Practical tips for booking your next Velocity reward flight.
What we'll be covering
Half the battle with frequent flyer points is finding the seats you want for your trip and using your points for your ideal travel goal. In this introductory guide – updated for 2023 – we look at how to search for and book Virgin Australia reward seats. If you don’t quite have enough points yet, be sure to check out our best Velocity card bonus offers.
We also explore handy tips and tricks on using your Velocity Points effectively, including how to search for reward seat availability quickly, and what fees or charges may apply.
How to book a reward seat with Velocity Points [step-by-step]
For those who have a simple one-way or return itinerary, and already know what they want to book, here are the quick steps to get you on your way.
- Head to the Virgin Australia websiteand log in to your frequent flyer account.
- Enter all your travel details, including origin and destination. Select ‘Use Velocity Points’.
- Continue with adding your travel dates and the number of guests travelling. Click ‘Let’s fly’.
- On the results page, look for flights that show ‘Velocity reward seats’.
- Choose your desired flight and cabins that show ‘Reward’.
- Check out as usual to reserve those reward seats. We recommend you use the minimum Velocity Points amount and pay the taxes via cash for the best value. However, you’re also able to pay the taxes with points as well.
You’ll usually receive your itinerary quickly after making payment. If you do need to make a change or cancel your reward seat, you might be able to do it online. Otherwise, call Velocity Frequent Flyer for assistance.
- Reward seats that you book with points and cash: these can only be cancelled by contacting Velocity Frequent Flyer or filling out this Travel Cancellation form.
- Reward seats that you book wholly with points: you can cancel the booking directly through the ‘Manage Booking’ page.
Ad – Scroll down to continue reading.Minimum spend, terms & conditions apply.
How to plan a reward seat booking with Velocity Points
It’s simpler to plan a trip with Velocity Points than with Qantas Points, for example, because Velocity is inherently a smaller program with fewer airline partners. But the concept of reward seats is still the same.
1. Work out the distance you’ll travel
Start by using the Velocity Mileage Calculator to work out the distance between your origin and destination. If your route isn’t displayed, perhaps use Great Circle Mapper as an alternative.
2. Find out how many Velocity Points the reward will cost
Next, hit up the Reward Seat tables to see how many Velocity Points you need for a flight of that distance. For example, the Perth-Launceston route is 1,844 miles, according to Great Circle Mapper. That means that reward seats on this flight are 17,800 points in Economy or 35,500 points in Business Class, plus taxes.
| One-way miles | Economy reward | Business reward |
| 1-600 | 7,800 points + taxes | 15,500 points + taxes |
| 601-1,200 | 11,800 points + taxes | 23,500 points + taxes |
| 1,201-2,400 | 17,800 points + taxes | 35,500 points + taxes |
| 2,401-3,600 | 22,300 points + taxes | 49,500 points + taxes |
Taxes and charges apply to all reward seat bookings. Some airlines, including Singapore Airlines, Etihad and Qatar Airways have an additional carrier charge applied as well. See the partner airline reward seat table here.
3. Search for those reward seats
Once you’ve collected enough points, it’s time to start booking! Follow our earlier step-by-step guide to begin the search for reward seats. If you find the seats you want right away, that’s all well and good. But what if you’re struggling to find reward seats?
There are a few strategies you can use to search for reward seats more efficiently. For example, Qatar Airways seats can be searched for on AA.com, which also offers a handy calendar view. For most other partner airlines, searching through their own frequent flyer program can be easier – this includes Aeroplan (Air Canada and Etihad), KrisFlyer (Singapore Airlines) and MileagePlus (United).
Once you find saver-level reward seats on that other partner website, double back to the Virgin Australia website to see if those same seats can be booked with Velocity Points.
Gold or Platinum? Request guaranteed reward seats
Can’t find the reward seats that you’re looking for? If you’re a Velocity Gold or Platinum member, then you can request for some Economy seats to be opened up. But notably, you can only request this at least 180 days in advance, so it won’t work for last-minute trips. It also only covers up to 4 travellers, including yourself.
If you’re booking anytime up to 6 months before a trip, just call up Velocity and ask them to look into this for you. You’ll need to provide the date you wish to travel. But bear in mind, Velocity might offer you reward seats on alternate flights, which might not be on the same day as you request.
Frequently asked questions
How early can I book reward seats with Virgin Australia?
