Virgin Australia: 20% bonus on transfers in, 30% off flight redemptions

If you are a member of the Velocity program for Virgin Australia frequent flyers, then you will have received notice about ways to transfer points from a range of partners to the Velocity program with a 20% bonus, and a way to redeem points and get a 30% reduction in points required for business and upgrade redemptions.

Transfer bonus ends soon

For some of us who transferred our points out of the Velocity program when Virgin Australia was heading into administration, this may be an incentive to transfer them back. You only have a few days left, as this promotion ends on 20 September.

You can transfer from any of the following programs:

• American Express
• NAB
• Marriot Bonvoy
• Accor
• IHG Rewards Club
• Shangri-la
• Choice Privileges Rewards

You can follow the ‘how to‘ guide if you are unsure of the procedure.

Redeem Business Class and UpgradeMe reward seats for 30% less

This promotion applies to Virgin Australia domestic flights on some routes booked and for travel between 8 September until 24 October, unless already sold out. This promotion can be used on Business Class Reward Seats and UpgradeMe seat redemptions, subject to availability, and you can’t combine this promotion with any other.

Remember that the discount does not apply to fees and taxes however paid for.

What you won’t get

Unfortunately you will miss out on one of the major benefits of booking a business a class seat, and that is access to the Virgin Australia Lounge network which is closed and the onboard catering and alcohol is non-existent according to a recent report. Lounge closure and reductions in business class service are due to COVID-19 precautions – or because of the need to save money – you choose the reason.

Redeem online

Oh yes, and if you don’t do the redemption online, but do it by phone, that will cost you AU$40 or 5200 points! So don’t make the redemption complex.

If you have a thirst for fine print, then check out the full terms and conditions.

2PAXfly Takeout

This is another timely reminder to wear your seatbelt when seated. Holding you close to your seat will protect you from the sort of injuries sustained on this flight, when unsecured passengers flew to the ceiling of the aircraft, and then came crashing down once the ‘drop’ ceased.

The hope will be that this is an anomaly – a ‘freak accident’ in casual parlance. If it is a systemic error either mechanical or electronic, then this is a larger concern for the airlines that fly Boeing Dreamliner 787 aircraft. Let’s hope it isn’t. If it is, it will pile on the woes to Boeing’s existing stack.

On the one hand they giveth, and on the other they taketh away.

Transfer your points and gain, redeem and pay less points for less product.

I have a bucketload of IHG and Amex points. Should I transfer? Maybe I will hold on to them until this crazy uncertainty ends. Especially concerning international travel.