No perks for Virgin Australia Velocity in new Virgin America Gold, Platinum tiers
By John Walton, July 25 2012
Virgin Australia's US cousin Virgin America is now offering new Silver and Gold tiers for its frequent flyer program, with airport priority queues and free "Main Cabin Select" extra-legroom economy seats -- but the benefits aren't extended to Virgin Australia Velocity members.
While elder sister airline Virgin Atlantic offers reciprocal points and lounge access to Virgin Australia Gold and Platinum members, a Virgin America representative confirmed to Australian Business Traveller that Velocity cardholders "would have to be in Elevate and earn Elevate status in our program" to enjoy the new perks.
Virgin America's Elevate program is a points-per-dollar system, and you'd need to spend $4,000 with Virgin America to reach the silver tier or $7,500 to make gold.
In case you're wondering whether Elevate could otherwise be a convenient way to reach a Virgin partner airline silver or gold, it's not.
Aside from the fact that Australians can earn lucrative points from credit cards and other deals in Australia, the Elevate earning system for Virgin Australia isn't as generous as Virgin Australia's.
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Aviation journalist and travel columnist John took his first long-haul flight when he was eight weeks old and hasn't looked back since. Well, except when facing rearwards in business class.
23 Jun 2011
Total posts 85
All the more confusion & lack of consistency that suggests it is just not the right time to move my business travel from Qantas. Come on Virgin, if you want to be a global player - get it together!
Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards
25 Jul 2012
Total posts 4
totally agree but event with the inconsistency as Velocity Gold on Virgin Atlantic, and no recognition on Virgin America, its still better than flying AA!
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
08 Nov 2011
Total posts 121
Can't say I really agree with that 100%. Before the flight and after the flight, I believe that AA surpases VA on many fronts. However, currently on board AA needs a refreshed cabin which they will have starting next year when they receive new 737s and A319/320/321s. I have found AA take VERY good care of QF elites.
10 Mar 2011
Total posts 526
Why have a global brand "Virgin" if they can't even work together. There is more cooperation between airlines that are only linked through being a member of OneWorld or Star Alliance than through Virgin. Strange approach.
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