Words by Carlie Tucker

There are plenty of frequent flyer programs out there, each one offering to reward loyal flyers with point earning opportunities. And though a cursory glance at Virgin's Velocity program may give the impression that it's one of many, Velocity could be worth a closer look.

Virgin Australia is known for doing things a little different from their competition, which is something that has carried through to their frequent flyer program. Providing members with a couple of little extras (such as family pooling and points for pets), it won the 2015 Freddie Awards for the Program of the Year, Best Customer Service and Best Redemption Ability.

So, how does it work? Membership is completely free and it's as easy as booking a flight ...

How to Earn Points

Simply speaking, Velocity allows you to earn points when you travel. This includes booking flights through Virgin Australia or any of its many partner airlines. This includes:

• Air New Zealand
• Delta
• Etihad Airways
• Singapore Airlines
• SilkAir
• Virgin Atlantic
• Virgin Samoa
• Virgin America
• Hawaiian Airlines
• Airberlin
• South African Airways

The network covers over 600 destinations around the globe, but point earning potential doesn't stop with flights. Along with booking hotels and car hire services with one of Virgin Australia's global partners (a list of which can be found on the Velocity website), there are quite a few surprising ways you can rack up those points. This includes everyday activities such as filling up your car with fuel or making an in-store purchase at any BP service station.

There are participating credit cards, home and business services, entertainment, fitness and mobile phone providers. There are even participating restaurants that allow you to swipe your Velocity card before you pay to earn yourself a few points with every purchase. 

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How To Redeem Points

With all those points burning a hole in your pocket, you may be itching to redeem them. Like most programs, Velocity allows you to exchange your points to purchase flights, flight upgrades, car hire and accommodation.  Corporate travellers may also want to consider lounge memberships and car transfers.

There are also a number of non-travel related rewards to be had if you so choose. Hundreds of products, vouchers, everyday rewards and experiences are available through the Velocity Rewards Store – just make sure you spend them wisely! 

And should you find yourself a little short when it comes time to purchase, Velocity offers a Points Booster program that allows you to purchase points to round out your balance. The complete details are available on the Velocity website, but the basics go like this:

• Points much be purchased in blocks of 500 with a minimum purchase of 500 and a max of 50,000.
• You must nominate your intended reward at the time or purchase.
• Booster purchases are allowed twice per member per calendar year.
• You must hold at least 80% of the total points required to make your intended purchase in your account at the time of your Booster purchase.
• Booster purchases are non-refundable.

Gain Status and Benefits

To add another layer of incentive, Velocity members also earn status credits along with points. These credits determine your level of membership within the program, starting with Red and moving up to Silver, Gold and Platinum.

As Virgin Australia is all about rewarding their loyal customers, your status level provides you with a few extra benefits every time you travel with Virgin or one of its global partners. These benefits include but are not limited to:

*Terms and conditions apply

A Few Extra Notes

Along with the above, Velocity is all about helping you maximise your points through a number of services that make it easier to do just that. One such service is the ability to claim missing points – a particularly handy option if you ever forget your frequent flyer number when booking. All you have to do is log in to your account, enter your flight number and claim any points you missed when booking.

Velocity also allows Family Pooling, which means you can group your family members' points and status credits in a single account. It's another handy service if you're hoping to score a free flight or upgrade but you're lacking a few points. Family Pooling also makes it easy to give the gift of travel, as you can transfer your status credits and points on birthdays, weddings or holidays.  

Along with Family Pooling, Velocity offers the Points for Pets option, which allows you to earn points when you travel with your pet. They are part of the family after all! You can earn a minimum of 300 points for each pet carrier booked, which increases with each member status level. 

Business travellers are also catered for with the Accelerate Program, Virgin Australia's dedicated frequent flyer program for businesses. This program works in conjunction with Velocity, allowing both the business and employee to pick up points with each flight, hotel or car booked. It also allows businesses to save on each fare booked, providing up to 10% off select fares throughout the year.

What's better, there are still a few days left to take advantage of the FCBT and Accelerate Back to Business offer, which provides even further flight discounts on eligible flights until the end of February.  For more information, contact one of our dedicated Travel Managers on 1300 797 826.