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VIRGIN AUSTRALIA LOUNGES REOPENING

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In yet another positive sign, Virgin Australia has announced the reopening of its lounges in Perth and the Gold Coast.

Seating capacity within both lounges will, however, be limited due to COVID-related social distancing requirements, and adjustments have been made to the placement of furniture within the lounges to ensure social distancing is maintained at all times.

Both the Perth and Gold Coast lounges will comply with all COVID-19 safe requirements as mandated by the state governments.

Guests will notice some changes including:

  • The requirement to use the QR code to complete sign in upon entry.
  • The entrance foyer will be used as an entry point only.
  • Furniture will be spaced 1.5m apart along with appropriate signage and social distancing markers.
  • Hand sanitiser stations will be placed throughout the lounges.
  • Lounges will be deep cleaned prior to opening, and cleaning undertaken throughout the day.

One of the most obvious changes will be around food and beverage, notably that self-serve food and drinks will not be available.

Pre-made food items including sweet and savoury snacks, sandwiches, fresh fruit, alcoholic beverages (including craft beers and curated wines), barista coffee, premium tea and soft drinks will still be available from the hosted food bar.

The airline’s Gold Coast lounge will be open:

8.00am – 8.00pm Monday to Friday
8.00am – 6.00pm Saturday
8.00am – 8.00pm Sunday

The Perth lounge willl be open:

4.15am – 5.00pm Monday to Friday
5.00am – 12.00pm Saturday
5.00am – 5.00pm Sunday

For more information, simply leave us a note in the form below, or CALL US [1300 935 669] to discuss your specific requirements.

We’d love to hear from you!

FREQUENT FLYER STATUS MATCHING – VIRGIN FIGHTS BACK

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Hot on the heels of Qantas’ frequent flyer fast-track offer, Virgin Australia has hit back with an attractive counter offer.

The airline announced that its Velocity Frequent Flyer program will reward its Gold and Platinum members for their loyalty, and give eligible Qantas Frequent Flyer members (and their companion) a taste of flying with a ‘fun and vibrant’ airline.

Speaking at Brisbane Airport, Virgin Australia Group CEO Jayne Hrdlicka said domestic airline competition was alive and well.

“Virgin Australia was the first airline in Australia to bring genuine competition to the domestic market, and that competitive spirit is in our DNA, so we’re happy to offer a more compelling loyalty offer than what is currently in market,” said Ms Hrdlicka.

“We’re pleased to welcome Qantas members to Velocity who are interested in taking advantage of cheaper fares, award-winning cabin crew, and great rewards for ongoing loyalty. We look forward to welcoming them onboard this summer season,” she added.

HOW DOES IT WORK?

By simply filling-in a short expression of interest form by 21 December 2020, Qantas Gold status and above members will receive a three month ‘Velocity Discover Gold Status’ trial membership.

That membership offers complimentary Lounge access, priority boarding, preferential seating, higher checked baggage allowances, and lucrative bonus points when customers book and fly with Virgin Australia.

To retain Velocity Gold status for 12-months and receive an additional Velocity Gold membership for a companion, they are only required to take one eligible flight and earn 80 status credits during their three month Discover Gold Status trial period—something previously only awarded to the most active Velocity members.

STATUS EXTENSIONS FOR EXISTING VELOCITY GOLD AND PLATINUM MEMBERS

Not to be outdone by the national carrier, Velocity Frequent Flyer is also offring eligible Gold and Platinum members a status extension of up to one year or until 31 March 2022, as long as they take one (1) eligible flight with Virgin Australia before 28 March 2021.

This is the second time Velocity has granted eligible members a Status extension this year. This will enable Gold and Platinum members to continue accessing benefits like Lounge access, priority boarding, and higher Velocity points earning ability when they return to the skies.

For more information, simply leave us a note in the form below, or CALL US [1300 935 669] to discuss your specific requirements.

We’d love to hear from you!

