Great news for Velocity Points holders wanting to use their points to travel overseas: after a long pause, Virgin Australia will reopen points redemptions with seven international partner airlines on 2 November.
The seven airlines are:
- Delta
- Virgin Atlantic
- Singapore Airlines (may be delayed)
- Etihad
- Air Canada
- Hawaiian Airlines
- South African Airways.
Reward seats are currently limited, as airlines are starting to roll out plans to return to Australia. Virgin states that partner airlines will progressively improve availability with more routes and destinations for Velocity members in the near future.
In relation to Singapore Airlines, Virgin says it’s working closely with them “to plan for the reintroduction of Reward Seats and the ability for members to transfer Points between the Velocity and KrisFlyer programs.” Points transfers were suspended in early 2020.
Reward seat bookings can be made online for Virgin Australia, Singapore Airlines, Etihad Airways, Delta Air Lines and Air Canada. Bookings with Hawaiian Airlines, Virgin Atlantic and South African Airways can be made via phone on 13 18 75.
To give customers greater peace of mind, Virgin has extended its Flexible Flying policy for international reward seats for travel up to 31 December 2022. The airline is offering unlimited fee-free changes and cancellations until then.
Velocity members will also continue to access status benefits with partner airlines such as lounge access, additional baggage allowances and priority boarding.
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