Navigating the perks of air travel just got easier with Velocity Frequent Flyer, Virgin Australia’s acclaimed loyalty programme. Members have the luxury of collecting points in a multitude of ways, not limited to airfare but extending to purchases through an extensive network of over 270 partners, ranging from credit card spending to online shopping. The programme is celebrated for features like Family Pooling which maximises earning potential by consolidating points and status credits from family travels.
Ready to embark on a journey of rewards with Velocity Frequent Flyer? This article shines a spotlight on the strategies for mastering the programme, from joining for free to climbing the tiers for elite status. Discover how to optimise your credit card use for point accumulation and learn the ins and outs of converting points into memorable flights and upgrades with Virgin Australia. Whether you’re a savvy traveller or new to the skies, unravel the benefits waiting to elevate your flying experience in 2024.
Joining Velocity Frequent Flyer
Joining the Velocity Frequent Flyer program is a straightforward process designed to quickly integrate new members into the world of rewards and travel benefits. Here’s how to become a member:
- Sign-Up Process:
- Visit the Velocity Frequent Flyer website and click on the ‘Join Velocity’ button.
- Complete the registration form by entering your personal information, creating a username and password, and agreeing to the terms and conditions.
- Answer a security question to ensure your account’s safety.
- Membership Benefits:
- Once registered, members can immediately start earning Points and Status Credits.
- Earn Points not only by flying with Virgin Australia or its partner airlines but also through a variety of other methods such as using a Velocity Points-earning credit card, shopping online with e-Store partners, or booking with hotel and car rental partners.
- Download the Velocity app to manage your account, track your Points and Status Credits, set travel goals, and redeem Points.
- Terms, Conditions, and Privacy:
- Points expire after 24 months of account inactivity, but any earning, redeeming, or purchasing of Points will refresh the balance for another 24 months.
- Membership requires residency in eligible countries and the provision of accurate personal, account, and contact details.
- Members must consent to the program’s Terms and Conditions, Privacy Statement, and Privacy Policy, which outline the use of personal data for membership management and promotional offers.
It’s important to note that while the membership is free, the Velocity Frequent Flyer program comes with Terms and Conditions that include the expiration of Points and Status Credits. Additionally, the program offers valuable family benefits such as Family Pooling and Points Transfer, along with the option for a Parental Pause, ensuring that family travels contribute to everyone’s rewards. Businesses can also benefit, earning Points based on annual spend, with the added advantage of team members earning individually as well.
Earning Velocity Points
Velocity Frequent Flyer members have a wealth of options when it comes to earning points. From flights to shopping, here’s the breakdown of how to accumulate those valuable points:
- Flights and Airline Partners:
- Earn 5 Points for every $1 spent on eligible domestic, Trans-Tasman, and International Short Haul flights with Virgin Australia.
- International long-haul flights with Virgin Australia can earn up to 2 Points per mile.
- Partner airlines, including United Airlines, Qatar Airways, and Singapore Airlines, also offer opportunities to earn Velocity Points.
- Membership tiers play a role in point accumulation, with Platinum members enjoying a 100% bonus on top of base Points for certain flights, Gold members receiving a 75% bonus, and Silver members a 50% bonus.
- Everyday Spending and Program Partners:
- Velocity co-branded credit cards allow members to earn up to 1.25 Points per $1 on daily purchases.
- Shopping online with the Velocity e-Store links members to over 300 brands where they can earn Points.
- Everyday essentials like fuel and groceries can also rack up Points, with partnerships at 7-Eleven and the ability to transfer Flybuys Points.
- Special promotions, such as earning up to 230,000 bonus Points with the Amex Velocity Business Card, boost point balances significantly.
- Travel and Lifestyle Services:
- Car rental partners Europcar, Hertz, and Thrifty offer at least 3 Points per $1 spent in Australia and New Zealand.
- Booking accommodations through Virgin Australia Hotels or with hotel partners adds to the Points tally.
- Unique services like recycling with Envirobank and renting with Flexicar also contribute to earning Points.
- Members can even earn Points on travel insurance policies and by using airport lounges in select locations.
Remember, keeping an eye out for limited-time offers and bonus point promotions can lead to substantial gains in your Velocity Points balance. Whether you’re flying, driving, or simply shopping online, Velocity Frequent Flyer makes it easy to earn points on the go.
