Virgin’s latest triple points offer: What to watch out for
Which flights are the best choice for earning points?
The latest Velocity bonus points offer for Virgin Australia has landed. This one promises triple points, which is good news if you're building your points stash.
I've added it to Points Finder's full list of current extra points offers. But what should you watch out for if you want to take full advantage of it?
Firstly, this is a targeted offer, which means in theory you have to click on a link emailed to you to qualify. Fortunately, the email seems to have been fairly widely sent. Check your inbox and do a quick search for "Velocity" to see if you're eligible. If you are, hit that "Activate Offer" button. If not, using this link should also activate the offer. You need to complete any bookings before 18 February 2021 to be eligible.
The offer applies to any Virgin Australlia flights operating between 10 February 2020 and 5 January 2020, which gives you a wide range of choices. The most important restriction to note? The extra points only count on Virgin-operated flights. Codeshare flights, such as Delta in America or Virgin Atlantic to London, won't be eligible to earn points.
You can't earn triple points on Reward Seat bookings, unsurprisingly. Similarly, you can't make changes to existing bookings and earn extra Velocity Points that way. Only new flight bookings, with your Velocity membership number attached when you book, are eligible.
So assuming you're eligible, how can you maximise the value of the offer? For domestic flights (and short-haul international like New Zealand), you usually earn 5 Velocity Points per $1. With the triple points deal, that goes up to 15 per $1 spent. If you choose a more expensive fare class, such as Business, you'll earn more points. That said, I'd be more inclined to take advantage of cheaper fares and book more flights, rather than spending more for the sake of it. (In a fantasy universe, I'd book Business all the time, but financial reality has to kick in.)
International flights earn based on distance and class, so can potentially score you more points per dollar. Those choices are a little more limited now that Virgin is withdrawing from Hong Kong, but Los Angeles and Tokyo remain options.
Of course, flights aren't the only way to boost your points. A credit card that earns Velocity Points can also really help, especially if there's a good sign-up offer attached. However, for trips you know you'll be making (think birthdays/weddings/anniversaries), it makes sense to book when you can score more points for no extra effort.
Note: This guide has been updated since original publication to include the February 2020 offer.
Angus Kidman's Findings column looks at new developments and research that help you save money, make wise decisions and enjoy your life more. It appears regularly on Finder.
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