Virgin Australia Status Credits with Points

Hi!

I'm currently on 467 status credits, and about to start dropping at the end of August. Trying to get over the line to Gold.

I will be flying Mel>Canberra sometime in the next month.

Then also thinking about going to Bali in the next couple of months.

Three questions:
1) Can I still get status credits with points? For instance, if I cashed points in for business class on one of the flights to Canberra, would that get me over the line?

2) Does anyone have any methods of getting a few extra status credits? I know if I go for the middle type of fare, return I'd probably end up hitting 497, which isn't ideal. If I do go to Bali, it would be nice to have lounge access etc.

3) If I bid to upgrade for business (say on the Canberra flight), would just one flight just give me over the line? Or do credits work differently when you do this

What would seasoned flyers do in my situation?

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Comments

  • 2) Does anyone have any methods of getting a few extra status credits? I know if I go for the middle type of fare, return I'd probably end up hitting 497, which isn't ideal. If I do go to Bali, it would be nice to have lounge access etc.
    3) If I bid to upgrade for business (say on the Canberra flight), would just one flight just give me over the line? Or do credits work differently when you do this

    1. Depending on when your account review is set for, you may get an upgrade to Gold if you make it to 497. I've been upgraded when I was at like 460 at the account review period. I wouldn't rely on it, but it is a possibility.

    2. If you book an economy seat, and then pay for an upgrade, you will only receive SC's based on the fare booked.

    As above, I think your best bet would be to book your MEL-CBR trip as a multi leg, or at a higher fare (You would only need an Elevate one way, and a Freedom on the other) - or spend $300 at coles to get the extra 3 SC's you need.

    • I was upgraded to Gold in the past fortnight on 498 SC, so this still happens. I do have a few forward flights booked though…

  • If you are close to reaching 500 around your review date give them a call and ask if there's anyway to earn a few more SCs or if they're able to upgrade you. Has worked for me in the past.

    • I called them (twice) at 468 and they wouldn't budge and told me I would get to Gold when I hit 500 SC, and then only. Buy after next flight I hit 498 and got upgraded to Gold! Go figure!

  • 1) Can I still get status credits with points? For instance, if I cashed points in for business class on one of the flights to Canberra, would that get me over the line?

    If you buy a reward seat with points you wont earn status credits. If you buy a normal seat you will earn SCs but its a waste of points as they really screw you with the cost.

    2) Does anyone have any methods of getting a few extra status credits?

    Melb > Syd > Canberra return with an elevate fare costs about $750 return at the end of August and will get you 60 status credits.

    But if you ask me VA Gold is not worth the hassle. I have been gold for the last 5 years and am dropping in December. No point paying extra for Virgin. Jetstar are cheaper, have better planes and at least they are honest about being a budget airline.

    • you wouldn't spend an unnecessary $750 just to get VA Gold - you could pay for lounge membership for less (if you're silver you can join for $300)

      • OP only needs 33 SC. Return on Elevate could be had for under $400 and he’s going anyway. I enjoy the perks but I guess it depends on how often you travel.

        • And if you travel internationally your purchased lounge membership is no good.

          I like the perks ie priority checkin / boarding and lounge access but it just isnt worth the crap experience you get in the air.

          • @Sawtell: It's very much a YMMV thing regarding crap service. How anyone can tell the difference in the domestic market is interesting to me.

            But the international lounge access for a gold ain't bad at all. I've used it in tonnes of places.

  • Yes Mel>Canberra return on Elevate + shopping at Coles.

  • 3) I think you only get SCs for your original ticket if your upgrade bid is successful.

    Just buy a return elevate fare between MEL-CBR and spend $300 at Coles with your Flybuys. To get VA Gold is definitely worth the difference between getaway and elevate fare, especially if you travel a bit.

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