Airline status ensures an enjoyable experience when flying with the airline putting you ahead of the crowd when trying to get an upgrade, complimentary lounge access and other benefits.
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
There are plenty of myths about getting a free airline upgrade. The reality is that dressing up, pretending you’re on a honeymoon or complimenting the check-in agent – though nice – probably won’t see you bumped up to the pointy-end. But free upgrades do exist. So, why are they given and how can you get … 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
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
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
It takes a lot of flying to achieve Qantas Platinum One status. But as one member recently discovered, there is another way. Well, kind of… This member recently noticed that a colleague with Gold status was proudly displaying Platinum One bag tags on their luggage. When questioned, this colleague admitted to buying the Q bag … Continued
Gold and Platinum frequent flyers will no longer be able to enjoy the extra legroom of exit row seats free of charge. Qantas has begun charging for these prized seats on all flights. This includes short domestic flights. All flyers will now need to pay the fee, which ranges from $20 to $180 per flight, … Continued
Virgin Australia has gone to great lengths to compete with Qantas since it was rebranded from Virgin Blue. But according to one member, there are two reasons that Virgin and its Velocity Frequent Flyer program cannot be compared to Qantas and its frequent flyer program. The first reason is Virgin’s underwhelming on-board catering. Virgin creates … Continued
How far would you go to earn top-tier status with your preferred airline? It’s not uncommon for AFF members to undertake what’s known as a “status run“. This is where a series of flights are taken in order to earn enough status credits to attain or retain elite airline status. Booking a status run can make … 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
One member faces the unenvious prospect of taking up to 14 trips between Brisbane and Dublin over the next year. As this member will be paying for the flights themselves, they are looking for strategies to optimise their travel experience and hopefully score a few upgrades along the way. I’m looking at doing either 13 or … Continued
Imagine that you’ve been offered your dream job. It has everything you’re looking for, except for one small detail… you would have to work in a different city to your current home. One option would be to simply move to the new city, but this isn’t always practical. As our member significance recently found out, … Continued
