Virgin Atlantic status match, in less than 24 hours I became Silver and "earned" a free flight
On the status match promotion page it says that the outcome of the request will be disbursed within 30 days, in my [...]
Virgin Atlantic
On the status match promotion page it says that the outcome of the request will be disbursed within 30 days, in my case the response came in less than 24 hours.
In this article:
This afternoon I received two emails less than 40 minutes apart. The first informed me that my request had been taken care of, the second that the challenge had been completed and my request granted.
Logging in to my profile on the VA website, I already see my new status with duration until January 31, 2022, by that date if I want to renew it I will have to earn at least 400 level points.
Compared with my previous challenge with TAP Portugal, also successful, the procedure was absolutely immediate and without any friction.
Personally, I don't think I will attempt the Race to renew status, much less I think I will be doing enough routes with Virgin Atlantic in the coming months, even though I currently have one flight booked in upper class (VA's business). I chose it because I definitely wanted to try out the company's new flagship, the Airbus A350/1000. The flight is scheduled in late August from London Heathrow to Los Angeles. The hope is also to try out the "Club House" Virgin's incredible lounge in Terminal 3 of the London airport.
However, thanks to the silver level I will earn 30% more Virgin points and, according to my calculations, thanks to this bonus I will have enough points for a free award ticket.
How the Flying Club Virgin works
Users who sign up access the Red level, which in fact does not release many benefits other than the ability to earn Virgin points and level points and little more.
What is interesting is that there are only two elite levels in VA:
- Silver level: is earned by accumulating at least 400 tier points in a year. Privileges are a bonus of 30% of Virgin points earned per flight, the ability to check in at premium economy counters, and the ability to choose your seat for free even when flying super-discounted fares.
- Gold level: is earned by accumulating at least 1,000 tier points in a year. Privileges are a bonus of 60% of Virgin points earned per flight, the ability to check in at upper class counters, access to London lounges, and extra baggage
The concept of level points is very similar to the British Airways executive club concept., but much more jagged in the various travel classes, it must be said, however, that on the site everything is explained in great detail. Not only are there some examples, but you can access the full list of routes and see how many Virgin points you will earn on each individual flight.
As you can see in the table, net of promotions, you can earn per flight from a minimum of 25 tier points to a maximum of 200, regardless of the length of the flight, but operating only intercontinental routes, the math is soon done. To get the silver level you need 2 full-fare business flights, 4 if it is a promotion. Given that the flights are operated from London and, before the pandemic, from Manchester, it is not an easy carrier for an Italian traveler.
Virgin's points accumulation table is also well explained on the site; by taking advantage of the dedicated page, it is possible to see how many base points can be obtained with each individual flight operated by the company.
A round trip from London to New York allows a Silver user to accumulate from 2,247 to 35,953 points.
Also interesting is the feature that allows you to multiply Virgin points per flight: by paying, you can decide to get the 100% or 200% of extra points per flight, a faster way to detach an award ticket. Award ticket that in Virgin allows you to earn tier points and Virgin points, which virtually no other airline does.
How to earn points with partners
From rentals to hotels, via other airlines, of course, here the details of all partners. Virgin does not participate in any alliance but with Delta, Air France, and KLM it has a close relationship both operationally and share-wise. So you can also earn tier points and Virgin points when you fly with these airlines and others such as Singapore Airlines, ANA, Air New Zeland and a few others.
Table for redeeming award flights
The clarity and ease with which all information is retrieved on the VA site should be turned into a handbook for all companies.
This is the table for award flights from London, where-as we have said many times before-the fees are often equal to the cost of a regular ticket and increase depending on the class of travel.
Instead, above is the table for those who want to detach an award ticket and fly with Delta. Here you can find tickets for US/EU routes, where fees are lower than 10$.
In conclusion
This status match cost me the time to fill out a form, will allow me to earn more points on my next trip with the company, and because of these extra points I will have enough VA points to get a free award ticket. Not bad.