Virgin Australia‘s booking calendar opens from 330 days before departure. You’ll have a decent shot at nabbing reward seats if you search far in advance.
Are there fees for booking reward seats with Virgin Australia?
A card payment fee may apply if you choose to pay the taxes and surcharges with a card. As of May 2023, the fee is 0.55% for debit cards and 0.97% for credit cards. If you book over the phone, a separate fee may also apply. This is currently $40 or 5,200 points per person, per booking.
What are Virgin Australia taxes and carrier charges?
With reward seat bookings, you have to pay any airport and government taxes that apply, such as security screening and airport movement charges. Virgin Australia and some other airlines will also levy a separate carrier charge. This starts from $11 per flight on domestic routes and can be much higher for international routes.
How much does it cost to change or cancel a Virgin Australia reward seat?
It will cost you $35 or 4,500 points per person to cancel a domestic booking. For international, it’s 7,500 points or $60 per person. These fees may be waived due to COVID-19 disruptions.
Can I upgrade a Virgin Australia reward seat?
No, you can’t upgrade a reward seat booking further.
Do I earn points or status credits on Velocity reward seat bookings?
Generally, no. Sometimes, Velocity will run promotions where points and/or Status Credits may be offered on reward seat bookings for a limited time.
Do I still have a luggage allowance with Virgin Australia reward seats?
Yes, reward seats are considered a fully-inclusive fare with seat selection and baggage included.
How to book a reward seat with Velocity Points was last modified: May 17th, 2023 by Brandon Loo
Community
Comments
Shaun says:
February 28, 2024 at 10:29 pm
I’m looking at flights 330 days out. There are a few rewards seats available.
Once these are sold are they done and gone or will they open up a few more down the track.
Reply
lainey says:
August 2, 2023 at 12:36 pm
Child seat costs the same in points as adult.. if I book reward seats using points, can I pay in $ to add a child fare to my booking at a later stage?
Reply
Brandon Loo says:
August 2, 2023 at 7:28 pm
Hi Lainey, unfortunately not. If you book the child separately, they’ll be on a separate reservation.
Reply
platy says:
May 18, 2023 at 6:32 pm
The VA website is inconsistent in showing only some partner award inventory by route, thus, for example you cannot search LHR to LAX for UA seats yet other sectors are enabled….go figure.
Reply
Brandon Loo says:
May 18, 2023 at 6:57 pm
I’ve found a workaround for this is to search a different route first, then on the flight result page edit the search to what you actually want. It appears to allow more pairings. Also go figure 🙂
Reply
sean says:
May 19, 2023 at 5:03 pm
Brendan, when I do that, it doesn’t seem to give direct flights. For example, I looked at SFO to LHR and it only gave options of flights via LAX. However, when I look at LAX-LHR on the game day, it only gives options via SFO.
A check of the United website shows reward flights available from both LAX and SFO direct to LHR on the same day.
Saf says:
April 3, 2022 at 3:51 pm
What do we use now to search more easily for points redemptions, considering Delta isn’t partnered with Velocity anymore?
Reply
Andrew says:
March 21, 2022 at 7:29 am
I have a question regarding the earning of points on flights paid by points. I understand that you can’t double-dip and get points for rewards flights, but do you earn points/status credits for standard flights even if paid for by points?
Reply
Brandon Loo says:
March 21, 2022 at 10:30 am
Hi Andrew, you’re correct in that reward flights don’t earn points. If you do ‘Points + Pay’ on a standard fare (i.e. Lite, Choice, Flex, Business), then you will earn normal points and Status Credits. However, be aware that Points + Pay doesn’t give you the best value for your points compared to a reward flight.
Reply
Andrew Price says:
November 6, 2019 at 3:56 pm
Hi Keith,
Thanks for this great article – I use and recommend your site all the time. Wondering if you have an option for me. I am trying to get over to Vegas for a 50th next year in May.. I have over a million points in Virgin at the moment but as reward seats are all exhausted, a seat in “The Business” is costing 650,000. I also have Platinum Status do you know if I pay for a full Freedom Economy fair can I then upgrade with points to business for a cheaper alternative or does that only apply if there are reward seats available.
Reply
Daniel Sciberras says:
November 11, 2019 at 11:52 am
Hi Andrew
This is clearly the ‘Any Seat’ pricing. Given you are a Platinum, if you do purchase a Freedom Economy (or Premium Economy Saver), then you are able to upgrade. Make sure to check the Premium Economy pricing too, as sometimes there is a very small difference in cost, and in those scenarios, it is best to purchase Premium Economy Saver, as you lock in Premium Economy and get the higher points and status credits attached.
