While it’s been a turbulent 18 months for travel in Australia, next week we begin a new chapter with the re-opening of Australia’s international border.
The joy and experiences that travel provide cannot be understated, and if you’re anything like me (a nomad!), you’ll be jumping at the opportunity to finally dust off your passport and start planning your next big adventure.
While not all Australians will be able to immediately travel overseas, we know as a country we are moving in the right direction to restore the freedoms we all so dearly miss, and we’re confident that international travel will soon be available to everyone.
Freedoms start with vaccinations, so thank you for rolling up your sleeves to protect yourself, your loved-ones, and those who can’t be vaccinated, so we can once again see the world.
International redemptions to re-open on 1 November 2021
Since starting in the role last month, I have been working closely with Virgin Australia CEO Jayne Hrdlicka and the Velocity management team, to re-open our partnerships with a number of leading international airlines, starting with:
· Virgin Atlantic;
· Air Canada;
· Delta Air Lines;
· Etihad Airways;
· Hawaiian Airlines;
· Singapore Airlines; and
· South African Airways.
I’m thrilled to have these wonderful airlines continue in the Velocity program, providing you an enviable international network of flights to hundreds of destinations around the world.
From 11:59pm AEDT next Monday 1 November 2021, you’ll be able to make Reward Seat bookings using your Velocity Points for flights on Virgin Atlantic, Air Canada, Delta Air Lines, Etihad Airways, Hawaiian Airlines and South African Airways.
Singapore Airlines will be next to offer Reward Seats as they expand their network and services to and from Australia. We will update you as their Reward Seats become available.
As many of you are already aware, we are scheduled to resume Virgin Australia international services to Nadi, Fiji, with the first flight taking-off from Sydney on 16 December 2021, followed by Bali and New Zealand. All up, we have approximately one-million Reward Seats available for you to book across the Virgin Australia domestic and international network right now, which will give you many opportunities to reunite with friends and family or to embark on a new travel adventure.
When making a Reward Seat booking on our partner airlines, please be understanding that travel dates and destinations will vary for each carrier as will Reward Seat availability. We will have limited Reward Seat availability to begin with, but that is expected to grow in stages as international travel demand returns. As always, Velocity Points and Status earn will be available on eligible regular bookings made directly with Virgin Australia and our partner airlines.
International Reward Seat bookings for Virgin Australia and partner airlines can be made from 11.59pm Monday 1 November 2021 on the Velocity website or by calling the Membership Contact Centre on 13 18 75.
Creating even more value when earning Points
While many of you have been able to amass a healthy Points balance during the pandemic through our everyday earn partners, we’re making it even easier for you to earn Points to get to your next international holiday or dream reward.
Bonus Points campaign: From 1 November 2021, you’ll earn a Points bonus of between 20-30% when you transfer your reward points from participating credit card partners to Velocity by 30 November 2021*. Stay tuned for more details next week.
Up to double Status Credits: When travelling on Virgin Australia domestic and international services between now and 31 March 2022, you’ll earn up to double Status Credits depending on your fare class.^
These are just some of the ways we’re showing our commitment and loyalty to you as we emerge from lockdown and begin to see the world again.
International travel will look a little different
We know international flying will look a little different to when you last travelled overseas, so we’re developing a guide on what to expect in preparation for take-off.
An email containing the guide will be sent to you within weeks containing key details so you’re ready to soar. As always, please check country travel requirements prior to travel.
I’m so excited for the future and I look forward to meeting many of you as I start travelling around our network.
In a world full of choice, thank you for your continued commitment to Virgin Australia and Velocity Frequent Flyer.
Happy travelling,
Nick Rohrlach
CEO of Velocity Frequent Flyer
The Holiday and Travel Magazine
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