If you’ve been saving your Velocity Points for a premium flight experience, this could be one of the best opportunities yet to lock in a Qsuite Business Class redemption.
More ways to fly Qatar Airways using Velocity Points
Securing a long-haul business class reward seat has never been this easy, until now. Velocity Frequent Flyer has significantly expanded award seat availability on its Sydney and Perth routes to Doha, operated by Qatar Airways’ Boeing 777s.
Our searches reveal multiple Qsuite business class seats per flight, a major win for Velocity members looking to redeem points for a premium travel experience.
These flights, though marketed as Virgin Australia services, are fully operated by Qatar Airways under a wet lease agreement, meaning passengers enjoy all the trimmings of Qsuite business class with Qatar Airways’ signature inflight experience.
Why this matters for frequent flyers
This expansion comes at a crucial time for Australian frequent flyers. Award seat availability has been notoriously scarce across major airlines, making it difficult for Velocity members to redeem points for long-haul premium travel. Virgin Australia’s move increases competition in the market and provides a meaningful alternative to Qantas Frequent Flyer, which has struggled with limited premium reward availability.
How many Velocity Points do you need?
Here’s how many Velocity Points you’ll need to lock in these flights (with carrier charges levied separately):
Business Class (one way)
- Perth to Doha: 89,500 Points + taxes and fees
- Sydney/Brisbane to Doha: 119,500 Points + taxes and fees
Economy Class (one way)
- Perth to Doha: 42,000 Points + taxes and fees
- Sydney/Brisbane to Doha: 56,000 Points + taxes and fees
Flying beyond Doha?
Velocity’s distance-based award chart means flights to Europe and beyond are available at the following rates in business class:
Perth to Europe (select destinations): 119,500 Velocity Points + taxes and fees
Sydney/Brisbane to Europe: 158,500 Velocity Points + taxes and fees
Reward seat availability: What you need to know
The available routes show strong availability upon launch, with multiple Qsuite seats on select flights. However, award availability changes constantly – what’s available today may be gone tomorrow.
How to book your reward seat
Business Class awards are highly sought after, and availability can change quickly. If your preferred dates aren’t available, consider:
- Setting up reward seat alerts to be notified when seats open up
- Searching for nearby dates or alternative departure cities
- Booking a one-way ticket first, then securing the return leg separately
We expect these seats to be snapped up quickly, and inventories can change over time.
Can you earn Qantas Points on Virgin Australia’s wet-leased Qatar Airways flights?
Many readers have asked whether cash fares on Virgin Australia’s new wet-leased flights operated by Qatar Airways are eligible to earn Qantas Points and Status Credits. Qantas has advised The Champagne Mile that flights booked under a Virgin Australia (VA) flight number do not earn Qantas Points or Status Credits, even though the aircraft and crew are provided by Qatar Airways.
To earn Qantas Points and Status Credits, your flight must be booked under a Qatar Airways (QR) flight number as part of a codeshare arrangement. Note that reward seat bookings made with Velocity Points do not earn points or Status Credits, regardless of the flight number. If earning Qantas Points is a priority, book under a Qatar Airways flight number where possible.
Final thoughts
Velocity Frequent Flyer’s expanded award seat availability presents a major opportunity for members looking to redeem points for long-haul business class travel. With Qsuite redemptions now more accessible, while carrier charges are high, this is probably one of the best ways to use Velocity Points.
For those who have struggled to redeem Qantas Points for premium seats, Velocity is shaping up to be a strong alternative, especially on popular long-haul routes. Check the Velocity Frequent Flyer website now to search and book your seat.
While you’re here: Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest tips, deals and news. It only takes a few seconds and we respect your privacy:
