Jetting to Los Angeles or Abu Dhabi in Virgin Australia business class? Under a triple points promotion, Velocity Platinum members would earn enough points on the round-trip for another trek there in premium economy!
Or if you’re working your way up the frequent flyer ladder, we’ll guide you through the ins and outs of Velocity Platinum status, with nifty benefits such as free business class upgrades and elite hotel status with Hilton or IHG.
Also in this week’s wrap, Qantas Gold and Platinum Frequent Flyer members just picked up new perks when travelling across the Oneworld alliance, while all Qantas members can now join the Qantas Golf Club to earn points on the green.
To wind things up, we’ll show you how to save big on Virgin Australia business class by buying Starpoints and then converting them into Velocity points, and how to pocket double points on credit card spend with the Commonwealth Bank.
New Oneworld benefits for Qantas Gold, Platinum frequent flyers
Qantas Gold and Platinum frequent flyers travelling across the Oneworld airline alliance now enjoy priority baggage delivery and a boosted baggage allowance, regardless of which member airline they choose to travel with.
In the same light, Oneworld Emerald and Oneworld Sapphire members now enjoy similar perks when jetting about with Qantas, or any other Oneworld airline.
That roster also includes top-tier travellers with American Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Malaysia Airlines, Qatar Airways and more.
See what’s new for you: New Oneworld benefits for Qantas Gold, Platinum frequent flyers
Earn triple Virgin Australia frequent flyer points in the air
Virgin Australia is doling out triple Velocity points on business class, premium economy and economy flights for a short time, which means reaching that next free journey or business class upgrade even sooner.
It's an even sweeter deal for Velocity Platinum members, who can book a single return trip to Los Angeles or Abu Dhabi in business class and earn back enough points to fly there again in premium economy.
But be quick – you’ll need to register for the deal and book your flights by this Sunday, December 7.
Don’t miss out: Earn triple Virgin Australia frequent flyer points in the air
Qantas Golf Club tees off – earn frequent flyer points when you putt
Qantas has launched its latest online community in the shape of the aptly-named Qantas Golf Club, aimed at frequent flyers who are also frequent golfers.
Members will be able to book tee times online at participating golf courses around Australia, earn Qantas Points for each round and, according to the airline, enjoy “access to exclusive golf events and tournaments.”
Read more: Earn frequent flyer points when you putt
Virgin Australia Velocity Platinum: the unofficial guide
This week we drill down into Virgin Australia’s Velocity Frequent Flyer program to see what its top-tier Platinum members can enjoy when on the road or in the air.
Among the list of perks, you’ll get four free upgrades from economy to business class each year, access to first class lounges in Los Angeles and Abu Dhabi even when booked on the cheapest economy ticket, and double points on eligible flights.
Read more: Our unofficial guide to Velocity Platinum
Buying Starpoints for cheap Virgin Australia business class upgrades
Fancy not one, but three business class upgrades with Virgin Australia for just over $600?
Under a new Starwood Preferred Guest (SPG) promotion, its own points are currently for sale at discounts of up to 25% and can then be converted to Velocity points on a 1:1 basis, with a 5,000-point bonus to boot.
All up, you’ll save thousands of dollars when flying at the pointy end by buying a Flexi fare and then using your stash of points to confirm an upgrade to business class.
Here’s how it’s done: Buying Starpoints for cheap Virgin Australia business class upgrades
Earn double Qantas, Velocity points on Commonwealth Bank Awards credit cards
By whipping out your Commonwealth Bank Awards MasterCard over the coming months you could earn double Qantas or Virgin Australia Velocity frequent flyer points on your everyday spend.
Just use the card between December 1 2014 and February 1 2015 and give CBA’s new ‘Lock, Block and Limit’ banking tools a whirl to earn double points on every MasterCard transaction.
With double points, Diamond Awards cardholders will earn 1.25 Qantas or Velocity frequent flyer points per dollar spent on their Diamond MasterCard, which, albeit temporarily, rivals some of the best non-AMEX cards in the Australian market.
Read more: Earn double Qantas, Velocity points with CBA
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Chris is a a former contributor to Executive Traveller.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
20 Feb 2014
Total posts 3
Today I contacted Qantas FF and explained that this year I have struggled to maintain my Gold Status after accepting a one year contract overseas last year. I asked for a years continuation of my status. After reviewing my previous years travel history, Qantas within a few hours replied with a positive response. I am soon returning to Australia and will re-engage as a loyal Qantas customer. Nice to see Qantas using common sense to reward loyal FF customers who continue to support them as their ailrline of choice where possible. Well done Qantas.
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