Virgin Australia’s Velocity Frequent Flyer loyalty program has launched a mammoth competition amidst the decline in companionship, which is being dubbed ‘Australia’s friendship recession’ – offering one lucky Velocity member the chance to win a trip of a lifetime to Hamilton Island with 100 of their closest friends (from 20 to 23 March 2025).~
Previous research shows that over the past 40 years, the average number of trusted friends has dropped from nine to just five* and while rallying 100 might seem impossible, the prize could be the perfect solution for a destination wedding, birthday, reunion or even a work excursion (did someone say promotion?!).
The competition, aimed at empowering members to forge new bonds or reconnect with distant friends, will see one lucky winner and 100 friends pack their bags for one of the most popular destinations on the Great Barrier Reef. Valued at over $150,000, the prize includes flights, accommodation, transfers and island activities, ensuring an unforgettable experience from the moment the seatbelt sign is switched off.
Throughout the entire month of June 2024, Velocity members will automatically enter the draw by simply earning ONE single Velocity Point~ – it’s really that easy! Whether booking an eligible flight with Virgin Australia or its partner airlines, transferring Flybuys points to Velocity, topping up the car at 7-Eleven or using a Velocity Points earning credit card, every Point earnt is one step closer to the ultimate prize.^
How to enter:
- Velocity members (who are Australian residents aged 18 and over) who earn Velocity Points in June 2024 are automatically entered into the competition~
- Entries are capped at 10 per eligible Velocity member (10 separate instances of a member earning Velocity Points).
- How to earn ONE single Velocity Point:^
- DiDi – earn 1 Velocity Point per $1 eligible spend every time the member rides. Members must have linked their Velocity membership number in the DiDi app to earn.
- Flybuys – members can scan their Flybuys’ card at participating retailers and then transfer Flybuys points to Velocity to earn Velocity Points.
- 7 Eleven – Velocity members can earn Velocity Points when they scan their Velocity membership card or scan their Velocity-linked My 7-Eleven app on fuel and eligible in-store purchases.
- Virgin Australia – Earn Velocity Points when members enter their Velocity membership number and fly on eligible Virgin Australia flights.
- Velocity e-Store – Shop over 300 brands and earn 2 Points per $1 spent on eligible purchases at most retailers. See special offers here and keep an eye out for bonus Points.
- For more ways to earn Velocity Points, see Notes to Editor.
Velocity Frequent Flyer CEO, Nick Rohrlach, said a prize of this scale is something the program has never offered before.
“We are thrilled to be bringing such an exciting opportunity to our members, with one lucky winner receiving one of the biggest prizes in Velocity’s history,” said Mr Rohrlach.
“The best part is, you only need to earn one single Velocity Point this month to be in it to win it. Whether it’s flying with Virgin Australia, riding with DiDi or shopping online across 300 brands in the Velocity e-Store, earning Points, and in this case, entering a competition, has never been simpler.
“Loyalty works both ways, and we are really focused on doing things differently at Velocity to reward our members, fast. This competition shows just how valuable Points are to members to redeem on their next flight, hotel or holiday – and all you need to do is earn one Point for a chance to win.
“Just one Point could become a life-changing experience for one of our members,” he said.
For more information on the competition, visit here.
