VIRGIN AUSTRALIA: Velocity members get more benefits on Doha flights with Virgin/Qatar

Virgin Australia, in partnership with Qatar Airways, is introducing several new benefits for Velocity Frequent Flyer members on flights between Australia and Doha, commencing in June 2025. That’s the new Virgin Australia flights but operated by wet-leased Qatar Airways airdraft and crew.

Most benefits are those you would expect from premium status membership with an airline loyalty program, but some are a bit more novel. Let’s start with the novel ones.

US$20 dining voucher at Hamad International Airport on Doha flights

All Velocity members traveling on Virgin Australia’s flights to or from Doha are entitled to a US$20 (approximately AU$33) dining voucher.

The voucher is redeemable at over 60 restaurants and cafes within Hamad International Airport, including notable establishments like Gordon Ramsay’s Street Pizza and the Ralph Lauren Café. Make sure your Velocity number is on your booking before departure. You will need to present your boarding pass at the participating outlets. ​

Upgrade opportunities on Doha flights using Velocity points

Just as the wet leased flights commence on July 1, 2025, Velocity members can use their points to upgrade to Business Class. Here are the points you will need according to fare class purchased for a one way upgrade:

• Economy Flex to Business Class: All members eligable for an upgrade — 69,000 Velocity Points
• Economy Choice to Business Class: Gold and Platinum members only, eligible for upgrade — 99,000 Velocity Points

Now, an upgrade to Business class on Qatar Airways’ is worth it. It will get you a doored, Qsuite Business Class flatbed seat. Also, remember that if your initial request for upgrade is not successful, then you can request to be waitlisted. Also remember that you must have the points available at the time you request, and the appropriate status.

More benefits for Gold and Platinum members on Doha flights

Velocity Gold and Platinum members are also entitled to the following perks:

• More Checked Baggage Allowance: Extra baggage when traveling on flights with a Virgin Australia (VA) or Qatar Airways (QR) flight number. The exact benefit depends on fare type and route
• Priority: check-in, boarding, and baggage handling. You can usethe Business Class counters on Qatar Airways-operated services
• Seat Selection: Free advance seat selection. That includes preferred and extra legroom seats.You can apply that on up to eight companions on the same booking
• Lounge Access: Entry to Qatar Airways owned and operated lounges, plus third-party partner lounges. Which lounge will vary on your ticket class and departure point

2PAXfly Takeout

There is not much revolutionary here. These are the standard perks of loyalty. But its good to see Virgin is matching other airlines in the way they reward loyal customers.

My one surprise, and perhaps relief is that the upgrade point redemption rates are static and not dynamic, which I thought might be the case given that Velocity has gone spend based.