Velocity Frequent Flyer members, get ready for a new look program. Virgin Australia has revealed some big changes for members that will be rolled out over the next 12 months.
Considering frequent flyer feedback and research, the updates aim to give loyalty members what they most want: domestic redemptions, more loyalty recognition and a simplified product. Sounds good to us. But what do the changes look like exactly? Here’s a breakdown of what members can expect:
Introducing Forever Gold and Platinum Plus
Starting 1 October 2025, Velocity Frequent Flyer will launch the Forever Gold tier, offering lifetime gold status to members with long-term loyalty. Benefits include lounge access and priority services among other perks.
This new status acknowledges years of dedication to Virgin Australia and its partners, with all status credits earned since 1 February 2013 counting toward eligibility.
Alongside Forever Gold, the program will debut Platinum Plus – its first new tier since 2011 – catering to the most frequent travellers.
According to Virgin Australia, Platinum Plus members will enjoy VIP treatment, access to a special phone service and additional perks like complimentary business class upgrades. A major benefit is the ability to gift a companion platinum membership.
Easier access to reward seats
Velocity Frequent Flyer is also making reward travel more accessible.
From today, domestic economy reward seats start at just 5,900 points. However, from 21 January 2025, prices for certain domestic and short-haul international routes will increase. Despite this, Virgin Australia says it will still have competitive rates.
Streamlined status credits and earning rates
Starting 2 April 2025, earning status credits on eligible Virgin Australia flights will shift from route-based calculations to being based on fare price.
Passengers will earn one status credit per $12 spent on most fare types and one status credit per $24 spent on Lite fares.
Additionally, the current eligible sectors requirement for status upgrades will be removed in October 2025, simplifying the process for maintaining or achieving silver, gold or platinum status.
Changes with airline partners
From 21 January 2025, redeeming points for partner carriers will require more points on select routes, marking the first significant update in eight years.
Additionally, from October 2025, earning status credits when flying with partner airlines will decrease.
These changes aim to balance the program’s value while reflecting the current market.
Adjustments to points earning and upgrades
Starting 2 April 2025, most bookings with Virgin Australia will earn four Velocity Points per dollar spent, down from five. However, members with eligible Velocity Points-earning credit cards can continue to earn five points per dollar.
UpgradeMe Points pricing will also change from 18 November 2024, with a new unified rate across fare types and higher minimum point requirements for upgrades.
Changes to companion and status benefits
Starting in October 2025, Platinum Plus will become the only tier with the ability to gift a companion platinum status, a benefit transitioning from the platinum level.
At the same time, the guaranteed economy reward seat benefit for gold members will be discontinued due to low usage.
Celebratory sale
To coincide with the Velocity Frequent Flyer changes, Velocity has released one million extra Virgin Australia domestic reward seats in a four-day sale, available until Sunday, 20 October 2024. These can be booked here.
Velocity Frequent Flyer CEO Nick Rohrlach said member feedback has been key 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,” he stated.
“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.”
Rohrlach also emphasised the importance of giving members advance notice of program changes, ensuring they stay informed and maximize their benefits with Velocity.
“I want to thank our more than 12 million members for their ongoing loyalty. We look forward to continuing to deliver exceptional value and choice for Australians alongside our wonderful partners.”
