Velocity Frequent Flyer Unveils Exciting Program Changes and Massive Reward Seat Sale

Velocity Frequent Flyer has announced a series of exciting changes to its program, set to roll out over the next 12 months. These changes are designed to enhance the value and recognition of loyal members, following extensive research and feedback.

Key Program Changes

1. New Status Tiers:

• Velocity Forever Gold: This program recognises long-term loyalty with lifetime Gold Status benefits, including lounge access, priority check-in, and more.
• Velocity Platinum Plus: A new tier beyond Platinum, offering VIP treatment, an Australian-based VIP phone service, and additional exclusive benefits.

2. Reward Seat Enhancements:

• Lower Base Fare: Virgin Australia Reward Seats now start from just 5,900 Velocity Points for one-way Domestic economy fares, the lowest in Australia.
• Pricing Adjustments: Changes to select Reward Seat pricing on Domestic and Short-Haul International services.

3. Simplified Status Earning:

• Status Credits: Earned based on the total fare paid on eligible Virgin Australia flights, removing the Eligible Sectors requirement.
• Reduced Earn Rates: Adjustments to Status Credit earn rates on International Partner Airline flights.

4. Points Earning Adjustments:

• Credit Card Holders: Maintain the base earn rate of 5 Velocity Points per $1 spent on eligible Virgin Australia flights.
• Other Members: Base earn rate reduced to 4 Velocity Points per $1 spent.

5. Companion and Upgrade Changes:

• Companion Platinum and Gold: Changes to eligibility and benefits.
• UpgradeMe Points: Single Points price across Choice and Flex fares, with increased minimum Points required for upgrades.

One Million Reward Seat Sale

Velocity has released one million additional Virgin Australia Domestic Reward Seats in a four-day sale, available from today until Sunday, 20 October 2024, for selected travel dates to celebrate these changes.

Nick Rohrlach, CEO of Velocity Frequent Flyer, emphasised the importance of member feedback in shaping these changes. “Today’s changes represent our focus on delivering great value Domestic redemptions and better recognition for loyalty,” he said. “The introduction of Forever Gold and Platinum Plus demonstrates our commitment to rewarding our most frequent flyers.”

Rohrlach also highlighted the reduction in Points required for Domestic economy Reward Seats, enabling members to reach their reward flights faster. “We have more ways than ever for members to earn and redeem Velocity Points, with additional opportunities for recognition through the new tiers and benefits.”

Changes to Redeeming Points and Earning Status Credits with Airline Partners

From 21 January 2025, the number of Velocity Points required to redeem Airline Partner Reward Seats will increase on select cabins and routes. This update marks the first significant change to the Points required for these redemptions in eight years.

Starting 1 October 2025, the number of Status Credits earned when flying with Velocity’s Airline Partners will be reduced. These adjustments ensure the program remains sustainable and competitive.

Earning Velocity Points on Virgin Australia

For bookings made from 2 April 2025, members will earn 4 Velocity Points per $1 spent on eligible Virgin Australia flights. Bookings made before this date will continue to earn 5 Points per $1 spent. Members with an eligible Velocity Points earning Credit Card will continue to earn 5 Points per $1 spent on eligible flights, provided they have earned Points on that card within 12 months of their travel date.

Changes to Current Status Membership Benefits

From 1 October 2025, the Guaranteed Economy Reward Seat benefit will no longer be available to Gold Status members. Companion Platinum Status will transition to an exclusive benefit for Platinum Plus members. Additionally, Platinum members must earn 650 of the required 1,300 Status Credits on Virgin Australia-marketed flights to qualify for Companion Gold.

Changes to UpgradeMe

From 18 November 2024, UpgradeMe Points pricing for Choice and Flex fares will transition to a single Points price. The minimum Points required to upgrade will increase, with upgrades starting from 10,000 Velocity Points for Domestic routes and 8,000 Points for Trans-Tasman and Short-Haul International routes.

Looking Ahead

These changes aim to provide a sustainable, competitive, and valuable proposition for members. Velocity is committed to keeping members informed and ensuring they get the most out of the program now and in the future.