Virgin Australia's US cousin Virgin America is now offering new Silver and Gold tiers for its frequent flyer program, with airport priority queues and free "Main Cabin Select" extra-legroom economy seats -- but the benefits aren't extended to Virgin Australia Velocity members.
While elder sister airline Virgin Atlantic offers reciprocal points and lounge access to Virgin Australia Gold and Platinum members, a Virgin America representative confirmed to Australian Business Traveller that Velocity cardholders "would have to be in Elevate and earn Elevate status in our program" to enjoy the new perks.
Virgin America's Elevate program is a points-per-dollar system, and you'd need to spend $4,000 with Virgin America to reach the silver tier or $7,500 to make gold.
In case you're wondering whether Elevate could otherwise be a convenient way to reach a Virgin partner airline silver or gold, it's not.
Aside from the fact that Australians can earn lucrative points from credit cards and other deals in Australia, the Elevate earning system for Virgin Australia isn't as generous as Virgin Australia's.
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About John Walton
Aviation journalist and travel columnist John took his first long-haul flight when he was eight weeks old and hasn't looked back since. Well, except when facing rearwards in business class.
1 on 25/7/12 by AwaywithMike