Virgin Australia’s Velocity frequent flyer point, reward seat changes, and how to get a flight for a point

Virgin Australia has cut the number of frequent flyer points Aussies need and released more than a million new reward seats with some flights also going for 1 point. See how it affects you.

Virgin Australia has fired its next shot in the war against rival airlines by slashing the number of frequent flyer points travellers need for reward flights.

From Monday, its Velocity Frequent Flyer program is undergoing a massive overhaul, with the minimum points needed for a rewards seat on domestic flights now starting at 6200 points, down from 7800.

The airline’s new Reward Seats point structure will now feature three tiers, up from one, to offer members different price points, rolling out between June 5 and July 5.

Each tier is based on a zone of travel depending on distance flown, price of a ticket, the cabin class and availability of seats at time of booking.

A one-way flight from Sydney to Melbourne could be redeemed with 6,200 points and one-way ticket to the Sunshine Coast from Melbourne could be redeemed at 9400 points.A flight to Perth from Melbourne could be redeemed at 14,100 points.

Reward Seats include complimentary checked baggage allowance and seat selection. But passengers need to factor in extra taxes, fees and carrier charges.

Nick Rohrlach, CEO of Velocity at Virgin Australia. Picture: Dallas Kilponen/Virgin Australia

These “seats” are special deals airlines offer to members that can only be redeemed with points, and tend to represent better value than using points to pay for seats.

Virgin Australia is also releasing more than one million domestic Reward Seats, marking one of the largest releases in the airline’s history.

The decision came after research revealed Australians wanted an easier way to earn points and faster ways to get rewards.

Velocity CEO Nick Rohrlach said the new offers mean the airline is offering the lowest reward airfares in the country.

He said the changes offered members more choices and “faster ways to redeem points”.

“We are making an investment on our side to be the leaders in the market. We like to show that we mean what we say,” he said.

“We reduced the fares over the last couple of years by 30 per cent, and now it’s the rewards seats turn to get the pricing reduction, so customers get better value.”

Joel Gibson, of One Big Switch. Picture: Tim Hunter.

Joel Gibson, of One Big Switch, said lowering the entry bar and adding more rewards seats was good news for frequent flyers but “it remains to be seen if it’s enough to solve the problem” of high demand for these tickets.

“It will certainly help and consumers want to see more seats at a lower entry point across all airlines,” he said.

“My only concern is the date limitations. One million new seats at a lower entry point sounds amazing, but unless one million people want to travel in those periods using points it’s just a very clever PR strategy.”

As part of Virgin’s changes, members will also be able to buy items from popular brands including Dyson, Apple and Weber or flights with just one reward point.

The 1 Point Rewards sale begins with a pop-up store on Chapel Street in Melbourne on Saturday, June 10, where the first 100 members will also receive a guaranteed one-point flight.

The sale will roll out across Australia online on Sunday, with deals dropping at undisclosed times once a week for four weeks.

Melbourne couple Laura and Jonno accrue loyalty points through their everyday living expenses, such as shopping at Coles.

“My husband and I both work but with three young kids, going on holidays and buying new things like coffee machines doesn’t happen that often. Rewards programs make it accessible rather than just a dream,” she said.

“You can get it quicker and cheaper without wasting points.”

Laura and Jonno Kantzdis, of Melbourne, with children Sienna, 5, Evie, 6 and Zac 2.

WHAT CAN AUSSIES GET FOR ONE REWARD POINT

Some of the items Aussies may be able to get their hands on for just one Velocity reward point:

There is a limit of one purchase per member each week of the deal.

Dyson - Supersonic HD07 V3 Hair Dryer - RRP $649

Dyson Vacuum cleaner ( v8) cordfree 394437-01 - RRP $719

Smeg 50s style toaster - RRP $219

Apple Watch - RRP $399

Weber Baby Q - RRP $389

Chasseau- 30 cm round firm casserole ( Cherry Blossom) - RRP $320

Breville Barista Coffee machine ‘Chrome’ - RRP $779

GHD Unplugged hair straightener - RRP $500

Apple Air Pods 3rd Generation - RRP $249

Bose soundlink micro bluetooth speaker - RRP $175