Velocity have announced Status Credit earning changes for flights on Virgin Australia. The changes, which take effect from January 30, 2017, could see members earning as few as 5 Status Credits per flight when flying domestically.
The changes to earning are coming as part of the changes to the fare structure the Virgin Australia announced last month. At the time, there was little detail available as to how the changes would affect Velocity members. While the fare structure changes come into place on September 7, the changes being made to the earnings on domestic flights will not come into effect until next year.
Status Credit Earning Changes
Under the new earnings tables, the domestic and international charts have been split. There is now one chart for domestic flights, while the International flights are under their own earnings table.
Domestic Changes
The following chart shows the way the fare classes align in the new and old fare families. Restricted Economy is the category used for the Getaway fares. As can be seen, if you book in the lowest fare classes then you will be worse off. However, bookings in any other fare class will see you earning the same or even more Status Credits.
| Zone | Miles | Fare Class | New Family | Old Family | Old Earn | New Earn |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 0-750 | TSM | Restricted Economy | Discount Economy | 10 | 5 |
| ENVQG | Discount Economy | Discount Economy | 10 | 15 | ||
| YBHKL | Economy | Full Fare | 20 | 25 | ||
| I | Business Saver | Business | 40 | 50 | ||
| JCD | Business | Business | 40 | 55 | ||
| 2 | 751-1,500 | TSM | Restricted Economy | Discount Economy | 15 | 10 |
| ENVQG | Discount Economy | Discount Economy | 15 | 20 | ||
| YBHKL | Economy | Full Fare | 30 | 30 | ||
| I | Business Saver | Business | 60 | 60 | ||
| JCD | Business | Business | 60 | 70 | ||
| Zone 3 | 1,501+ | TSM | Restricted Economy | Discount Economy | 20 | 15 |
| ENVQG | Discount Economy | Discount Economy | 20 | 30 | ||
| YBHKL | Economy | Full Fare | 40 | 45 | ||
| I | Business Saver | Business | 80 | 90 | ||
| JCD | Business | Business | 80 | 105 | ||
International Changes
For international flights, the new chart largely mirrors the existing earnings table. The main change is that for long haul, the ‘L’ class fare is being reclassified as discount economy, although it remains as Economy for Trans-Tasman and Short Haul International.
Other Changes
Status Bonus
At present silver, gold and plainum members of Velocity receive bonus points based on their status when flying on Virgin Australia. As from 30 January 2017, the bonus will be removed when flying on a Domestic Getaway fare. It will remain for all other fare type.
Fly Ahead
From 1 December 2016, the abilty to request a Fly Ahead will be removed as an option for Platinum and Gold members. It will remain in place for all other fares.
