Virgin Targets Qantas Frequent Flyers To Switch to Velocity

After Qantas’s recent appeal to frequent flyers of other airlines to switch and fast-track their status, Virgin Australia has “boosted” the offer.

The new “Velocity switch-a-roo” programme allows Qantas gold members to try gold membership at Virgin for 12 months if they take a qualifying flight before 28 March.

In order to retain its customers, Virgin’s Velocity Gold and Platinum members will receive 5000 additional points if they take two qualified flights by 28 March.

Jayne Hrdlicka, CEO of Virgin Australia, described the arrangement as an “early Christmas gift” to travellers “considering it’s been a challenging year.”

“We’re delighted to welcome Qantas customers to Velocity who want to take advantage of lower prices, award-winning cabin staff, and tremendous benefits for continuous loyalty.”

“We’re going to see Qantas and raise them one because this is all in the spirit of bringing travellers back into the market.”

Qantas Gold members can apply for Virgin Australia’s status match by submitting an expression of interest by 21 December 2022.

They will receive a three-month trial membership to Velocity Discover Gold Status, which includes complimentary Lounge access, priority boarding, better seats, increased checked baggage limits, and attractive bonus points.

If they take a qualifying flight and earn 80 status credits, they will keep their Velocity Gold status for 12 months and get an extra Velocity Gold membership for their companion.

Velocity has 10.9 million members, whereas Qantas Frequent Flyers has roughly 14 million.

The promotion coincides with Virgin’s new partnership with Myer, which competes with Qantas’ partnership with David Jones.