Velocity Frequent Flyer Adds New Perks For Flights To Doha

Velocity Frequent Flyer is dialling up the perks for Aussies flying to Doha, with a fresh batch of benefits now available on Virgin Australia’s long-haul international flights. But before you start dreaming of Champagne in Qsuite, there are a few things worth unpacking.

These services — VA1 to VA29 — might carry a Virgin Australia flight number, but they’re not operated by Virgin metal. Instead, Qatar Airways is operating these flights on behalf of Virgin Australia under a wet lease agreement, which means you're flying with QR crew, on QR aircraft, with QR service.

This latest announcement builds on recent Velocity upgrades like tripling the number of Qatar Airways reward seats available between Australia and Doha through to early 2026 — which we covered in detail here.

USD$20 Voucher For Velocity Members

Perhaps the most tangible new perk: a USD$20 food and beverage voucher to use at select outlets at Hamad International Airport in Doha. Every Velocity member (including kids) travelling on a VA-numbered Qatar Airways-operated flight to/from Australia qualifies — as long as your Velocity number is in the booking before check-in.

Just flash your boarding pass at one of the eligible food outlets and you’re sorted. But don’t expect to cash in at Starbucks or the Louis Vuitton Lounge — some venues are excluded. Details are available on the Velocity website.

Points Upgrades Are Coming

From 1 July 2025, Velocity members can request upgrades using Points from Economy Flex fares to Business Class. Gold and Platinum members also get access from Choice fares.

Sounds great, right? But there’s a catch: upgrades are request-based and subject to availability, meaning they’re far from guaranteed. In other words, a lottery.

If you’re serious about flying up front, your best bet remains booking an outright Business Class reward seat using Velocity Points. Our guide to redeeming Velocity Points for Qatar Airways flights breaks down the cost, routes and how to maximise value.

Lounge Access?

Velocity Gold and Platinum members do get lounge access when flying these VA-coded, QR-operated flights — but it’s not quite the full red carpet.

Despite the shiny status, you won’t be sipping champagne in Qatar Airways' iconic Al Mourjan Business Lounges unless:

• You’re flying in Business Class (excluding Business Lite tickets).
• You’ve booked a Business Class reward seat using Velocity Points.

If you're relying on Velocity status or received an upgrade using Points, you’ll be directed to the Gold or Platinum lounges in Doha. These are perfectly serviceable, but don’t hold a candle to Al Mourjan’s luxuries and these lounges also don't have showers, a feature many value after a 10+ hour flight.

More Seat Selection, Baggage and Priority Perks

Other Velocity benefits now active on these VA/QR long-haul flights include:

• Advance Seat Selection: Complimentary for Gold and Platinum members (including Preferred and Extra Legroom seats) for you and up to 8 guests. Red and Silver get 10%–20% discounts — for themselves only.
• Family Pooling: Combine Points and Status Credits with up to five household members. A family of four flying return in Economy Flex from Sydney to Paris via Doha could rack up 86,000+ Points and 1,120+ Status Credits — handy for chasing status.
• Extra Checked Baggage: Up to two extra bags depending on your Velocity status and route. The finer details vary by region and whether you’re on a VA or QR flight number.
• Priority Airport Benefits: Status holders get access to Business Class check-in counters, priority boarding and baggage handling — even in Economy.