But the upgrade inventory is based on award seat inventory (ie Z class). Velocity is known to only release Business awards (and upgrades) only a few days before departure date on most of their long-haul routes.
Reply
Rosie says:
November 2, 2019 at 11:53 pm
Hi Keith, first time wanting to book business with velocity, 1 way Paris to Adel, thought I was doing something wrong as it would not show access to Aust – rang velocity they said can only book via phone coming into Aust which surprised me and if we are wanting to book for end of Oct 2020 availability would not be open until Jan/Feb to book – not the expected 330 days, am I missing something? Have only booked with Qantas before and had no issues/confusion.
Reply
Daniel Sciberras says:
November 7, 2019 at 1:12 pm
Hi Rosie
I believe the way that the Velocity website is set up, it doesn’t allow for award search functionality from all origin points outside of Australia. Example, you can’t search from Paris, but you can from Los Angeles one-way.
Reply
Dan says:
August 14, 2018 at 2:29 pm
I see some people booked 330 days out for their departure trip (one way) then waited and booked their return flight (one way) on the Lax route . I didn’t think/know that this was possible on international flights?
If you book a one way international flight paying cash you normally end up paying the full return price anyway.
Suggestions? I have been trying to book BNE to LAX but the cheapest I can find is 180,000 points per way economy 330 days outs and no reward seats
Reply
Michael says:
March 8, 2017 at 4:00 pm
Hi Keith, are you able to search for Premium Economy (Virgin Aust) on the Delta site. If you searched for Delta Comfort would you find them?
Reply
Cedric says:
February 12, 2017 at 11:45 pm
Hi Keith,
Thank you for posting this article – this is very helpful.
I have been trying to book business class tickets using my points; Melbourne – Singapore on Virgin’s website. However every time I do a search, it seems that there are no business class options, just economy. Around 35000 points (one way) + $80. Is this normal that Virgin doesn’t offer Business tickets for flights operated by Singapore airlines? Would you recommend I book economy then apply for an upgrade using my points? Is this even possible?
Same problem when looking for flights to Manchester – no business class options by flights operated by Ethiad or Singapore airlines.
Thanks for your help / comments.
Cheers,
CedricReply
Lili Caputo says:
January 20, 2017 at 10:02 pm
Hi Keith, thanks for your website, it’s very helpful. I’m interested in your opinion and if you have uncovered any further information on your most recent posts.
We have flown return to the US as a family several times in years gone by using points to secure business class seats. As you said we have previously, on the dot of 330 days out, logged in and secure one way and done the same some weeks later to secure the return leg.
This year, has been different. Virgin did not release any seats 330 days out and still have not released any some 3 weeks later. We check twice a daily. Do you know what’s changed with Virgin? Do they release the seats to gold or platinum members first?
We called Virgin Velocity Customer Service and asked if the rules have changed and they were cagey and not forth coming with information. They said they “didn’t know if anything has changed”. Which clearly it has.
After spending years building our Velocity Points we are not sure about continuing with Virgin’s system as clearly the goal posts have moved and they are not telling their members.
Anyway I hope you have found something out.
Kind regards,
LiliReply
Keith says:
January 23, 2017 at 1:25 pm
Both Virgin and Qantas availability has gone ‘dry’ for 330 days recently. I think they are both using blackouts over Christmas / NY next year. It’s not a good development.
Reply
Jimmy Gottfredson says:
January 16, 2017 at 8:31 am
Keith I just found your site. Love it.
I haven’t looked for availability from LAX-Australia on VA in a while, but decided to this morning. Searching Velocity, Delta and Expert flyer I don’t see one open seat. Nada. VA use to open seats up 1-10 days out, but nothing as of now. I’m guessing this is a function of 1) Sumer in Australia 2) Demand for the new business class on VA – or a combination of the both.
Have we entered a new period were any award ticket on VA from America to Australia or back is going to be very difficult or impossible to redeem?
Reply
Keith says:
January 16, 2017 at 9:15 am
Yes, I’m seeing this trend also. I’m going to do some deeper research and try and publish a post on this summarising what we find…
Reply
Jimmy Gottfredson says:
January 17, 2017 at 5:05 am
Sounds good – I’ll share what we find as well. Jimmy.
