Virgin Australia makes major changes to Velocity Frequent Flyer program
The changes will be introduced over the next 12 months, according to Velocity Frequent Flyer CEO, Nick Rohrlach.
Key changes include rewarding long term loyalty to Virgin Australia with the introduction of Velocity Forever Gold Status, plus the the introduction of Velocity Platinum Plus Status.
Virgin Australia Reward Seats will also start from an even lower base fare of just 5,900 Velocity Points for one-way domestic economy fares.
Rohrlach said Velocity was also simplifying the way members earn or maintain status, including the removal of eligible sectors and awarding Status Credits based on total fare paid on eligible Virgin Australia flights.
He said understanding the feedback and needs of Velocity members has been central to the program’s expansion.
“Today’s changes to the Velocity program represent our focus and investment in areas that matter most to our members, like great value Domestic redemptions and being better recognised for loyalty,” Rohrlach said.
“For the first time since 2011, the introduction of two exclusive new tiers – Forever Gold and Platinum Plus – demonstrates our commitment to rewarding the ongoing loyalty of our most frequent flyers.
“We are also proud to be further reducing the lead-in Velocity Points required to redeem a one-way Domestic economy Virgin Australia Reward Seat, now starting from an even lower base fare of just 5,900 Points# – a move that enables members to get to reward flights even faster.
“We have more ways than ever before for members to earn and redeem Velocity Points and will soon have additional opportunities to be recognised for loyalty through the new tiers and benefits announced today.
“These new changes are balanced by adjustments to other areas of the program to ensure we continue to have a sustainable, competitive and valuable proposition for members.
“We have made it a priority to give members plenty of advance notice on the program changes, understanding how crucial it is for them to stay informed to get the most out of Velocity now and into the future.”
On the not so positive side, Velocity is reducing Status Credit earn rates on eligible international partner airline flights and Virgin is also moving to one single Points price across Choice and Flex fares for UpgradeMe Points, including increasing the minimum Points required to upgrade on an eligible fare.
From 1 October 2025, Velocity is introducing ‘Forever Gold’ Status. Forever Gold members will be eligible for Gold Status benefits for a lifetime, which include access to Virgin Australia and select partner Lounges, priority check-in and boarding and preferential seating.
To recognise the loyalty of Velocity members over the past decade, all Status Credits earned since 1 February 2013 will be counted when calculating eligibility for Forever Gold.
From 1 October 2025, Velocity will expand its Status tiers for the first time since 2011 to include Platinum Plus. In what is expected to be a highly sought after Status level, Platinum Plus is designed to recognise Velocity’s most frequent flyers who will be classified as a ‘VIP’ across all stages of their travel journey.
Platinum Plus members will have access to the current range of Platinum benefits plus new exclusive benefits, including access to an Australian-based VIP phone service, the highest priority recognition when booking and flying, the ability to gift a Companion Platinum Membership (now exclusive to Platinum Plus), four complimentary Business Class Upgrades that can be used on both Flex and Choice and access to Fly Later. Additional benefits will be announced prior to launch next year.
From 2 April 2025, Status Credits earned on eligible Virgin Australia marketed and operated flights will no longer be calculated based on route and fare type.
Instead, members will earn Status Credits based on fare type and the total fare price.For Choice, Flex and Business Class fares, members will earn 1 Status Credit per $12 spent, and for Lite Fares, members will earn 1 Status Credit per $24 spent.
From 1 October 2025, the number of Status Credits required to upgrade or maintain Status membership will stay the same, however Eligible Sectors will no longer be used.
Instead, to upgrade or maintain to Silver, Gold, and Platinum Status, members will be required to earn at least 50 per cent of their Status Credits on Virgin Australia marketed flights.
From 21 January 2025, the number of Velocity Points required to redeem Airline Partner Reward Seats will increase on a select number of cabins and routes16. The update represents the first material change in eight years to Velocity Points required to redeem Airline Partner Reward Seats.
From 1 October 2025, the number of Status Credits earned when flying with Velocity’s Airline Partners will reduce.
For bookings made from 2 April 2025, members will earn 4 Velocity Points per $1 spent on eligible Virgin Australia flights. Any eligible Virgin Australia flights booked prior to 2 April 2025 will continue to earn 5 Points per $1 spent.
For bookings made from 2 April 2025, members who hold an eligible Velocity Points earning Credit Card and have earned Velocity Points on that card within 12 months of their travel date, will continue to earn 5 Velocity Points per $1 spent on eligible Virgin Australia flights.
From 18 November 2024, the different pricing for Choice and Flex fares using UpgradeMe Points will transition to a single Points price.
The minimum Points required to upgrade on an eligible fare (excluding Economy Lite fares) will increase. Upgrade requests will now start from 10,000 Velocity Points for Virgin Australia Domestic routes and 8,000 Velocity Points for Virgin Australia Trans-Tasman and Short-Haul International routes.