Virgin Australia rolls out dining vouchers, more Velocity perks for Qatar long-haul flights

As the June 2025 launch date looms for Virgin Australia’s new long-haul flights to Doha in partnership with Qatar Airways, the airline is rolling out a raft of new and improved benefits for its Velocity members. Some of the upcoming perks are expected, such as additional checked baggage for Gold and Platinum members. Free extra legroom seating is also on the cards for those high-tiered frequent flyers.

However, one new addition is an Australian airline first: a dining voucher for all Velocity members to use at selected outlets during their transit at Hamad International Airport in Doha.

‘Dine on Us’ in Doha with Velocity Frequent Flyer

Until 12 June 2026, both Velocity Frequent Flyer and Qatar Airways Privilege Club members will be able to access a US$20 food and beverage voucher valid at over 60 outlets at Doha’s Hamad International Airport, including Harrods Tea Room, Oreo Café and Gordon Ramsay Burger.

Velocity CEO Nick Rohrlach says the new benefits are about ‘rewarding Velocity members with an elevated travel experience.’

“We’re always looking for ways to give back to our members, and Dine on Us is just one of the many exclusive benefits they can enjoy on Virgin Australia’s new international services to Doha,” he said. 

To be eligible, members (including children) must be travelling on a Virgin Australia service between Australia and Doha (VA1-29) and add their Velocity or Privilege Club membership number to the booking before departure. The US$20 voucher will then be linked to the boarding pass.

A Virgin Australia spokesperson has confirmed to us that passengers will receive the voucher when flying on the VA-numbered flights in either direction, even if they are continuing on another airline.

One point to note: the vouchers can’t be pooled in a single transaction, so each passenger needs to make a separate purchase. Any charges above US$20 need to be settled separately.

Upgrades, more baggage allowance & free seat selection for elite Velocity members

Upgrade with Velocity Points

From 1 July, Velocity Frequent Flyer members can upgrade to Qsuites Business Class on VA-numbered Doha flights using Velocity Points.

In a departure from pre-COVID policy, all members (including Red and Silver) can apply for an upgrade from Economy Flex. Gold and Platinum members can upgrade from Economy Choice or Flex.

• Upgrade from Economy Flex to Business (all members): 69,000 Velocity Points
• Upgrade from Economy Choice to Business (Gold and Platinum): 99,000 Velocity Points

Additional luggage allowance

Gold and Platinum members will finally receive an increased luggage allowance when flying to Doha. These new bonuses will apply to both the VA and QR-numbered flights, although there is a quirk with African flights.

	– To/From the Americas (VA or QR flight number) – To/From Africa with a QR flight number	– All other destinations (VA or QR flight number) – To/From Africa with a VA flight number (QR operated)
VFF Gold Economy	One additional piece, 23kg	20kg extra
VFF Gold Business	One additional piece, 32kg	20kg extra
VFF Platinum Economy	Two additional pieces, 23kg each	25kg extra
VFF Platinum Business	Two additional pieces, 32kg each	25kg extra

Free seat selection for Velocity Gold and Platinum

Red and Silver Velocity members will receive a 10% or 20% discount on the VA-numbered flights when purchasing seat selection. However, Gold and Platinum members can claim free advance seat selection for themselves and up to eight passengers on the same booking, including preferred and extra legroom seats.

At the time of writing, you need to call Virgin Australia to choose seats for these new flights.

Priority check-in baggage and boarding & lounge access

As expected, Velocity Gold and Platinum members will be able to enjoy priority check-in and baggage delivery on the new VA-numbered Qatar Airways flights, as well as priority boarding. Lounge access is also available in each port, including access to third-party lounges, such as certain Air New Zealand lounges in Australia.

Qatar Airways’ own premium lounges, such as the Al Mourjan Business Lounges and Al Safwa First Lounge, remain open to Business and First Class passengers only (excluding Business Lite fares). Economy passengers with Velocity Gold or Platinum status can access the lower-spec Gold and Platinum lounges in Doha instead.

Summing up

The confirmation of these base benefits for elite frequent flyer members – such as lounge access and increased baggage allowances – broadly matches what Qantas and other oneworld passengers get through the oneworld alliance, which Qatar Airways is a part of.

But thanks to Virgin Australia and Qatar Airways’ closer partnership (and indeed, the 25% stake Qatar Airways is buying), Velocity Frequent Flyer members are getting even more from their flight.

The US$20 dining voucher is an interesting incentive for travellers to include the new VA-numbered flights on their trips to Doha and beyond. As long as the implementation and redemption process goes smoothly, we can see this being a hit for passengers.

This article will be updated with more details when they are known.

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