Virgin Australia does not operate its own flights to Europe. Instead, Virgin’s frequent flyers can choose to fly on a range of partners that do. Of Virgin Australia’s 12 partner airlines, Etihad Airways and Singapore Airlines both offer convenient, one-stop connections between Australia and a range of European destinations. So, which airline is best for … Continued
This week our members ponder the possibility of Virgin Australia introducing a new Velocity status tier above Platinum. Currently, Virgin Australia has three status tiers; Silver, Gold and Platinum. But there is little incentive to continue flying with Virgin after qualifying for Platinum status each year. There is simply no higher status tier to aim … Continued
Virgin Australia’s A330s feature one of the world’s best Business class products. Passengers can enjoy comfortable lie-flat beds with direct aisle access, a large entertainment screen and plenty of personal space. “the business”, as Virgin calls it, is offered on all Airbus A330 flights between the east coast of Australia and Perth. Unfortunately for Virgin … Continued
It’s relatively well-known that Qantas will occasionally renew a frequent flyer’s status, even if the required number of status credits is not earned. But it seems Virgin Australia is also now upgrading its members’ status levels, even if they haven’t quite flown enough. One member recently had their status upgraded from Gold to Platinum, even … Continued
As Virgin Australia expands its presence in Hong Kong and China (starting with the launch of Melbourne-Hong Kong flights this month), the airline is left with a small problem. Virgin will soon be using its small fleet of six wide-body Airbus A330 aircraft to fly to Asia. This means these aircraft will no longer be … Continued
Virgin Australia frequent flyers will no longer earn Velocity points or status credits when flying Air New Zealand across the Pacific from 1 November, 2017. From this date, points will only be earned when flying Air New Zealand across the Tasman or within New Zealand. Velocity Silver, Gold and Platinum members will also lose access … Continued
Virgin Australia has been offering a unique fast-track to Gold Velocity status through their partnership with Flybuys. Although Virgin Australia does not generally accept status matches, many of our members have received a targeted “Explore Gold” offer. Recipients of this offer are invited to enjoy three months of complimentary Velocity Gold status. If members then … Continued
BP is seeking to pull the plug on its partnership with Velocity Frequent Flyer, ahead of its acquisition of 527 Woolworths Petrol outlets next year. This would mean that Velocity points can no longer be earned or redeemed at BP petrol stations. It is likely that, going forward, BP will seek to form a partnership with … Continued
Virgin Australia is currently running an excellent promotion on Velocity point transfers. For the month of May, Velocity members can earn at least 15% bonus points when transferring points to Velocity from most credit card rewards programs. ANZ customers can earn even more bonus points, with up to 50% bonus points on offer for transfers … Continued
This week a Platinum Velocity member is seriously considering abandoning their loyalty to Virgin Australia. Until now this member has flown Virgin exclusively. But after recent devaluations to the Velocity program and poor experiences with Virgin’s partner airlines, they’re on the lookout for greener pastures. Qantas’ superior international network is one reason for jumping ship. … Continued
Virgin Australia will re-brand its extra-legroom Economy seats as “Economy X”, adding additional benefits including priority boarding and dedicated overhead locker space for Economy X passengers. As part of the new product launch, Virgin will reconfigure its Boeing 737 aircraft to offer three rows of extra-legroom seating at the front of the cabin. This is … Continued
Virgin Australia is expanding into Asia with the launch of 5x weekly flights between Melbourne and Hong Kong. The flights will operate to a rather bizarre schedule with the first flight departing for Hong Kong on 5 July, 2017. VA87 will depart Melbourne for Hong Kong at 10.25am on Mondays and 9.40am on Wednesdays, while … Continued