Maximising Points with Credit Cards
Credit cards that earn Velocity Points can be a powerful tool for accumulating travel rewards quickly. Here are some of the most enticing offers and partnerships to consider:
- Sign-Up Bonuses and Special Offers:
- An opportunity to earn up to 120,000 bonus Points when applying and being approved for select Velocity Points earning credit cards by 31 March 2024.
- The Amex Velocity Business Card stands out with an exclusive deal, offering 200,000 bonus Points for spending a minimum of $5,000 within the first two months post-approval.
- For new customers, the NAB Rewards Platinum Credit Card includes 80,000 bonus Points and a $100 reduction on the first year’s annual fee.
- Card-Specific Perks:
- The Virgin Australia Velocity High Flyer Card offers up to 80,000 bonus Velocity Points, with an additional choice between 30,000 bonus Points or 200 Status Credits if applied by 31 March 2024.
- The American Express Velocity Platinum Card is currently providing 100,000 bonus Points plus a choice of an extra 30,000 bonus Points or 200 Status Credits for applications processed by the same date.
- With the American Express Velocity Escape Card, cardholders enjoy the unique benefit of a $0 ongoing annual fee, the only direct-earn Velocity credit card offering this perk.
- Maximising Daily Spend:
- The American Express Velocity Platinum Card offers the highest Velocity Point earn rate on everyday purchases at 1.25 Points per $1 spent, alongside a 100,000 points sign-up bonus and a $375 annual fee.
- Westpac Altitude Black Credit Card provides up to 150,000 bonus points for new cardholders and allows points to be transferred to Velocity Frequent Flyer.
- Before applying for any credit card, ensure you are eligible for the sign-up bonuses, especially if you’ve owned a similar card in the past, and can meet the spending requirements to secure the bonus points.
These credit card offers are tied to a range of partners, including airlines like Virgin Atlantic, United Airlines, and Singapore Airlines, as well as financial institutions like American Express and Westpac. When used strategically, these cards can significantly boost your Velocity Points balance, propelling you towards your next flight or upgrade with Virgin Australia. Remember, always read the terms and conditions to fully understand the benefits and requirements of each offer.
Utilising Points for Flights and Upgrades
Velocity Frequent Flyer members can turn their earned points into exciting travel experiences and rewards. Here’s how to make the most of your points:
- Flights and Upgrades with Virgin Australia and Partners:
- For direct flights, redeeming points for Virgin Australia flights begins at 7,800 points plus taxes for short-haul routes, increasing with flight distance.
- Use the Velocity Mileage Calculator to determine the miles you’ll fly and the points needed for each sector.
- Platinum members benefit from four complimentary upgrades to Business Class on eligible domestic flights annually, with guaranteed Economy Reward Seat availability for one trip per year on any Virgin Australia operated flight.
- Accommodations, Car Hire, and More:
- Redeem points with thousands of properties worldwide, ensuring comfort wherever you travel.
- Car hire is made easy with points redemption for services from top providers, enhancing your travel experience.
- For lifestyle rewards, points can be exchanged for products from popular brands, gift cards, and even wine, adding a touch of luxury to your life.
- Upgrading Your Flight Experience:
- UpgradeMe Points start from 4,900 points for domestic and international Virgin Australia flights, excluding Economy Lite fares and flights to Hayman Island.
- Platinum members and their travel companions on the same booking enjoy complimentary Economy X seating, adding comfort without extra cost.
- For a chance to experience Business Class, members can use UpgradeMe Premium Bid to bid for an upgrade using cash, with upgrades requested up to one day before departure.
Remember, while items from the Velocity shop are tempting, flights offer more value per 1,000 points. For those seeking the ultimate luxury, convert points to Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer miles and book a seat in the prestigious Singapore Suites. Always check the terms for each reward option to ensure you maximise your Velocity Points effectively.
Benefits of Velocity Elite Status
Velocity Frequent Flyer members can ascend through four distinguished membership tiers – Red, Silver, Gold, and Platinum – each unlocking a suite of benefits designed to enhance the travel experience. As members accumulate Status Credits (SCs) through flights with Virgin Australia and partner airlines, they can progress to higher tiers and enjoy the increasing rewards:
- Red Tier: The entry-level tier where members begin their journey, earning points and laying the groundwork for status progression.