EARN DOUBLE VELOCITY POINTS

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ACTIVATE this offer and book by 29 September.
VALID for travel until 17 August 2021

You can earn double Velocity Points on all eligible Virgin Australia domestic flights when you book before 29 September 2020 and travel by 17 August 2021.

That’s 10 Points for every $1 you spend on domestic flights!

It’s as easy as 1-2-3

1. CLICK HERE to activate this offer.

2. BOOK an eligible Virgin Australia flight with The Travel Authority Group by 29 September 2020.

3. TRAVEL by 17 August 2021 to earn double Points!

Scroll down for terms and conditions.

For more information, simply leave us a note in the form below, or CALL US [1300 935 669] to discuss your specific requirements.

We’d love to hear from you!

Terms and Conditions
To be eligible for the Double Points promotion you must (1) Activate this offer through the activation link contained in this flyer or via www.velocityfrequentflyer.com within the member dashboard under ‘Activated Offers’ between 12.01am AEST 21 September 2020 and 11.59pm 29 September 2020 inclusive (Promotion Period); (2) after offer activation, book and ticket an Eligible Flight during the Promotion Period and enter a valid Velocity membership number at the time of booking; and (3) complete travel on an Eligible Flight. An Eligible Flight is a Domestic flight marketed and operated by Virgin Australia (except where a Domestic flight is flown as part of an international journey), between 12.01am AEST 21 September 2020 and 11.59pm 17 August 2021 inclusive and booked and ticketed in a fare class that normally accrues Points. Points cannot be earned on Velocity Reward Seat bookings. Codeshare services marketed or operated by partner airlines are not eligible for this offer. Bonus Velocity Points will be earned in addition to base Velocity Points earned. Bonus Points will be applied to the originally purchased fare class and any upgrades (other than when you paid the full commercial fare) will not attract Bonus Points as a result of this offer. There is no limit on the amount of times this offer can be redeemed. Velocity Points offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer or promotion. You should allow up to 4 weeks after completion of travel for the bonus Velocity Points to be allocated.

VIRGIN AUSTRALIA Resumes Services

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Virgin Australia has announced it’s opening up domestic travel options for Australians, with the airline resuming flights on 17 more routes, taking travellers to just under 30 local destinations by early August.

“We’re really encouraged by the resumption of local services by our domestic airlines—it’s a great sign. Not just for travellers, but for airline and tourism employees and our industry as a whole,”

said The Travel Authority Group’s CEO, Peter Hosper.

The routes include the resumption of flights to Newcastle, Hobart, Launceston, Darwin, Alice Springs, Hamilton Island, Maroochydore, Ballina, Coffs Harbour, Proserpine, and Mount Isa.

“We’re pleased to have continued our collaborative effort with the Federal Government to re-introduce some services as we start to see confidence return, and as each State and Territory comes closer to finalising their plans for the easing of restrictions and the reopening of borders,” said Virgin Australia Group Chief Commercial Officer, John MacLeod.

“Many of our aircraft have been parked and our teams are preparing them to return to the skies, and with the increase in flights we’re announcing today, we’re looking forward to serving our guests as they travel to visit family and friends, or take a well-deserved break,” he added.

The airline has also introduced additional safety and wellbeing measures to minimise risks associated with COVID-19, and to help you feel comfortable and confident when flying.

CLICK HERE to learn more about Virgin Australia’s new safety and wellbeing measures.

For more information, simply leave us a note in the form below, or CALL US [1300 935 669] to discuss your specific requirements.

We’d love to hear from you.

VIRGIN AUSTRALIA Increases Services

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The Virgin Australia Group doubles current capacity and introduces new safety and wellbeing measures as state travel restrictions begin to ease from early July.

“As state travel restrictions ease, demand for air travel is starting to return. We have a long way to go, but we’re thrilled to see airline schedules coming to life again. These services will be a welcome boost to the local tourism industry,”

The Travel Authority Group’s CEO, Peter Hosper.

