VIRGIN AUSTRALIA: Velocity loyalty scheme doubles points required for Business Upgrades

Virgin Australia and its loyalty scheme are at it again, proving that even in the world of frequent flyer programs, there’s no such thing as a free upgrade.

In a move that’ll have your Velocity Points crying for mercy, the airline is doubling the points required to upgrade from economy to business class on its priciest Economy Flex tickets. Yes, you heard right—twice as many points for extra legroom, a wider plusher seat, some food on a plate and your choice of wine from a bottle.

This is all part of Virgin’s scheme to shake up the Velocity loyalty Frequent Flyer program.

On the positive side for Velocity loyalty …

Sure, they’re throwing us a bone with shiny new perks like lifetime Velocity status and a Velocity Platinum Plus tier, but don’t get too comfortable. They have also switched the Velocity loyalty program to a spend-based status-earning system and slashed the points and status credits you earn on partner airlines. Oh, joy.

Business Class upgrades

Now, about those business class upgrades. Starting November 18 2024, the Velocity loyalty points required to upgrade from Economy Flex (Virgin’s most expensive economy ticket class) will increase. For domestic flights, you’ll need over more than double the points previously required. For those rare international routes, expect a 40% hike.

The points required to upgrade to Business from Economy Flex used to be a comparative bargain. Not any more—because Virgin is levelling the playing field by increasing the points requirement to the same as from the lowly Economy Choice fares. Again, effectively a rise in points required to upgrade.

There is some sense in this madness. Virgin has reduced prices on Economy Flex fares as a sweetener to the bitter pill. So, while you might need a small points fortune for an upgrade, at least you’ll pay a bit less for the ticket itself.

This points upgrade change reflects this flattening of the economy fare structure by reducing the difference in price between the top Flex fare and the cheaper Choice fare. It will cost you a lot less to get the perks of a Flex fare, which includes no fees for flight changes and cancellations (if you choose a flight credit). You will even get more Velocity Status Credits until April 2025, when Virgin moves to a spend-based status credit earn.

Platinum perks

But wait, there’s a silver lining for Velocity Platinum members. With four free annual business class upgrades available if they book an Economy Flex ticket, this points hike might actually help them snag a deal, since the fares are now cheaper.

And if you’re one of the elite few in the new Platinum Plus tier, you can even upgrade from an Economy Choice fare. Aren’t you lucky?

2PAXfly Takeout

In the end, Virgin Australia is playing the classic airline game: give with one hand and take away with the other. Enjoy the ride!