- Silver Tier: At this level, members start to enjoy bonus points on flights, priority waitlisting, and a 50% points bonus above the base rate on Virgin Australia flights.
The real game-changers in travel luxury are the Gold and Platinum tiers, where the benefits become significantly more indulgent:
- Gold Tier Perks:
- Earn a 75% points bonus above the base rate on Virgin Australia flights.
- Complimentary lounge access to relax or catch up on work before flights.
- Priority check-in and boarding to save time and skip the queues.
- An increased baggage allowance, so packing extra doesn’t cost extra.
- Priority baggage handling to be reunited with your belongings swiftly upon arrival.
- Platinum Tier Perks:
- A substantial 100% points bonus above the base rate on Virgin Australia flights.
- The ability to gift Gold membership to a companion, rewarding friends or family with the same elite privileges.
- Fly Ahead on an earlier flight to the same destination on the day of travel, subject to seat availability.
- Four complimentary upgrades to Business Class on eligible domestic flights, ensuring a luxurious journey.
Both Gold and Platinum members have the added convenience of Domestic Priority Check-in, allowing for a seamless start to their journey. Furthermore, Platinum members are required to earn 1,000 SCs and fly 8 eligible sectors within a 365-day period to attain their status, and to maintain it, they must earn 800 SCs and fly 8 eligible sectors within their 12-month benefit period.
Family benefits such as Family Pooling and Points Transfer are the icing on the cake, enabling family members to combine their efforts for quicker tier ascension. The Parental Pause feature ensures that family commitments do not hinder the opportunity to maintain or upgrade tier status, making the Velocity Frequent Flyer programme a family-friendly choice for frequent travellers.
Velocity Points and Partner Airlines
Velocity Frequent Flyer members can enjoy a vast network of over 500 destinations thanks to its partnership with a range of esteemed airlines. Here’s how you can leverage these partnerships to earn and redeem points, as well as gain status credits:
- Earning and Redeeming Points:
- With Virgin Australia, earn Points on domestic and international flights, and enjoy the benefits of family pooling and points transfer.
- United Airlines and Singapore Airlines allow you to earn Points on flights that can take you across Asia, Europe, and the Americas.
- Etihad Airways, All Nippon Airways (ANA), and Qatar Airways expand your horizons to destinations including the Middle East, Japan, and beyond, with Points accrual on eligible flights.
- Status Credits and Benefits:
- Flying with Air Canada or Hainan Airlines, among others, not only earns you Points but also helps you accumulate Status Credits, which are crucial for moving up the Velocity membership tiers.
- Hawaiian Airlines offers a tropical gateway with the opportunity to earn Points and enjoy the warm spirit of Aloha on your travels.
- South African Airways, Tianjin Airlines, and Capital Airlines open up a world of adventure, from the savannahs of Africa to the dynamic cities of China.
- Refundability and Flexibility:
- Tickets booked using Velocity Points offer peace of mind with refundability options, subject to applicable fees.
- This ensures that while you plan for the best, you’re also prepared for any changes that might come your way.
Velocity’s airline partners, including Virgin Atlantic, American Express, Westpac, and 7-Eleven, provide numerous avenues to earn and redeem Points. Whether it’s through flights, credit cards, car hire, or hotel stays, these partnerships are designed to make your travel experience more rewarding. Remember, when booking with Points, to always check the refundability terms to stay informed about any fees that may apply.
Conclusion
Throughout this guide, we’ve navigated the many avenues to accruing and utilising Velocity Frequent Flyer points, from the fruitful partnerships to the savvy use of credit cards. We highlighted the potential of the program to unlock a world of travel luxuries, be it through flights, upgrades, or other lifestyle rewards, and underscored the importance of strategic point accumulation to elevate one’s travel experience.
In mastering Velocity Frequent Flyer, you are not only preparing for a journey filled with exclusive perks and opulence but are also joining a community of discerning travelers who value smart, seamless, and rewarding adventures. Remember, the sky’s the limit when it comes to maximising your points, so take the first step towards unlocking your 2024 travel potential and explore your membership options today. With careful planning and a keen eye for opportunities, your next dream destination awaits with Velocity Frequent Flyer.
