Velocity, the frequent flyer program of Virgin Australia, has launched a new status match to woo frequent flyers. Cheekily called Switch-a-roo, Velocity clearly has Qantas Frequent Flyers in its sights.
Having said that, you don’t have to be a Qantas Frequent Flyer. Velocity are matching any airline, as long as the airline is not a Virgin Australia partner. That’s a lot of airlines to match.
Switch-A-Roo Discover Gold status match offer
The Switch-A-Roo Discover Gold status match offer is based on the existing Discover Gold Status Match that Velocity has been running. However, it builds on that offer in some important respects.
Firstly, it offers a path to Platinum status. For members matching from a Platinum status, you can get bumped up to platinum by earning 200 Status Credits, and taking two eligible flights during the three-month trial.
Secondly, you are able to match from a wider range of airlines. That pretty much rules out airlines such as Air Canada, Etihad Airways, Hawaiian Airlines, Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines, United Airlines, and Virgin Atlantic. On the other hand, it adds a number of other airlines.
Finally, it may be open even if you have held elite status in Velocity before. The only restriction in this match is that you must not have held Silver, or above, status in Velocity since April 2020.
How to Apply for the Switch-a-roo
Make sure you qualify
As mentioned, the Status Match is open to members of any airline program, other than Virgin Australia partners. You will need to hold a status level that is equivalent to the Gold or Platinum status levels offered by Velocity. If you are matching from Qantas, this should be straightforward. For other programs, with more esoteric names, it may be less so.
How to apply
If you meet the eligibility requirements and would like to apply, then shoot an email off to switcharoo@velocityfrequentflyer.com.
Keep in mind, that you will need to send this from the email registered to your Velocity account. In the email, include the following:
- Your name,
- Your Velocity member number, and
- A photo of your membership card with another frequent flyer program that shows your current status tier with that airline.
You have until 26 September 2022 to apply. But, be aware that Velocity may pull this promotion when it is fully subscribed.
Keeping your status
If you are successful in gaining a switch-a-roo status match, you will initially receive Gold status for a period of three months. Your status will then be reviewed at the end of that three-month period.
If you wish to retain Velocity Gold for 12 months, you will need to meet the following in the trial period:
- fly one Virgin Australia flight and
- earn 80 Status Credits (can be on partner airlines, or even from FlyBuys)
If you have matched from Platinum, then you could get a boost to Platinum. To do this, you will need to achieve the following in your three-month trial:
- fly two Virgin Australia flights and
- earn 200 Status Credits (which must be earned on VA flight numbers)
For further information, refer to the promotion page.