Later this year, we will be re-launching our frequent flyer program. To prepare us for this re-launch, we have made some changes to the way you earn Status Credits.

The information below provides details of these changes.

1. We have changed the way you earn Status Credits

To make it easier for you to compare the value of your Status Credits with other frequent flyer programs, we have moved from earning Status Credits per dollar spent to earning Status Credits based on fare class purchased and miles flown. This will enable you to calculate the Status Credits needed to secure the level of membership you want.

The table below is a guide to the new earn rates for each one-way flight* you take with Virgin Australia^, V Australia, Pacific Blue, Polynesian Blue, Virgin America, Etihad Airways and Malaysia Airlines.

*When you purchase a single fare with Virgin Australia, Pacific Blue or Polynesian Blue and there is a via point which does not involve a stopover, the Status Credits are awarded on the mileage from origin to destination, e.g. ABX-BNE via SYD will receive the Status Credits for the distance and fare type flown based on ABX-BNE.
^When flying with Virgin Australia, a Saver Fare = Discount Economy, a Flexi Fare = Full Fare Economy and a Premium Fare = Business

For a full list of Virgin Australia, V Australia, Pacific Blue and Polynesian Blue routes, click here

The following table is a guide to the Status Credit earn rate for each one-way flight* you take with Virgin Atlantic.

*When you purchase a single fare with Virgin Australia, Pacific Blue or Polynesian Blue and there is a via point which does not involve a stopover, the Status Credits are awarded on the mileage from origin to destination, e.g. ABX-BNE via SYD will receive the Status Credits for the distance and fare type flown based on ABX-BNE.

2. We have adjusted the number of Status Credits required to upgrade and maintain your level of membership

We have adjusted the number of Status Credits required to upgrade and maintain your level of membership by simply wiping off a couple of zeros. For example, where you previously needed 50,000 Status Credits to upgrade to Gold membership, this is now 500 Status Credits. Please note, this does not affect the value of Status Credits, it just changes the way they are displayed.

Additionally, we will be making it easier for you to stay at your current membership level by reducing the number of Status Credits required to maintain, as outlined in the table below:

*Until 31st December 2011, you will need to earn 200 Status Credits to achieve Silver membership

3. We have adjusted the rate at which you earn Status Credits

As a result of adjusting the number of Status Credits required to upgrade and maintain your membership, we have also changed the way Status Credits are represented. For example, 1,000 Status Credits will now be represented as 10 Status Credits.

We have updated your Status Credit balance to reflect this change.

4. We have changed the Daily Status Review

We have made upgrading to the next level of membership easier. The Daily Status Review is used to assess your level of membership. Each day your Status Credit balance will be assessed for an upgrade to the next level of membership based on the amount of Status Credits earned in the previous 12 months. This means that every Status Credit you earn is valid for 12 months and will not be reset to zero on your Review Date.

The Daily Status Review ensures you are always one step closer to your next upgrade.

5. We have updated your Status Credits balance

Using the Daily Status Review, we have calculated the number of Status Credits you have earned in the previous 12 months and updated your Status Credit balance to reflect this change. Remember, we have also adjusted the rate at which you earn Status Credits.

To view your Status Credit balance, login to your Velocity account.

To see how your Status Credit balance has been calculated, see the examples below.

Example A
Step 1: Your Status Credit balance prior to 6 June was 7,000.
Step 2: Using the Daily Status Review, the amount of Status Credits you have earned in the previous 12 months is 10,000.
Step 3: After adjusting to the new earn rate, your Status Credit balance is now 100.

Example B
Step 1: Your Status Credit balance prior to 6 June was 8,000.
Step 2: Using the Daily Status Review, the amount of Status Credits you have earned in the previous 12 months is 8,000.
Step 3: After adjusting to the new earn rate, your Status Credit balance is now 80.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the changes to the Velocity program and how will they benefit members?
2. How did you calculate my new Status Credit balance?
3. Why has my Review Date changed?
4. Will I still have all the benefits that I have today with my current level of membership?
5. How do I know which zone my flight falls into?
6. How do I know how many Status Credits I need to upgrade to the next level of membership?
7. How do I know how many Status Credits I need to maintain my level of membership?
8. If I reach the maintain threshold prior to my Review Date, will I automatically maintain my level of membership?
9. How will my Points and Status Credits be awarded for retro claims for flights prior to these changes?
10. What if I have a Review Date more than 12 months in the future?

 

1. What are the changes to the Velocity program and how will they benefit members?

Virgin Australia will re-launch its frequent flyer program later this year. In preparation for this re-launch, we have made some changes to the way you earn Status Credits. These changes will make our program more rewarding and easier to compare with other frequent flyer programs around the world.

2. How did you calculate my new Status Credit balance?

On 6 June 2011, we have changed the way we assess you for an upgrade with the Daily Status Review. The Daily Status Review now assesses your Status Credit balance daily for an upgrade based on the number of Status Credits earned in the previous 12 months.

Therefore, on 6 June, we calculated the number of Status Credits you earned during the previous 12 months and updated your balance to reflect this. This may have resulted in an increase to your Status Credit balance.

Remember, on 6 June we also updated your Status Credit balance to represent the way in which Status Credits are now earned.

To see how your Status Credit balance has been calculated, see the example below.

Example
Step 1: Your Status Credit balance prior to 6 June was 7,000.
Step 2: Based on the Daily Status Review, the amount of Status Credits you have earned in the previous 12 months is 10,000.
Step 3: After adjusting to the new earn rate, your balance is now 100.

3. Why has my Review Date changed?

If you have upgraded to the next level of membership your Review Date will be 12 months following the date of the upgrade.

4. Will I still have all the benefits that I have today with my current level of membership?

Yes. The benefits you receive as a Silver or Gold member have not changed.

5. How do I know which zone my flight falls into?

To find the zone that is applicable to your flight, please click here

6. How do I know how many Status Credits I need to upgrade to the next level of membership?

Each day your Status Credit balance displays the number of Status Credits earned in the previous 12 months. When your Status Credit balance reaches the required number of Status Credits to upgrade, you will automatically move up to the next level of membership. The difference between the required number of Status Credits to upgrade and your Status Credit balance on that day is the additional number of Status Credits you still require to upgrade.

Remember, your balance could change daily based on your flying activity over the previous 12 months. You can view these details in your My Account screen, in the Membership Status Details section by clicking on the ‘Show Details’ button

7. How do I know how many Status Credits I need to maintain my level of membership?

The way you maintain your level of membership has not changed, however, we have introduced new, lower maintain thresholds. The number of Status Credits you have earned since your last Review Date and the additional Status Credits required to maintain your level of membership will be shown in My Account.

8. If I reach the maintain threshold prior to my Review Date, will I automatically maintain my level of membership?

We will only assess your eligibility to maintain your level of membership on your Review Date. If you reach the maintain threshold during your membership period, you will maintain your level of membership upon your Review Date and your benefits will be valid for a further 12 months.

9. How will my Points and Status Credits be awarded for retro claims for flights prior to these changes?

For flights taken before 6 June 2011, you will be awarded Points and Status Credits based on the previous earn method, i.e. per dollar spent. Status Credits earned for each claim will then be adjusted to reflect the new earn rate and allocated to your Account. For example, if you earned 10,000 Status Credits, you will be awarded 100.

10. What if I have a Review Date more than 12 months in the future?

Some Members will notice that we have honoured your previous benefits expiry date and you therefore have more than 12 months of benefits remaining. If that is the case the number of Status Credits that you need to maintain your level of membership needs to be earned in the 12 months leading up to your Review Date.