Velocity has announced a series of changes to its Trans-Tasman and Short Haul International earnings. The changes affect the earning of both Points and Status Credits, and by and large bring it into line with its domestic tables. There are, however, a few important difference to the domestic earn charts.
The Changes
The changes are effective for tickets bought from today, for flights after October 28, 2018. So, if you booked before August 1, or are flying before October 28, you will be on the current tables.
Points Earning
On the points earning front, Velocity will move to the same revenue based model used for domestic earn. That is, points will be earned on how much you pay for the ticket, instead of on how far you fly.
The earn rate will be 5 points per dollar, and the normal status bonus will apply. This is based on the price expressed in Australian Dollars. So, if you pay in New Zealand Dollars, or some other currency, the Australian Dollar equivalent price will be used.
Silver members receive a 50% bonus, Gold members get a 75% bonus, while Platinum member rake in a 100% bonus. Based on the information published so far, the status bonus applies across the board, even on the cheapest of fares. This is in contrast to the domestic tables that do not offer a status bonus on the cheapest fares.
Status Credits
Earning of status credits will also be changed, and in many cases there will be an increase in Status Credit Earn. The following table shows the status credit earn that will apply for travel after October 28 (for tickets purchased from August 1)
| Zone | One-Way
Miles |
getaway | elevate | freedom | Business
saver |
Business |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 0 – 750 | 10 | 15 | 25 | 40 | 45 |
| 2 | 751-1,700 | 20 | 30 | 45 | 60 | 90 |
| 3 | 1,701-2,500 | 25 | 40 | 60 | 80 | 110 |
| 4 | 2,500+ | 30 | 60 | 90 | 120 | 130 |
To give an example of the increase, a Sydney-Auckland trip in Business today would give 60 status credits. Under the new earnings structure, a Business Save fare would earn 60 Status Credits, while a full Business fare will rake in 90 Status Credits.
One thing to note is the unusual distance that splits Zone 2 and Zone 3. Under the domestic structure, Zone 2 is from 751 – 1,500 miles, while Zone 3 is from 1,500+. The tables for Trans-Tasman have a zone that pushes out to 1,700 miles. This is likely to ensure that most east coast Australia to New Zealand flights fall into the Zone 2 band for earning.
On the plus side, Velocity have not reduced the earnings on some fares to 5 Status Credits as has happened on domestic flights.
If you have a connecting domestic flight, this will also earn at the domestic rate, rather than at the international rate.
Overall, it appears to be a positive change. In most cases, the earnings will be the same or better than at present.
