At last, some good news about our hard-earned Velocity Points. Virgin Australia will refund taxes and surcharges on cancelled flights. Refunds had been stopped after the airline collapsed April 21st. They were almost $7bn in debt.
Deloitte the appointed administrator has made a move to get customers their money back and for some its thousands of dollars in bookings.
Payments will be made within 21 days and Velocity members will be contacted by email. Deloitte says “all efforts are being made to process qualifying refunds and applicable taxes as quickly as possible”.
On the Virgin Australia velocity website, it says “if you booked on or before April 21, 2020, for travel before September 30, 2020, we’ll waive any applicable change or cancellation fees”. And “if you or Virgin Australia cancel your flight before September 30, 2020, we’ll refund your points or cash in full to the original form of payment”. Bain Capital said it will retain the Velocity Frequent Flyer scheme. The airline says “However, members who would typically receive a refund to Travel Bank will now receive a refund to the original form of payment until Travel Bank, or a suitable alternative, is available”.
Virgin members have responded very favourably to this latest news.