Virgin Australia Velocity flight bookings: Points available for use six weeks earlier than planned

Virgin Australia has brought forward the date its 10 million Velocity frequent flyer members can redeem their points to book flights as the airline moves closer to finalising its future. Velocity members can redeem points on flights from Tuesday July 21, six weeks earlier than the original date of September 1. Velocity accounts were effectively frozen in April after the airline collapsed into administration and members were unable to redeem points on flights or products. Members can also redeem points for hotels and car hire, although the online store remains offline until the airline comes out of administration. In June, Virgin's administrators Deloitte agreed to sell the airline to US private equity giant Bain Capital. However the airline's bondholders are pushing to meet with Virgin management to relaunch their proposal to control the airline. Virgin says seats are available for points bookings on 152 routes and 97% of its network. Airlines are struggling with the uncertainty caused by ongoing border closures and travel restrictions from COVID-19.<br/>