020. Fees for using the travel money card are also changing, with some charges being reduced or eliminated. New Velocity Global Wallet earn rate Currently, you can earn 1 Velocity point per $3 spent within Australia using the Velocity Global … Continued

14 Apr 2020 Virgin Australia

Petitions Call for Government Support of Virgin Australia

New Change.org petitions, calling for the Australian government to assist Virgin Australia through the COVID-19 crisis, have attracted huge support from the Australian travelling public. One petition, titled “Keep Virgin Australia In The Skies”, has already attracted over 30,000 signatures. It calls on Prime Minister Scott Morrison to “support Virgin Australia by offering the industry assistance … Continued

13 Apr 2020 Virgin Australia