Frank says:
November 29, 2016 at 3:56 pm
Keith,
any way to search via Delta, select a VA flight and use VA points (or transfer them to Delta)?
Looking at VA direct website is 2/3 times more points than Delta is suggesting. (90,000 vs 280,000 for SYD-LAX return)
Am I comparing apples with oranges on total points?
Reply
Keith says:
December 1, 2016 at 10:06 am
any way to search via Delta, select a VA flight and use VA points (or transfer them to Delta)?
Yes, this is how you can look for availability to use Velocity points – can’t transfer them to Delta though, but Delta’s results for Virgin Australia flights should match what Velocity is offering as well.
Looking at VA direct website is 2/3 times more points than Delta is suggesting. (90,000 vs 280,000 for SYD-LAX return)
SYD-LAX return in Business is 95,500 Velocity points one way in Business Class for a Reward Seat, not an Any Seat. Need to ensure you are looking for the cheapest reward seats on Virgin Australia within their website.
Reply
Chris Raymond says:
November 26, 2016 at 1:07 pm
Im looking to fly from Sydney to LA anytime from mid September 2017 but threre no rewards seats for business class. Any suggestions here? If there is no rewards seats available now do they make some available in the coming months or once they are not showing on the dates, that’s it?
Reply
Keith says:
December 1, 2016 at 10:10 am
Virgin Australia are now being very limited when releasing award seats, however their current trend is to open some up around 2 weeks before departure. Not ideal. Some may open up if others cancel their previously booked seats too. Keep looking.
Reply
Mick says:
November 21, 2016 at 9:29 pm
Thanks Keith 🙂
Reply
Mick says:
November 21, 2016 at 8:46 pm
I’ve been building up velocity points for the last couple of years with the intention of flying myself and my partner to Dublin or London on business class. I knew a few months ago that the redemption rates were going up but the increase in taxes through Abu Dhabi is outragious! It adds an extra $2000 on to what it was a year ago! I have been very loyal to VA over the last few years maintaining Silver (never quite getting enough to hit Gold), but I’m feeling very strongly about ditching Virgin and heading to another carrier.
Would it make any sense to transfer the points over to Krisflyer (We have about 450,000 between us)? Or just move to Qantas and use the points? What a way to treat your loyal customer base!!! x(Reply
Keith says:
November 21, 2016 at 9:01 pm
I feel your pain. I’d suggest posting your Dublin / London trip thoughts (rough timings, number of people etc etc) in the Questions section and we can all try and figure out the best option for redemptions for you. I think KrisFlyer is likely to be the winner.
Reply
Brendan says:
November 16, 2016 at 12:43 pm
I’m not nearly as au fait with the VA system as I am with booking reward flights with QF. However, in this case, I logon to the VA website, select ‘points + pay’ and end up with what seems like a ridiculously expensive option. I’ll keep looking to see if there is somewhere else to book a saver award.
CheersReply
Brendan says:
November 10, 2016 at 9:34 am
I’m looking to book flights to HNL from SYD for next October. I am seeing approx. 258,500 points per person, per segment. This seems very high considering that I booked six people to LAX return for about 760000 points total.
Is there something special about reward flights to Hawaii?
Reply
Keith says:
November 11, 2016 at 9:28 am
This seems like an Any Seat Award rather than a saver award. The price for saver awards on Hawaiian Airlines is not cheap, but they aren’t that expensive either. Is this for Business or Economy? Business Awards aren’t available with Hawaiian using Velocity Points either.
Reply
David Lee says:
October 28, 2016 at 3:00 am
Thanks for this article!
I have Virgin America points. Looking at flying SYD-ZQN, if I see Economy Reward on the VA website avail, will I be able to book that flight with my Virgin America points?
Reply
Keith says:
October 28, 2016 at 5:12 pm
Generally, yes!
Reply
Kristen says:
September 24, 2016 at 9:22 am
Keith – have you ever found that Delta is showing award seat availability for business, but it’s not showing up on Virgin? I’ve just had that happen now – and when I’ve called the call centre, they say there’s no availability? Last night Delta’s website had 2 business seats showing, this morning it’s down to 1. But Virign website, still nothing? Just doesn’t make sense?