The increased services will add some 30,000 seats across 320 flights per week to the airline’s domestic schedule. CLICK HERE to view to full Virgin Australia domestic schedule.

New Safety and Wellbeing Measures

Virgin Australia will also introduce a comprehensive new set of safety and wellbeing measures including pre-departure eligibility and health screening, contactless check-in, more frequent cleaning onboard and at the airport, and expanded social distancing measures.

The measures have been developed in close collaboration with airlines and airports across Australia as part of the Australian Aviation Recovery Coalition.

Virgin Australia Group Medical Officer Dr Sara Souter said the new measures will ensure that we appropriately manage the latest advice from government and remain vigilant when it comes to hygiene and personal protection.

“We will be adopting contactless check-in, a new sequenced boarding and disembarkation process and guests will see more frequent cleaning of high touch surfaces on the aircraft and within the airport,” said Virgin Australia Group Medical Officer, Dr Sara Souter.

“In addition, a new health questionnaire will be rolled out as part of the check-in process to ensure passengers are fit to fly and to assist with contact tracing,” added Dr Souter.

The airline has confirmed that an empty seat will be kept between guests travelling alone wherever possible, but that families and travelling companions will be able to sit together on flights.

For more information, simply leave us a note in the form below, or CALL US to discuss your specific requirements.

We’d love to hear from you.

SOCIAL Distancing at 40,000 Feet

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During these times of isolation and physical distancing, it’s not unreasonable to wonder how this might work at 40,000 feet.

Even though most of the world’s commercial passenger aircraft are parked and patiently awaiting the restart of the global economy, many airlines still have a few aircraft servicing essential routes. So, if you find yourself on one, how will you ensure a safe, social distance from the other passengers?

In what might just be the best silver lining in all of this, airlines are leaving their dreaded middle-seats empty.

“Flying is going to feel different for a while yet. Fewer flights, fewer people, fewer everything. But, on the up-side, more space for everyone.” 

The Travel Authority Group’s CEO, Peter Hosper.

Or as Virgin Australia describes it, “Virgin Australia has implemented new social distancing measures on all scheduled domestic flights until further notice. Guests will have the seat next to them blocked as part of the new social distancing policy.”

Similarly at Qantas, whilst acknowledging that the risk of contracting Coronavirus on board an aircraft is regarded as low, “social distancing has been put in place across all flights.”

Our friends at US carrier Delta Air Lines also recently supplied this update around its new COVID-19 practices and policies for all flights through the end of June:

  • Reducing the total number of passengers per flight.
  • Blocking middle seats in Main Cabin, Delta Comfort+ and Delta Premium Select.
  • Modifying boarding process so customers will now be boarded by row, starting from the rear of the aircraft.

For information about how your favourite airlines are dealing with social distancing and other parts of their services, simply leave us a note in the form below, or CALL US for a chat.

We’d love to hear from you.

VELOCITY Program Redemptions Pause

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Following the announcement that Virgin Australia has entered voluntary administration, the airline’s Velocity frequent flyer program—a separate business—has announced a decision to pause all redemptions for an initial period of four weeks, effective immediately.

Velocity’s media release [21 April 2020] stated,

“Although Velocity is owned by the Virgin Australia Group, it is a separate company and it is not in administration. That means we’re still operating, but we’ve made some temporary program changes in the interests of members.”

Velocity Frequent Flyer update [21 April 2020]

The decision was made, according to Velocity, because the ongoing travel restrictions have reduced flights and, therefore, opportunities for Velocity members to redeem their points for flights. As a result, members have rushed to use their points to shop online for items like gift cards, electronic goods, and wine.

“This unexpected demand has made it difficult for our suppliers to provide these offers and limits the availability for all members to redeem their Points.”

