Home » News » Virgin hits back at Qantas’ frequent flyer push with “a more compelling loyalty offer”

8 December, 2020

Virgin hits back at Qantas’ frequent flyer push with “a more compelling loyalty offer”

Velocity Frequent Flyer is rewarding its Gold and Platinum members for their loyalty, as well as giving eligible Qantas Frequent Flyer members and their companion a taste of flying with a “fun and vibrant” airline.

By filling in a short expression of interest form by 21 December 2020, Qantas Gold status and above members will receive a three-month Velocity Discover Gold Status trial membership.

The membership offers complimentary lounge access, priority boarding, preferential seating, higher checked baggage allowances, and bonus points when customers book and fly with Virgin Australia.

To retain Velocity Gold status for 12 months and receive an additional benefit of Velocity Gold membership for their companion, customers are only required to take one eligible flight and earn 80 status credits during their three-month Discover Gold Status trial period.

Previously, this reward was only given to the most active Velocity members.

Status Credits can also be maximised through Velocity’s family pooling benefit, making it easier for members to quickly climb the status ranks and start flashing their Gold card at Virgin Australia lounges.

Velocity Frequent Flyer will also offer eligible Gold and Platinum members a status extension of up to one year or until 31 March 2022, as long as they take one eligible flight with Virgin before 28 March 2021.

This is the second time Velocity has granted eligible members a status extension this year.

Furthermore, Velocity will reward Gold and Platinum members with 5,000 bonus points when they take two eligible flights with Virgin by 28 March 2021.

Economy X upgrades will also be offered to Velocity Gold members, and business-class upgrades to Velocity Platinum members, when they take three or more eligible flights in the same period.

Speaking at Brisbane Airport yesterday, Virgin Australia Group CEO Jayne Hrdlicka said domestic airline competition was alive and well, and thanked the airline’s loyal Velocity members.

“Virgin Australia was the first airline in Australia to bring genuine competition to the domestic market, and that competitive spirit is in our DNA, so we’re happy to offer a more compelling loyalty offer than what is currently in market,” she said.

“Travellers are longing for fun and friendly service, consistent on-time performance, an exceptional safety record and value when they travel, and these are the things that Virgin Australia is so well-known for and why people choose to travel with us over our competitors.

“We’re pleased to welcome Qantas members to Velocity who are interested in taking advantage of cheaper fares, award-winning cabin crew, and great rewards for ongoing loyalty. We look forward to welcoming them on board this summer season.”

Velocity’s new offers follow confirmation that Virgin’s Melbourne and Sydney lounges will reopen on 15 December. The airline’s Brisbane lounge reopened last month, and its Gold Coast, Perth and Adelaide lounges will reopen early in the new year.

Virgin’s frequent flyer push also comes not long after Qantas began offering top-tier members of other airline loyalty programs the opportunity to fast-track their flying status if they switch to its own.

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