Qantas vs Velocity points: Which is better? A frequent flyer's guide

As this traveller finally reaches superior status, he enlists the experts to critique his points strategy and answer the big question: Is Qantas's frequent flyer program actually better than Virgin's? 

Literally everyone I know or meet assumes that, because I spend my life travelling, I must have a gazillion frequent-flyer points stashed away and breeze through airports like a VIP. This couldn’t be further from the truth. As someone who rarely gets to choose the airline I fly, I’m at the whim of my masters. Which explains why it’s taken me so long to finally achieve platinum status.

There was, sadly, no fanfare when the big moment happened last month. No street parades or letters from the king. Just a subtle change in colouring on the Virgin Velocity app, from gold to platinum (actually more of a charcoal grey).

I got to road-test the new perks of office on a flight to Adelaide, where I could choose a more spacious economy-X seat for free and, when I had trouble doing so on the app, got put through promptly to an actual person at the Virgin call centre (cue the choir of angels).

As with most things in life, once you’ve got status it’s easier to accrue more. So I earn double points on flights now. Apparently I’m also eligible for four domestic business-class upgrades in the year ahead, plus extra check-in baggage. And I got to use the priority security lane at Adelaide airport and avoid a queue of hundreds, but I had those privileges with gold anyway. As far as the flying experience and lounge access goes, not much has changed.

I put all my points energy into Virgin because I was finding it impossible to get ahead on the Qantas Frequent Flyer program. It’s touted as the superior of the two because of the strength of the Oneworld alliance but I never got any (status) credit for flying with codeshare carriers like Emirates.

Virgin, by contrast, showers me with all-important status credits whenever I fly with its partners such as Singapore, Etihad and Qatar. Which is how I reached the current dizzy heights of my flying career.

It feels like my strategy has finally been vindicated. But I checked in with some experts to make sure my loyalty wasn’t misplaced.

It’s easier to earn status with Virgin's Velocity program, than with Qantas.

“I would support the conclusion but not the reasoning,” says Daniel Sciberras, editor in chief at Points Hacks. “It’s easier to earn status with Velocity [because] Virgin Australia requires less status credits in general to reach their levels.”

But Qantas platinum flyers enjoy better benefits, he argues. “With Qantas you can access nearly all Oneworld first-class lounges, irrespective of the fare class you’re flying. Virgin doesn’t extend the same first-class lounge privileges for its platinum members on partner airlines, with the exception of Etihad Airways.” Qantas platinum cardholders can also use its business lounges when flying domestically.

Sciberras says both Qantas and Virgin loyalty schemes offer “great value” if you’re looking to redeem points for flights, and are hard to separate in terms of points needed or the travel perks afforded to status members.

The Qantas First Lounge at Sydney Airport.

Likewise, James Kavanagh, CEO of global leisure for Flight Centre Travel Group, reckons there are pros and cons to the programs of both carriers.

“Which one has the edge is completely subjective,” he says. “Typically, Qantas is well regarded for its association with Oneworld, which makes it a truly global offering, but as Virgin strengthens ties with Qatar this is definitely a space to watch closely.”

There are two parts to the loyalty equation, he says: how will you earn points, and how will you burn them? “Are you simply going to generate points when you book a flight (like me), or are you going to take advantage of banking and everyday partners to maximise your balance?

“You should think carefully about the perks that will benefit you most. Is it the airline’s destination network and extension into code-share partners, or is it the opportunity to upgrade, carry additional luggage or have lounge access?” (Again, me.)

Cathay Pacific is a leader when it comes to business class and its frequent flyer program.

Kavanagh says there’s no reason Australian travellers should limit themselves to local carriers’ programs. “Other airlines we hear good things about… include Cathay Pacific, which offers exceptional reach across its network; Air Canada, which is known for its great-value redemption options; and Singapore Airlines, where points can be transferred from a range of credit-card partners.”

When it comes to redeeming points for flights, Sciberras urges caution. Points are only one part of the cost. “The other main factor is co-payments such as taxes, fees and charges. So a low-points cost, high-surcharge redemption may not always be the best value.”

Fortunately, I’m still a long way off having enough points, with anyone, to start worrying about “free” flights to anywhere epic.

Best airline loyalty programs in the world

Recent rankings released by reward-travel experts Point.me rate Air France and KLM’s Flying Blue the best loyalty program for earning points, service, and redeeming flights. Qantas and Virgin didn’t make the top 20 (rating 24 and 33 respectively).

Originally published as Qantas vs Velocity points: Which is better? A frequent flyer's guide