Velocity Reward Seats explained

Virgin Australia Reward Seats explained

Your Velocity Points are your ticket to the skies! Whether you’ve earned them directly or boosted your balance through transferring your PayRewards, this article will help you make the most of your balance.

We’ll show you what Reward Seats you should look for first, and share some tips on maximising the value of your points, so you can travel smarter, and in style.

What are the different ways to book with Velocity Points?

Before we get started, if you need to transfer your Velocity Points from your business account to a personal Velocity Frequent Flyer account, you’ll need to do this first in order to use your points for Reward Seats.

When planning your next trip with Virgin Australia and its partner airlines, you can use your Velocity Points in several ways. Each option requires a different number of points, and the value you receive can vary depending on your choice. Let’s dive into the options:

Reward Seats

The best value for your Velocity Points comes from the standard Reward Seats, marked by a purple tile. These seats offer exceptional value, requiring fewer points compared to other options. However, they have limited availability, so early booking is crucial to secure these cost-effective rewards.

See how much you can save by using points for a Business Class Seat as opposed to using Cash.

Any Seats (Points Plus Pay)

Any Seats, also known as ‘Points Plus Pay,’ provides a flexible option for booking seats using a combination of Velocity Points and cash. While it allows you to use your points when you’re short of redeeming for a full Reward Seat, this method typically consumes more points per dollar compared to standard Reward Seat bookings.

For most travellers, exploring other redemption options first can help you maximise your Velocity Points. When seeking value for your Velocity Points, Reward Seats are often the most cost-effective choice for travelers. If these seats aren’t available, you can still purchase an Economy ticket and consider upgrading to improve your journey.

Virgin Australia offers Velocity Frequent Flyer members the opportunity to use points for flight upgrades. This can be a smart way to enjoy an uplifted experience on your journey. These upgrades are subject to availability and specific eligibility criteria, with members of higher-tier Velocity status receiving priority consideration. Checking your upgrade options can be a strategic way to elevate your travel experience using your accumulated points.

See this Point Hacks guide for more information.

Pro tips for finding great value seats

Here are some great tips and tools to help you in your search for great value Reward Seats

Explore partner airlines

Reward Seats are often available on Virgin Australia’s partner airlines such as, Singapore Airlines, Qatar Airways, and United Airlines at similar or even better points rates.

Be as flexible as you can

If your travel dates aren’t fixed, consider exploring off-peak travel days and alternative weekdays. Look into nearby airports or alternative routes to expand your options. For example, if you can’t find a reward seat available in London, consider flying into Frankfurt instead. A short connecting flight can get you to your final destination while potentially saving significant Points. This approach might require extra planning, but the Point savings could make it worthwhile.

Requesting reward seats

If you hold a Velocity Gold or Platinum membership, you can request Reward Seats to be released, but just note that this must be at least 180 days in advance. Visit this point hacks guide for more information.

How to search for the best Velocity Reward Seats

1. Head to the Virgin Australia website and log into your Velocity Frequent Flyer account.
2. Select “Use Velocity Points” in the flight search menu and enter all your flight details.
3. Ensure your destination offers Reward Seat redemptions by looking for the red V icon.
4. Be flexible with your travel dates to uncover more seat selections.
5. Select the cabin you would like to travel in and that is available.

For a step-by-step guide on how to book classic flight reward seats visit this Point Hacks guide.

Extra costs to know about

Even when using points, you’ll still need to pay some money for:

• Taxes
• Airport fees
• Carrier charges

When searching for Reward Seats with the most frequent flyer programs, you’ll typically see two key costs in the search results. The main cost shows how many points are required, while any applicable taxes and fees are listed separately below. Keep in mind that while your points cover the base ticket price, these additional charges must be paid at the time of booking.

Final thoughts

Unlocking the potential of Virgin Australia Reward Seats is the first step toward transforming your Velocity Points into unforgettable travel adventures. Whether it’s a luxury escape to the vibrant streets of Tokyo or a dream vacation through Europe, you can make these experiences a reality without breaking the bank with the right strategies.

Picture yourself relaxing in business class on a flight to New York or enjoying a scenic stopover in Singapore on your way to Rome – all possible through savvy reward seat bookings. With a bit of planning and flexibility, the world is yours to explore.

So, plan ahead and always be on the lookout for those exclusive Reward Seat offers. Your next adventure is waiting, and it’s closer than you think!

Written by Kylah Francis

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About the author

Kylah is a Marketing Specialist and author at au.multisite.content.varklin.com, where she is passionate about helping business owners unlock the full potential of their points. With a deep interest in travel herself, and a flair for content creation, Kylah combines her expertise to provide valuable insights, guiding readers to maximise the value of their points and achieve their goals through rewards education.