For context: I’m a frequent flyer who maintains status across multiple programs: primarily Virgin Australia Platinum, Qantas Platinum, and Star Alliance Gold. This isn’t unique. Many frequent flyers play multiple programs to maximise coverage and benefits. Are you one of them?
Virgin Australia has been one of my “main homes” for 13 years because it operates an extensive domestic network and international routes across the Asia/Pacific region.
Virgin has reinvented itself three times: as a low-cost carrier, a full-service carrier, and now a hybrid. Throughout, they’ve been my preferred option for Australian domestic travel, alongside Qantas.
They have a hodgepodge of alliances (ANA, Air NZ, United, Virgin Atlantic) plus an extensive codeshare partnership with Qatar Airways, which holds a 25% stake in Virgin and is using it to expand Qatar’s reach in Australia.
I’ve been Virgin Platinum (their top level) for most of the last 13 years. The bottom tier is Red, and the Silver level sits above it with very few perks. Then there is Gold, one below Platinum, which is way ahead of silver. In 2025, they introduced a new top Platinum Plus “VIP-style” level.
The things I appreciate about being a Platinum frequent flyer are lounge access on departure (with free Barista coffee), lounge access on arrival, free priority seats on planes, and priority boarding. Extra luggage is a perk, but less useful for me. There is a mix of inconsistent benefits for their global partners. I have had a few times where staff have had to check with supervisors to confirm my eligibility for something, and on two occasions to confirm whether Virgin Australia was a real airline!
I calculate that the value of Platinum to me was a few thousand dollars in perks last year.
But the real value lies in treating an airline as “frictionless”. From arrival to lounge, to boarding when I want, sitting where I want, not thinking about bags and knowing that the airline will look after me if something goes wrong.
Then came 2025. As part of Virgin Australia’s new hybrid identity, came a complete overhaul of the program. In essence:
- We earn 20% less frequent flyer points per dollar spent (unless you have one of their Credit Cards)
- More points are required to get a free trip with Virgin
- More points are required for most international partner Reward Seats
- Earning status has been changed from miles flown to dollars spent. You can expect to spend $9,600 to keep Platinum, $4,800 to keep Gold, and $ 24,000 to get Platinum Plus!
- Half of your travel has to be on a Virgin flight to keep or gain a status level
In a nutshell, the new rules mean most travellers will earn fewer miles, be able to use fewer miles, and find it harder to maintain or reach Gold or Platinum status. Lounge‑crowding should ease somewhat as some drop out, though perhaps not by choice
Why the aggressive changes? Velocity generated $409 million in revenue in 2023-24, and Qantas Frequent Flyer earned $2.6 billion in 2023-24.
For airlines, loyalty programs have become more profitable than the flights themselves. As part of its reinvention, Virgin is seeking to extract more value from this cash cow.
I understand that.
Virgin’s 2025 overhaul, however, comes as Australian frequent flyer programs already lag their global peers. A global ranking found no Australian airline in the top 10, and many believe Virgin’s changes only widen this gap. Some frequent flyers have even said they won’t bother with the new scheme. Velocity, I note, is already giving complimentary status extensions to some members who would otherwise be downgraded, which suggests they may have overshot and scared off too many frequent flyers. This makes me grumpy because I worked hard to keep mine!
The rule changes mean I now have to think much more carefully about where I fly, which partners I use, and when I spend with Virgin. Even the main consumer watchdog in Australia, the ACCC, has warned about declining value and the complexity of Australian programs.
But as long as Platinum keeps making my travel feel almost frictionless, it’s still worth my spreadsheets and careful planning! In my 2026 spreadsheet, I have already planned for half of my status credits from partners at a low cost per Credit. I’ll be looking out for every promotion that offers bonus Status Credits (take note, Virgin).
I’m genuinely grateful for the seamless airport experience that status provides, and I know these benefits can change or disappear at any time. That’s the nature of loyalty programs.
The game has changed for 2026. I’m still playing it, just on harder mode. Hopefully see you in the lounge for a latte in 2027!
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