Virgin, Qatar Partnership Teething Issues

It’s just over a month since Virgin Australia and Qatar Airways launched a new strategic partnership. As well as earning and redeeming points on each others’ flights, this agreement promises Velocity Gold, Platinum and Beyond members access to priority check-in, priority boarding and lounges when flying with Qatar Airways.

It’s a great value-add to the Velocity Frequent Flyer program. Unfortunately, the start of this partnership hasn’t all been smooth sailing.

There have been a few minor teething issues, such as eligible Velocity members recently being refused lounge access at airports such as Sydney and problems with seat selection on Qatar Airways codeshare flights. But the good news is that these problems appear to be temporary and the airlines are actively working to fix them.

Velocity Gold member refused lounge access in Sydney

A few weeks ago, AFF member engbren flew with Qatar Airways from Sydney to Doha. They were surprised and disappointed to find that, despite holding Velocity Gold status, they were not able to use any lounge at Sydney Airport.

This person posted on the Australian Frequent Flyer forum:

I can confirm no lounge access in Syd flying SYD to DOH for VFF Gold. At checkin I was told the partnership was new and they were still finalising lounge access for Sydney and I could try at the Air New Zealand lounge but she didn’t think it would work. Turned away at Air New Zealand lounge.
– engbren, 2 October 2022

This passenger was able to access priority check-in and priority boarding at Sydney Airport by showing their Velocity membership card. They were also welcomed into one of the Qatar Airways lounges in Doha, but no lounge access was available at London’s Gatwick Airport on the return journey as the lounge was closed.

Interestingly, this person did receive their Velocity points and status credits around four days after flying – but they were credited at the rate that applies to QR-marketed flights despite being booked on codeshares with a “VA” flight number.

Lounge access arrangements should now have been finalised

It seems Virgin Australia and Qatar Airways were still finalising lounge access arrangements at Sydney Airport at the time of engbren‘s trip. But a Virgin Australia spokesperson has assured Australian Frequent Flyer that Velocity Gold, Platinum and Beyond members are entitled to lounge access when flying Qatar Airways from any Australian airport.

“Eligible Velocity Platinum, Gold and Beyond members are welcome to use Qatar Airways’ lounges anywhere in the world when travelling on a Qatar Airways-operated service, which is one of the many reciprocal loyalty benefits offered under our new partnership,” the Virgin Australia spokesperson said.

“This partnership also significantly expands the networks of both airlines, opening up seamless travel to over 150 destinations across the extensive Qatar Airways and Virgin Australia networks.”

To access any lounge when flying with Qatar Airways, Velocity members would need to show their membership card at check-in to be issued with a lounge invitation.

Australian Frequent Flyer understands that the two airlines are working to introduce full automation, meaning a guest’s Velocity status tier will be automatically populated into Qatar Airways’ systems. This would mean the status would be printed on a passenger’s boarding pass, and that other benefits would be available without having to show a physical or digital membership card at the airport.

Which lounges can Velocity members use when flying Qatar Airways?

The Virgin Australia website states that Velocity Platinum and Gold members will have access to Qatar Airways-operated and third-party partner lounges when travelling on Qatar Airways operated flights.

Frustratingly, though, Virgin’s website does not actually list which lounges are available. It instead directs users to the Qatar Airways website which does not currently list accurate information about Australian lounge locations. (We understand that this will be updated soon.)

So, we asked Virgin Australia directly which lounges are currently available to eligible members flying on Qatar Airways out of Australia. They told us that the following lounges are being used by Qatar Airways:

• Adelaide – Virgin Australia Lounge (domestic)
• Brisbane – Air New Zealand Lounge
• Melbourne – Marhaba Lounge
• Perth – Air New Zealand Lounge
• Sydney – Air New Zealand Lounge

Selecting a seat when booking a VA codeshare on Qatar Airways

Some people have also reported that they were unable to choose a seat when booking a Qatar Airways operated flight with a “VA” flight number on the Virgin Australia website.

It’s not currently possible to choose a seat on the Virgin Australia website when booked on a codeshare service operated by Qatar Airways. As a workaround, it appears that it is at least possible to select a seat on the Qatar Airways website by accessing the booking using the ticket number (and not the Virgin Australia PNR, which is not recognised by the Qatar Airways website). It should also be possible to choose a seat when checking in online, although by this time the best seats may already be allocated.

Standard seat selection is available in the Economy cabin free of charge on most (but not all) fare types. Extra legroom seats cost extra, including for passengers with Velocity status.

Virgin is working with Qatar Airways to allow customers to choose a seat on the Virgin Australia website.

Join the discussion on the Australian Frequent Flyer forum: Virgin Australia and Qatar Announce Strategic Partnership

Matt Graham

The editor of Australian Frequent Flyer, Matt's passion for travel has taken him to over 70 countries… with the help of frequent flyer points, of course!
Matt's favourite destinations (so far) are Germany, Brazil & Kazakhstan. His interests include economics, aviation & foreign languages, and he has a soft spot for good food and red wine.

You can connect with Matt by posting on the Australian Frequent Flyer community forum and tagging @AFF Editor.