Velocity refunds frequent flyers with points spent on unromantic gifts
Did you bomb on the gift front this Valentine’s Day? Well, Velocity is giving you a chance to redeem yourself.
Although Valentine’s Day is gone for another year, Virgin Australia’s Velocity Frequent Flyer is encouraging its loyalty members to lift their romance game. It’s refunding Velocity Points used to purchase unromantic gifts such as kitchenware and cleaning products from the Velocity eStore in the lead up to V Day.
In the week before the big day, Velocity Frequent Flyers bought 2 toasters, 16 vacuum cleaners, 2 irons, 2 kettles and a blender from the Velocity Rewards store. At least Velocity Frequent Flyers weren't using their points to buy socks for their loved ones?
To help frequent flyers redeem themselves, Velocity is giving members who cashed in their points for these yawn-worthy items between 6 and 12 February 2018 a full refund. By doing so, Velocity hopes to give frequent flyers another chance to opt for a more romantic gift, such as a holiday, for their loved ones.
“When love is on the line we want Australians to step up and be a bit more romantic," said Velocity Frequent Flyer CEO Karl Schuster. "I’ve phoned some of our members who redeemed their points for some unromantic gifts and told them they can have their points back and go on a romantic getaway. They even get to keep their blender!"
This refund couldn't come at a better time considering Virgin Australia's current 30% off Reward Seats sale. Until 28 February, you can get up to 30% off the points total needed to book flights on Virgin Australia and some of its partners, including Air New Zealand, Virgin Atlantic and Delta. The deal covers all classes and flights from 14 March 2018 through to 9 January 2019. Before you take advantage of the offer though, make sure you read this guide on a common mistake to avoid when comparing Reward Seats sale prices.
Overall, considering redeeming your points for flights almost always offers more value than spending them on products from the Reward Store, using your refunded points from dud Valentine's Day gifts towards a discounted reward flight isn't a bad idea.
For example, you can purchase a Dyson vacuum cleaner (worth $999.00) in the Rewards Store for up to 166,900 points. But that’s also enough points to send a family of four on a flight from Melbourne to Hong Kong (valued at 33,600 points including taxes and fees each) if they book during the 30% off sale. I know which one I'd prefer for a belated Valentine's Day gift!
If you're one of the lucky frequent flyers getting a refund, you can expect the points in your account by 20 February 2018 at the very latest. The 30% off sale finishes 28 February 2018, so you might want to start comparing your options now!
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