Virgin Atlantic has unveiled a number of changes to its Flying Club loyalty programme, including a further status extension and a new benefit which will see members able to earn tier points on reward flights.
The carrier first extended member status validity by six months back in March, and has now added a further six months to this in recognition of the global travel restrictions caused by Covid-19.
Virgin says that from September 1 it will also become the first UK airline loyalty programme to enable members to earn tier points on flights redeemed using miles only, at the same rate as if they were booking with money.
Oli Byers, senior vice president, Data and Customer Loyalty called it “an industry-leading move that will help customers progress to Silver or Gold membership more quickly”.
In addition, the validity of Gold member vouchers and those earned through branded credit cards have also been extended by a further six months (on top of the previous six month extension), and the terms and conditions for these vouchers have been simplified with a single set of rules whether they have been earned through status or credit cards, as follows:
- Companion vouchers can now be used in conjunction with a ticket in any booking class and can be used in any cabin of travel regardless of tier status. Gold and Silver can book their companion into any cabin for zero miles and Red members can book their companion into Economy and Premium for zero miles or Upper Class at a 50 per cent miles discount. Taxes and fees apply.
- Upgrade vouchers can now be used in conjunction with a ticket in any booking class, for a one cabin upgrade for a return flight (excludes original bookings made in Economy Light).
- Clubhouse vouchers will be valid for one entry to any Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse, when booked on a Virgin Atlantic flight or with Joint Venture partners Delta Air Lines, Air France or KLM (when travelling internationally). Gold members will continue to receive two Clubhouse vouchers.
Virgin and its sister carrier Delta are currently operating from Heathrow T2 while T3 remains closed, and as previously reported, eligible customers with Virgin Atlantic and its sister carrier Delta can from today (August 20) use the Plaza Premium Lounge at T2.
Commenting on the news Byers said:
“We recognise our loyalty programme is extremely important to our Flying Club members and we want to ensure our most loyal customers don’t lose out on their benefits while they’ve had less opportunity to fly with Virgin Atlantic.
“This additional six-month extension – making an extra year in total – gives our members peace of mind that they have even more time to enjoy and renew their hard-earned tier status or redeem their vouchers. Following our return to the skies last month, we’re committed to supporting our customers and welcoming them back on board when the time is right for them.”