Status pause during coronavirus

[rapitts]

Well looks like my plan to keep my platinum status a sprung a leak given the latest cornavirus issues.

Sydney to Japan flight all booked months in advanced now either I may need to cancel or amend the booking dates which then causes issues since I need another 2 sectors.

It would be very nice if Virgin announced it was freezing all status requirements for the next few months !!!

 

[AIRwin]

I've requalified until November 2021 but still hope they will apply the same membership pause mechanism to extend it further...

 

[cavemanzk]

It’s basically near impossible for New Zealand based members to keep status now, unless we want to do some self qautrine!

We don’t have any local ways of earning SP, the best way is VA J on the Tasman which currently isn’t an option now.

 

[Mexpirate]

currently 78sc short of plat, in the process of cancelling flights to Vietnam with Singapore airways that would have net 120 points (Vietnam not currently issuing visas to British citizens). Flight to UK may/June will net me 240 more but 250 expire before the return leg....

Fingers crossed for a double SC offer and a quick status run I guess - don't think any status holds/extensions etc will help my situation

 

[mavrick9]

Check the current sale if you need SC :

Virgin Australia Specials and flight sales

Find flight sales and airfare deals for domestic and international flights with Virgin Australia.

specials.virginaustralia.com

example SYD MEL - J 50 SC for $399
and others, it’s not quite double status credits but it’s still pretty good if you need a boost.

 

[PaulllM]

I got till Jan next year but with the AFL freezing out crowds and the ban of work trips my status will be hard to redeem, lucky the fall from Plat to Gold is minimal but a real bummer ill never get to use the Plat Hotel benefits. First world problems..

 

[davidhes]

My work has cancelled all international trips for at least the next few months. Which now means I’ll be unable to maintain gold without a status pause. Surely virgin can offer this? I don’t even want or need an extension, just let me pause for 6 months or so.

 

[dajop]

Like most carriers, I suspect VA have got a lot of more immediate concerns to worry about right now. Should they make it through this in tact, then I am sure there will be incentives to bring existing customers back.

General advice, where this is discussed (in relation to any travel provider) is to be patient.

 

[drron]

Well it certainly appears mrsdrron and I will not requalify for OWE this year.It was going to be our last year of requalifying.
Oh well.

 

[TheRealTMA]

Well it certainly appears mrsdrron and I will not requalify for OWE this year.It was going to be our last year of requalifying.
Oh well.

We won’t requalify for any of the programs this year I believe. I’m starting to that surviving the year would be a bonus and the best way to requalify.

 

[trippin_the_rift]

I wouldn't worry about losing status right now. Airlines will do something at a later date to protect members.

You might be interested in this interview (couple weeks old - so keep that in context) where the former heads of loyalty from: Velocity, JetBlue, IHG, Starwood, Malaysia, and Avios - discuss how to treat loyalty members in times of crisis.

https://soundcloud.com/user-413051724%2Fpodcast-8-loyalty-in-crisis-practical-tips-and-advice

 

[dajop]

You might be interested in this interview (couple weeks old - so keep that in context)

Interesting, although yes how things have changed in those couple of weeks, where basically things have gone from not "wanting" or not being able to travel due to company policies, to airlines practically closing down and not being able to travel at all without facing tremendous difficulties. Talking about award inventory now of course is practically irrelevant.

I think hotels have more opportunities than airlines, encouraging staycations, etc. Smart hotels could even come up with "self isolation" packages with inclusive catering and special laundry arrangements.

 

[Jurahn]

I have a trip coming up to the ACT and NSW in May to visit Dad and also have a bit of a getaway on my own, which was booked during the November DSC offer and the pooled SCs would be enough to get Mr J over the line for Gold for next year as we don't have any more travel planned - the offer came at just the right time. If the flights have to be cancelled (either by VA or if domestic travel restrictions are introduced), there goes the DSCs I guess.

 

[Pushka]

I have a trip coming up to the ACT and NSW in May to visit Dad and also have a bit of a getaway on my own, which was booked during the November DSC offer and the pooled SCs would be enough to get Mr J over the line for Gold for next year as we don't have any more travel planned - the offer came at just the right time. If the flights have to be cancelled (either by VA or if domestic travel restrictions are introduced), there goes the DSCs I guess.

Can you convert to a voucher and keep the same PNR?

 

[Jurahn]

Can you convert to a voucher and keep the same PNR?

I don't know - from posts in other threads, it appears impossible to get through to the GCC at the moment, especially as I'm lowly Silver now (and about to drop to Red). I'll have to hold off until the initial rush surrounding flight issues dies down and then try to contact them to find out the options.

 

[jasecao]

Just received an email about the status extension however my "new" review date is exactly the same.....

am i not reading it right?

 

[aaronm]

Just received an email about the status extension however my "new" review date is exactly the same.....

am i not reading it right?

I got the same email, review date hasn’t changed (still next week rather than in 2021). I would have already requalified so not clear how that works going forward, might still need another 800 SC before April 2021 if I want to keep it?

 

[flyingfan]

See discussion in the other thread starting from about here:

Virgin Australia launches 'coronavirus status extension' plan

Yes everyone will have status, plenty of velocity points, and of course the very practical and overflowing "travel banks"

www.australianfrequentflyer.com.au