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.

Get started with Virgin Australia’s new search interface.
  1. Head to the Virgin Australia website and log in to your frequent flyer account.
  2. Enter all your travel details, including origin and destination. Select ‘Use Velocity Points’.
  3. Continue with adding your travel dates and the number of guests travelling. Click ‘Let’s fly’.
  4. On the results page, look for flights that show ‘Velocity reward seats’.
  5. Choose your desired flight and cabins that show ‘Reward’.
  6. 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.
Qatar Airways search with Velocity
Here’s an example of Economy and Business Class reward seats on Qatar Airways.

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.
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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.

If you’re using Great Circle Mapper, be sure to enter the airport codes (e.g. PER-LST) to find the distance between Perth and Launceston.

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 milesEconomy rewardBusiness reward
1-6007,800 points + taxes15,500 points + taxes
601-1,20011,800 points + taxes23,500 points + taxes
1,201-2,40017,800 points + taxes35,500 points + taxes
2,401-3,60022,300 points + taxes49,500 points + taxes
Velocity Points needed for Virgin Australia domestic and short-haul international flights. Correct as of May 2023.

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