Reply
Keith says:
September 25, 2016 at 7:11 am
It shouldn’t be the case, but there have been issues with VA award availability for their partners matching what you’d see elsewhere, so wouldn’t surprise me if it’s happening the other way around too. Frustrating.
Reply
Alexandra says:
August 4, 2016 at 3:08 pm
Hi Keith,
I am new to this and determined to get myself and husband a free business class flight. I had a question, how am I supposed what each destinations average points should be? The only thing on their website is zones which gives very vague rough ideas. For example, Brisbane to Cook Islands Return Business Class, is the standard points pricing at 99,000 points return or is it usually lower? How can I find this information out when working out what destination to go and when to book?
Thanks 🙂
Reply
Chris says:
July 29, 2016 at 8:35 am
I am having the exact same issue- there is not one rewards seat in the next year on any carrier to Europe . Clearly there is an issue here as I’ve booked in the past without issue
Reply
Grant says:
July 17, 2016 at 11:11 am
Can anyone find ANY reward seats from east coast Aus (pref Brisbane) to Europe (pref Barcelona).
I have tried multiple different routes and cannot find a single rewards seat!Reply
Keith says:
July 17, 2016 at 4:17 pm
Are you looking for Economy or Business Class? Any preferred carrier?
Reply
Grant says:
July 18, 2016 at 8:26 am
Looking for economy, no preferred carrier – just want to get there with the least points used and reasonable flight time (i.e not 40 hours!). Taking off in September/October.
Keith says:
July 18, 2016 at 9:40 am
We’re aware of a problem were Singapore Airlines Economy award availability doesn’t seem to be showing correctly on the Velocity site, especially for searches to Europe. It might be that Velocity priorities Etihad over Singapore. Try looking on the Singapore Airlines site for KrisFlyer availability and then calling Velocity to see if you can book it.
David says:
July 2, 2016 at 6:59 pm
My wife and have just picked up 2 return business class airfares from SYD to LAX for Feb/march next year all on points. Over the moon.
Reply
Ben says:
June 22, 2016 at 5:50 pm
Hi Keith,
Is there an easy way to find cheap flights on points.I have searched around Dec 16 and the points are significantly higher than the base points requirements, is there any website/way to easily find cheap points options without just inputting numerous different date combinations.
Reply
Keith says:
June 22, 2016 at 8:07 pm
For free, the Delta.com search method outlined in this guide works well. Look for flexible dates over a month and see what you can find. Paid, I love AwardNexus. Again, use the Delta search tool within AwardNexus for more flexible search options.
Reply
Matt says:
May 15, 2016 at 10:40 am
makes sense – but when I search for availability on through KrisFlyer, I can find flights, making it even stranger. I would prefer to do the booking through velocity, as it would save the transfer over to Krisflyer and the rubbish conversion rate, plus the more expensive charges and taxes (I believe) through Singapore airlines, but if I have to do it I will… all just a little strange though.
Reply
Matt says:
May 7, 2016 at 5:05 pm
Is anyone struggling to make velocity rewards bookings? I can’t find a single business reward ticket from Melbourne to Singapore at anytime over the next 11 months, whereas 2 weeks ago they were in abundance. While potentially they have all been snapped up, I find the sudden and dramatic availability shift strange – maybe they pulled all availability until the points changes on 1 June?
Reply
Keith says:
May 9, 2016 at 3:00 pm
Melbourne – Singapore would be reliant on Singapore Airlines opening up award inventory, which Velocity do not control. So unless Velocity have started blocking Singapore Award seats (which would be very surprising), this would be due to availability at Singapore Airlines end changing.
Reply
Tom says:
April 2, 2016 at 10:02 pm
Keith,
Is there a way to tell /do you know what Virgin Australia’s ‘Business Rewards’ translates to on a Delta flight?
Virgin Australia’s Velocity phone support team does not know.
Thank you.
Tom
Reply
Keith says:
April 3, 2016 at 10:34 am
Hey Tom – in what way? In terms of availability (and how to see it) or price, or…
Reply
Leave a Reply
Leave a Reply
You may also like
Five frequent flyer programs that you should be a member of
How to efficiently search for reward seats
Cathay Pacific The Wing, First Class Lounge, Hong Kong
Turn your points into paradise
Our Point Hacks Concierge is here to help
Find Seats
Stay updated on all things Points.
Select the type of news that you want delivered directly to your inbox
Sign up now
Luxury for less
All your points and travel needs in one destination
Plan your dream getaway now