Velocity Frequent Flyer update [21 April 2020]

Velocity members have been advised that:

  • Their Points will remain in their accounts.
  • Their existing Points will not expire through this period. The expiration period for existing Points will be extended by the timeframe of the pause.
  • They will continue to earn Points with Velocity partners, even though they won’t be able to redeem them during the pause.

These changes take effect immediately. Although the initial timeframe for this restriction is four weeks, Velocity Members have been advised that this period may be extended.

For more information, simply leave us a note in the form below, or CALL US to discuss your specific requirements.

We’d love to hear from you.

VIRGIN AUSTRALIA Enters Voluntary Administration

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The Virgin Australia Holdings Limited Board of Directors has appointed Deloitte as voluntary administrators of the company and a number of its subsidiaries.

The airline advised that it has entered voluntary administration to “recapitalise the business and help ensure it emerges in a stronger financial position on the other side of the COVID-19 crisis.”

“We feel for our friends at Virgin Australia, and wish them well as the airline navigates its way through the headwinds of administration and beyond. This is a disappointing moment for Virgin Australia and travel industry more broadly. Australia needs two robust, competitive airlines. We’re hopeful that this process delivers that.”

The Travel Authority Group’s CEO, Peter Hosper.

Virgin Australia will continue to operate its scheduled international and domestic flights which are helping to transport essential workers, maintain important freight corridors, and return Australians home.

Administrator, Vaughan Strawbridge, said: “Our intention is to undertake a process to restructure and re-finance the business and bring it out of administration as soon as possible.

“We have commenced a process of seeking interest from parties for participation in the recapitalisation of the business and its future, and there have been several expressions of interest so far,” Strawbridge added.

Velocity Frequent Flyer, while owned by the Group, is a separate company and is not in administration.

“Our decision today is about securing the future of the Virgin Australia Group and emerging on the other side of the COVID-19 crisis.”

Virgin Australia Group Chief Executive Officer, Paul Scurrah.

“In 20 years, the Virgin Australia Group has earned its place as part of the fabric of Australia’s tourism industry. We employ more than 10,000 people and a further 6,000 indirectly, fly to 41 destinations including major cities and regional communities, have more than 10 million members of our Velocity loyalty program, and contribute around $11 billion to the Australian economy every year,” said Mr Scurrah.

“Australia needs a second airline and we are determined to keep flying. Virgin Australia will play a vital role in getting the Australian economy back on its feet after the COVID-19 pandemic by ensuring the country has access to competitive and high-quality air travel.”

For more information, simply leave us a note in the form below, or CALL US to discuss your specific requirements.

We’d love to hear from you.

MINIMAL Domestic Schedules to Commence

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On the back of confirmation that services will be underwritten by the federal government, both Qantas and Virgin Australia have announced the commencement of minimal domestic schedules.

Both airlines’ minimal schedules commence on Friday 17 April, and at this stage are expected to operate for a period of eight weeks, until 07 June 2020.

The government-underwritten flights will transport passengers and keep important freight corridors open during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We’re delighted to see these services take to the sky again. It’s a positive step in the right direction for an otherwise grounded industry.”

The Travel Authority Group’s CEO, Peter Hosper.

In a statement, Virgin Australia said, “The minimal domestic schedule will enable Virgin Australia to reinstate some of its stood down flight, cabin and ground crew, along with other operational team members.”

  • Virgin Australia’s minimal schedule will operate 64 return services each week between Melbourne, Brisbane, Sydney, Canberra, Adelaide and Perth.
  • Qantas and Jetstar’s flights will increase from 105 per week currently to 164 per week to all capital cities and 36 regional destinations around the country.

Describing its services, Qantas said that, “While the risk of contracting Coronavirus on board an aircraft is regarded as low, social distancing has been put in place across all flights. Similarly, on-board service will be a scaled back version of what would normally apply, with cabin crew focused on in-flight safety and they will wear personal protective equipment.”

The Travel Authority Group will continue to monitor and report on updated airline schedules as they are announced.

