Updated point-earning methods enhance frequent flyer experience
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Virgin Australia's Velocity Frequent Flyer program is set for a significant overhaul.
The airline has announced changes to reshape how its members earn points, achieve status, and redeem rewards.
These changes, which will be rolled out over the next year, are poised to introduce new tiers and modify existing benefits, potentially impacting millions of travellers.
The program's most notable additions are the introduction of two new exclusive tiers: Forever Gold and Platinum Plus.
These tiers are designed to reward the airline's most loyal customers with premium benefits.
To qualify for Forever Gold status, members must have accrued 12,000 status credits since 2013, with at least 9,000 earned on Virgin Australia-marketed flights.
Platinum Plus status requires members to have earned at least 2,000 points in the past year.
Members who reach these new heights in the Velocity program can look forward to perks such as VIP phone service, four complimentary business class upgrades per year, and the ability to gift a companion platinum membership.
These benefits are tailored to enhance the travel experience for frequent flyers and acknowledge their commitment to the airline.
In addition to the new tiers, the program adjusts the points required for certain domestic routes, making it easier for members to redeem flights within Australia.
However, this comes with a trade-off: More points will now be required for Virgin Australia’s short-haul international flights.
Another significant change is the way status credits are earned.
Starting from April, Velocity will shift from a distance-based system to one that rewards members based on the fare size.
This means that the amount spent on eligible Virgin Australia flights will directly influence the number of status credits earned, potentially benefiting those who purchase higher-fare classes.
Velocity CEO Nick Rohrlach has emphasised that these changes directly respond to member feedback, focusing on providing more excellent value for domestic redemptions and recognising loyalty.
Introducing the new tiers indicates Virgin Australia's commitment to its frequent flyers.
It marks the first significant update to the program's structure since 2011.
The overhaul also includes reducing the points required for one-way domestic economy Virgin Australia Reward Seats, now starting from just 5,900 points.
This move aims to allow members to access reward flights more quickly and easily.
However, the changes are not all positive for members.
The program will see a reduction in status credit earn rates on eligible international partner airline flights and a decrease in the base earn rate for non-credit card holders from five to four Velocity Points per $1 spent on eligible Virgin Australia flights.
The airline has also announced adjustments to Companion Platinum and Companion Gold eligibility, Guaranteed Economy Reward Seat benefits, and points pricing for upgrades on Choice and Flex fares.
Virgin Australia is keen to ensure its members are well-informed about these changes, recognising the importance of transparency for travellers who rely on the program for their frequent flying needs.
With over 12 million members, the Velocity program is a significant player in the Australian travel industry, and these changes are likely to have a widespread impact.
Have you been a long-time Velocity member eyeing that Forever Gold status? Or are you considering how these changes affect your travel budget and point redemption strategies? Share your thoughts and experiences with us in the comments below.
The airline has announced changes to reshape how its members earn points, achieve status, and redeem rewards.
These changes, which will be rolled out over the next year, are poised to introduce new tiers and modify existing benefits, potentially impacting millions of travellers.
The program's most notable additions are the introduction of two new exclusive tiers: Forever Gold and Platinum Plus.
These tiers are designed to reward the airline's most loyal customers with premium benefits.
Significant changes to the Velocity Frequent Flyer program, including two new tiers and updated point-earning methods, have been announced by Virgin Australia. Credit: Shutterstock
To qualify for Forever Gold status, members must have accrued 12,000 status credits since 2013, with at least 9,000 earned on Virgin Australia-marketed flights.
Platinum Plus status requires members to have earned at least 2,000 points in the past year.
Members who reach these new heights in the Velocity program can look forward to perks such as VIP phone service, four complimentary business class upgrades per year, and the ability to gift a companion platinum membership.
These benefits are tailored to enhance the travel experience for frequent flyers and acknowledge their commitment to the airline.
In addition to the new tiers, the program adjusts the points required for certain domestic routes, making it easier for members to redeem flights within Australia.
However, this comes with a trade-off: More points will now be required for Virgin Australia’s short-haul international flights.
Another significant change is the way status credits are earned.
Starting from April, Velocity will shift from a distance-based system to one that rewards members based on the fare size.
This means that the amount spent on eligible Virgin Australia flights will directly influence the number of status credits earned, potentially benefiting those who purchase higher-fare classes.
Velocity CEO Nick Rohrlach has emphasised that these changes directly respond to member feedback, focusing on providing more excellent value for domestic redemptions and recognising loyalty.
Introducing the new tiers indicates Virgin Australia's commitment to its frequent flyers.
It marks the first significant update to the program's structure since 2011.
The overhaul also includes reducing the points required for one-way domestic economy Virgin Australia Reward Seats, now starting from just 5,900 points.
This move aims to allow members to access reward flights more quickly and easily.
However, the changes are not all positive for members.
The program will see a reduction in status credit earn rates on eligible international partner airline flights and a decrease in the base earn rate for non-credit card holders from five to four Velocity Points per $1 spent on eligible Virgin Australia flights.
The airline has also announced adjustments to Companion Platinum and Companion Gold eligibility, Guaranteed Economy Reward Seat benefits, and points pricing for upgrades on Choice and Flex fares.
Virgin Australia is keen to ensure its members are well-informed about these changes, recognising the importance of transparency for travellers who rely on the program for their frequent flying needs.
With over 12 million members, the Velocity program is a significant player in the Australian travel industry, and these changes are likely to have a widespread impact.
