VIRGIN AUSTRALIA: Status credits on reward seats offer extended ’til end July 2022

I missed this last week, so this is a bit of a catch-up post for those thinking of amassing Virgin Status Credits. Given the way, Qantas seems to be treating its customers and staff, maybe with Virgin’s low business fares, chasing status with them is a better option than with Qantas.

Bonus Status Credits

These have been offered for a while, but the eligibility period has been extended to 30 June 2022 for domestic bookings. Virgin reclassified its fare classifications back in August 2021, so the number of status credits you will earn depends on when you booked – whether before or after 19 August 2021:

Status Credits on Reward flights

This is a bonus! You can earn status credits on redeemed rewards flights until the end of July 2022. This is a great way to up your status credits especially if you are on the cusp of reaching Gold or Platinum, both giving you lounge access. Normally you only earn these credits on paid flights, so now it doesn’t matter if you redeem points, or pay cash.

2PAXfly Takeout

This is another timely reminder to wear your seatbelt when seated. Holding you close to your seat will protect you from the sort of injuries sustained on this flight, when unsecured passengers flew to the ceiling of the aircraft, and then came crashing down once the ‘drop’ ceased.

The hope will be that this is an anomaly – a ‘freak accident’ in casual parlance. If it is a systemic error either mechanical or electronic, then this is a larger concern for the airlines that fly Boeing Dreamliner 787 aircraft. Let’s hope it isn’t. If it is, it will pile on the woes to Boeing’s existing stack.

If Virgin Australia did not fly out of the horror that is Terminal 2 in Sydney, I would fly them more regularly. Their other advantages are reasonable business class fares, the pre flight drinks in business and OK lounges but with better food than Qantas. The Sydney lounge is also a little small and gets very crowded, and they are currently not serving spirits. I find myself booking flights out of Sydney on Qantas, but often booking the return leg on Virgin. The lounge in Adelaide, my regular destination, is fresh and bright, as is the one in Melbourne, which I am yet to visit. If I didn’t have a ton of credit with Qantas – I’d travel on Virgin more often.