For more information, simply leave us a note in the form below, or CALL US to discuss your specific requirements.

We’d love to hear from you.

VIRGIN AUSTRALIA Companion Sale!

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These brilliant Virgin Australia companion fares have just taken off, and we’d love you and a bestie or two to take advantage of the savings.

SALE ENDS on 07 March 2020!

Companion fares apply when two or more people book and travel together on the same itinerary.

The bar in Virgin Australia’s international The Business cabin.

Try these fares on for size!

PERTH TO AUCKLAND

  • Business Class from $989 one-way

SYDNEY TO NADI

  • Business Class from $1299 return

SYDNEY TO LOS ANGELES

  • Premium Economy from $2799 return
  • Business Class from $5499 return

SYDNEY TO TOKYO

  • Business Class from $3099 return
    Also applies to departures from Brisbane, Melbourne and Adelaide.

MELBOURNE TO NEW YORK

  • Premium Economy from $2999 return
  • Business Class from $5999 return

Virgin Australia’s Boeing 777 international Premium Class cabin.

Contact us for more fares to destination across Virgin Australia’s domestic and international networks.

Scroll down for terms and conditions.

Don’t miss out! Ends 07 March 2020 unless sold out prior.

Leave us a note in the form below, or CALL US to discuss your specific requirements.

We’d love to hear from you.

Terms & Conditions

ALL FARES: Offer valid until 07MAR20. Please check all prices, availability and other information before booking. Virgin Australia terms and conditions and Helloworld Travel online Booking Terms and Conditions apply. Prices are per person in Australian dollars and are correct as at 24FEB20 but may fluctuate if surcharges, fees, taxes or currency change. Prices displayed are valid when 2 or more passengers book and travel together on the same itinerary. Offers subject to availability. Agents may charge service fees, rates vary. Prices displayed are ‘from’ pricing, includes all prepaid taxes and fees, except payment card fees which may be payable in addition, rates vary.

USA FARES: Passengers travelling on International Premium Economy or Business Class fares will be seated in Economy on Domestic connections within Australia where these services are not offered. Premium Economy Class fares are based on the following departure dates of 01MAR20-26MAR20, 17APR20-17JUN20, 15JUL20-18AUG20. Business Class fares are based on the following departure dates of 01MAR20-31AUG20. Day of week surcharges, peak travel surcharges, blackout periods, advance purchase rules and flight restrictions may apply.

TOKYO FARES: Passengers travelling on International Premium Economy or Business Class fares will be seated in Economy on Domestic connections within Australia where these services are not offered. Business Class fares are based on the following departure dates of 19APR20-19JUN20, 20JUL20-14SEP20, 12OCT20-25NOV20 for travel from Brisbane; 11MAY20-19JUN20, 17AUG20-14SEP20, 12OCT20-25NOV20 for travel from Sydney, 11MAY20-19JUN20, 17AUG20-14SEP20, 20OCT20-25NOV20 for travel from Melbourne, 11MAY20-19JUN20, 17AUG20-09SEP20 for travel from Adelaide. Day of week surcharges, peak travel surcharges, blackout periods, advance purchase rules and flight restrictions may apply.

FIJI FARES: Passengers travelling on International Premium Economy or Business Class fares will be seated in Economy on Domestic connections within Australia where these services are not offered. Business Class fares are based on the following departure dates of 05AUG20-06SEP20, 16OCT20-25NOV20 for travel from Sydney. Day of week surcharges, peak travel surcharges, blackout periods, advance purchase rules and flight restrictions may apply.

NZ FARES: Fares are based on various travel periods – please contact your local Helloworld Travel agent for details. Day of week surcharges, peak travel surcharges, blackout periods, advance purchase rules and flight restrictions may apply.

DOMESTIC FARES: Fares are based on various travel periods – please contact your local Helloworld Travel agent for details. Day of week surcharges, peak travel surcharges, blackout periods, advance purchase rules and flight restrictions may apply.