With almost 600,000 Virgin Australia Velocity points at their disposal, one member is planning a trip for two from Melbourne to New York. They would like to redeem their Velocity points to fly Business class, and seek advice on an itinerary to New York that offers good value. Just wondering what is the ‘best’ way … Continued
One member is considering abandoning their loyalty to Virgin Australia in favour of a “best fare of the day” policy. This member currently holds Platinum status with Virgin. But they are constantly finding that they can fly on overseas airlines in Premium Economy – or even Business class – for the same price as Economy … Continued
In recent weeks, Virgin Australia expanded its frequent flyer program partnership with BP. Virgin Velocity points can now be redeemed for petrol at any BP service station in Australia. This complements the existing ability to earn Velocity points on all BP purchases. Our members generally welcome new ways to earn and redeem frequent flyer points. … Continued
If you’re having trouble using your Virgin Velocity points to book a reward flight, you’re not alone. It appears that the Virgin Australia website is currently displaying very limited reward seat availability, particularly for flights on Etihad and Singapore Airlines. In many cases, reward flight searches on the Virgin website are bringing up only the more … Continued
Virgin Velocity Gold status comes with tons of benefits when you fly with Virgin Australia or any of its partner airlines, such as Air New Zealand or Singapore Airlines. These include lounge access, bonus points and the ability to change to an earlier flight for free. Gold Velocity status even comes with complimentary hotel loyalty … Continued
A Virgin flyer’s recent decision to treat themselves to a Business class upgrade ended in bitter disappointment. This member feels they received second class service, including last meal choice, because they had upgraded from an Economy ticket. This member watched on as full-fare paying passengers received blatantly preferential treatment. It seems the type of fare … Continued
Virgin Australia could fly to China from next year, with Beijing and Hong Kong flagged as possible new destinations. The flights would be operated by Airbus A330 aircraft currently used on most flights between the east coast and Perth. The announcement comes after HNA Group, which part-owns Chinese-based Hainan Airlines and Hong Kong Airlines, bought … Continued
Our members have discovered an ingenious new way to maximise Virgin Australia status credits when flying Delta. US-based Delta Airlines recently introduced “Comfort Plus”, a new class of travel on US domestic flights between Economy and First. Comfort Plus is similar to Premium Economy, with passengers receiving more legroom, complimentary meals and other benefits in … Continued
Virgin Australia’s in-flight service appears to be the latest victim of cost-cutting at the airline. While airfares continue to rise, many feel that the level of service provided by Virgin is actually decreasing. Instead of being served on a tray, meals on Virgin’s trans-continental flights to Perth are now wrapped in a napkin. Dessert is … Continued
Platinum status with Virgin Australia requires twice as many flights to earn as Gold status. But do the additional benefits of Platinum status justify the extra effort? Gold status comes with numerous worthwhile benefits including lounge access, priority boarding, Fly Ahead, and access to points upgrades on international flights. In addition to these benefits, Velocity … Continued
The first of Virgin Australia’s refurbished Boeing 777 aircraft is now in service! Virgin is currently refurbishing their entire long-haul fleet with new suites in Business class, an on-board bar and brand new Premium Economy seats. These aircraft will operate on Virgin’s routes to Los Angeles and Abu Dhabi. Virgin’s new Boeing 777 Business class … Continued
There are further signs of financial turmoil at Virgin Australia after Air New Zealand flagged plans to sell its financial stake in the airline. The CEO of Air New Zealand, Christopher Luxon, has also resigned from the Virgin Australia board. The news has led some concerned members, fearing a repeat of the Ansett collapse, to empty … Continued