PROGRAM UPDATE
Virgin Australia ‘Economy Elevate’ earn rate increase
Date of publish: 23 January 2020
From 23 January 2020, Velocity members who book a Virgin Australia Economy Elevate fare on international long-haul flights for travel from 23 April 2020, will earn at a new rate of 0.6 Velocity Points per mile flown.
Velocity members who booked an Economy Elevate fare prior to 23 January 2020, or who travel before 23 April 2020, will continue to earn Points and Status Credits at current rates.
Status Credits earn rates will also increase, as shown below.
FROM 23 APRIL 2020
Bookings made after 23 January 2020 for travel dates on or after the 23 April 2020.
| One-way miles (Zone) | Economy Light | Getaway/ Group | Elevate | Freedom | Premium Saver/ Premium | Business Saver/ Business |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 - 750 (1) | 7 | 10 | 15 | 20 | 30 | 40 |
| 751 - 1,500 (2) | 10 | 15 | 20 | 30 | 45 | 60 |
| 1,501 - 3,000 (3) | 15 | 20 | 25 | 40 | 60 | 80 |
| 3,001 - 5,000 (4) | 20 | 30 | 35 | 60 | 90 | 120 |
| 5,001 - 8,000 (6) | 30 | 40 | 45 | 80 | 120 | 160 |
| 8,001+ (6) | 40 | 50 | 55 | 100 | 150 | 200 |
Velocity members who booked an Economy Elevate fare prior to 23 January 2020, or who travel before 23 April 2020, will continue to earn Points and Status Credits at current rates.
View more information on Virgin Australia fare types.
Virgin Australia launches ‘Economy Light’
From 23 January 2020, Virgin Australia introduces Economy Light, a new fare class on international long-haul flights marketed by Virgin Australia to Los Angeles (and also operated by Delta Airlines), Hong Kong and Tokyo (Haneda).
An ‘Economy Light’ fare provides travellers with a more affordable way to fly - with less extras. Guests are entitled to take a carry-on bag of up to 7kg and one piece of checked-in baggage with an allowance of up to 23kg. Platinum, Gold and Silver Status members will still receive their complimentary baggage allowance.
Guests will continue to enjoy complimentary meal and drinks, seatback in-flight entertainment and access to in-flight Wi-Fi.
Seat selection on Economy Light fares is only available at check-in. Guests can check-in up to 24 hours prior to departure through the Virgin Australia app or website. Platinum, Gold and Silver Status members can continue to enjoy priority check-in and priority boarding. Preferential seating for Status members isn’t available.
Virgin Australia International Long-haul Fare Class Benefits
| Inclusion | Economy Light | Economy Getaway, Elevate and Freedom |
|---|---|---|
| Baggage | ✓ 1 x 23KG check-in baggage |
✓ 2 x 23KG check-in baggage |
| Advanced Seat Selection | X Selection is available upon check-in |
✓ |
| Preferential Seating | X |
✓ |
| Earn Points | ✓ Base Points at 25% of the eligible mileage |
✓ Base Points at 35% of the eligible mileage |
| Earn Status Credits | ✓ 20 Status Credits for each flight between AU and HKG/JPN ✓ 30 Status Credits between AU and LAX |
✓ 35 Status Credits for each flight between AU and HKG/JPN ✓ 45 Status Credits between AU and LAX |
| Priority Check-in | ✓ Available for tiered members |
✓ |
| Priority boarding | ✓ Available for tiered members | ✓ |
| Upgrade options with Velocity Points | X | ✓ Only available for Freedom, Premium Saver or Premium Fares to Los Angeles, Hong Kong & Japan^ |
Economy Light offers less flexibility and can’t be upgraded by paying the fare difference, changed or combined with other fares. Cancellations for change of mind will incur a 100% loss of the base fare (unless entitled to a refund under the Australian Consumer Law) as travel credits aren’t permitted.
Velocity members travelling on an Economy Light fare before 23 April 2020, will earn 0.5 Velocity Points per mile flown, and Status Credits at Getaway fare earn rates.
Economy Light bookings and travel from 23 April 2020 will earn 0.25 Velocity Points per mile flown and 20 Status Credits for each flight between Australia and Hong Kong or Tokyo and 30 Status Credits between Australia and Los Angeles.
To calculate the number of Status Credits you can earn use our Mileage Calculator to determine the number of miles you are flying.
View more information on flying with Virgin Australia.