Velocity Frequent Flyer Media Centre
Media Centre – Velocity Program Update – Airline Partners
Virgin Australia Group Announces Partnership with United Airlines
Date of publish: 14 December 2021
Date of Last Update: 12 April 2022
Virgin Australia Group and United Airlines are excited to announce a new partnership which will see more destinations for customers, benefits for Velocity Frequent Flyer members as well as access to many more one-stop connections to cities across the United States, Mexico, the Caribbean and South America.
The partnership, commencing in late May 2022, will include loyalty benefits and offer members Points and Status Credit earn, redemption and tier benefits when travelling on United services worldwide.
Whilst Delta Air Lines has been a close and valued partner of the program for over 10 years, United Airlines will ensure Virgin Australia customers continue to have access to a substantial Trans-Pacific network after the cessation of Virgin Australia’s own services to Los Angeles amid COVID-19.
Until 12 June 2022, Velocity Members will continue to earn Points and Status Credits and receive frequent flyer benefits when flying on Delta operated flights.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is changing?
A: We are launching a new partnership with United Airlines commencing in 2022.
Q: When will Virgin Australia and United commence their partnership?
A:Further details will be communicated in late May 2022.
Q: Where do United fly?
A: Route Network as of August 1, 2021
- 332 Destinations (airports served)
- 252 Domestic destinations (airports served)
- 80 International destinations (airports served)
Q: Will I still be able to earn and redeem Velocity points on Delta?
A: Members will be able to earn points when flying on Delta operated flights until 12 June 2022.
Redemption bookings may be made up until 12 June 2022.
Q: What will happen with my existing Reward Seat booking with Delta?
A: Existing Reward Seat bookings with Delta will be honoured for travel up to one year from ticket issuance.
Q: Will I still get priority benefits and lounge access when flying Delta?
A: Eligible members will continue to receive the current priority benefits and lounge access when flying Delta until 12 June 2022.
Q: Will I be able to earn and redeem Velocity Points on United?
A: Yes, although the agreement start date is yet to be confirmed. Virgin Australia and United are working hard to get this up and running, and we hope to have this live before the end of May 2022. Full communications will be sent to Velocity members when this date is confirmed.
Q: Will I still get priority benefits and lounge access with United?
A: Eligible Velocity members will receive the following benefits when travelling on Virgin Australia and United services worldwide:
- Priority check-in
- Priority boarding
- Priority baggage delivery and additional baggage check allowance
- Priority security clearance
- Lounge access
More information on when these benefits will commence will be announced soon.