Hi.
My job entails frequently flying around Oz (I flew enough and used double status points offer to attain Platinum with Velocity in year 1). What is the general consensus on which is the better one to go for? Qantas flights are not as cheap as Virgin, which is one of the downsides I've identified.
On the plus side, Qantas do have a greater lounge network.
QFF would not offer me a status transfer to Gold - they were adamant on the 200 points challenge instead.
Ty.
Both, many destinations in Australia are one or the other.
If you have a preference I’d go with velocity. But you won’t be able to fly exclusively with them if you’re flying around the country.
Both, a true churner doesn't limit themself to one program.
Personally i think outside of domestic flights QFF are questionable value for money, doesn't stop me from collecting them though.
Does your company have a policy of booking the cheapest flights? If yes, go with Velocity
I dont anymore. @Gdsamp Work states Virgin is their 'preferred' airline.
Qantas points are perhaps easier to redeem on international itineraries than Virgin.
This depends where you want to fly. Personally I mainly want to fly to South East Asia and find Qantas' availability dreadful. Usually seems easier (albeit more points required) to find a Singapore Airlines reward flight through Velocity.
Sure, for single destination itineraries. If OP has broader travel aspirations Qantas is a member of OneWorld where Virgin Australia isn't currently a member of anything (e.g. Star Alliance, SkyTeam).
Qantas flights are not as cheap as Virgin, which is one of the downsides I've identified.
I flew MEL > SYD return and it was cheaper via Qantas than Virgin. I think it depends on where you are going and when. You could fly Virgin One Way and then Qantas the other depending on cost.
Just like @Drakesy said:
Both, a true churner doesn't limit themself to one program.
For domestic flights there isn't much difference. Qantas have a slightly bigger network but the lounges they have in airports that don't have a Virgin lounge are pretty "minimalist". On average, fares on Virgin are going to be slightly cheaper than Qantas so this may impact your employer's booking choice.
Qantas have a larger international lounge network being part of Oneworld alliance. Virgin still has a half decent international network but it would be worth comparing them in case you have likely destinations in mind that aren't covered.
I'm not too familiar with the current availability of redemption seats but pre-covid it would be much easier to get reward seats using Velocity points for flights to South Pacific and Asia, about the same for Europe and NZ, and a bit easier with QFF points to USA (especially domestic/internal USA flights).
If you can manage to get Gold with both of them I would think this is a better outcome than being Platinum with just one.
My main reason for choosing Virgin for myself as I travel a lot too is that I will most likely not travel Qantas for lesiure on my own dime. Especially since rewards flights are more difficult to secure late. Virgin is better value when I want to fly with the family so at least we get the tier benefits as well. I also have better luck with virgin over Qantas in regards to flight delays and cancellations.
But virgin are definitely a step down from Qantas when it comes to lounges and inflight services.
I also prefer the virgin terminal in most of our major cities for the larger selection of restaurants.
Thanks all for your informative replies!
I would say:
Qantas Platinum
Virgin Gold
Qantas Gold
…domestically and…
Qantas Platinum
Qantas Gold
Virgin Gold
…internationally.
The red bean stew used to drive me crazy at the Qantas domestic lounges for breakfast. Plus party pies or baked potatoes for dinner? ☹️
This is not a problem for Platinums as the business class lounges have more variety. East-West flying is also way better on Qantas.
Both, although QF P1 has been particularly beneficial, relative to Virgin Platinum.
Depends on what your priorities are. If you fly internationally a lot, Velocity is far better - both for getting points and status by flying many great airlines like EY, QR and SQ as well as far more redemption options than Qantas (once again, also for those 3 airlines, all top 5).
However flying domestically, Qantas will probably offer more options and lounges overall - but if you only fly golden triangle or something, then it won't really matter.
Qantas gone to shit with the same high prices.
do u get to choose hwhich airline you fly with for work