United Airlines

Travel with United Airlines and set your Velocity Points flying

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Important information

Access to United Airlines Owned and Operated Lounges

Domestic lounge access into United Airlines owned and operated lounges within the USA is only available to Platinum and Gold Velocity members in conjunction with an International journey, where both flight sectors are booked on a single ticket. Lounge access is not available where a Velocity member is holding a domestic flight and an international flight on separate tickets.
International lounge access into United Airlines owned and operated lounges is only available to Platinum and Gold Velocity members in conjunction with an international same day boarding pass. Access to 3rd party lounges (e.g. Star Alliance owned and operated) lounges is currently not included in your ticket unless you travel in Business Class on a United Airlines operated flight.
Velocity Gold and Platinum members departing on a same day United Airlines operated service in Economy or Premium Economy Class from either Melbourne or Sydney will have access to the Singapore Airlines lounges, whereas travellers in Business Class will have lounge access based on United Airlines’ own policy.

Earn Velocity Points with United Airlines

Velocity is proud to partner with United Airlines. United has the most comprehensive route network among North American carriers, including U.S. mainland hubs in Chicago, Denver, Houston, Los Angeles, New York/Newark, San Francisco and Washington, D.C.

Our partnership allows you to earn Velocity Points between Australia and USA, Mexico, the Caribbean, South America and other destinations in the United Airlines network. Earn Points when you travel in an eligible fare class flying on United Airlines operated flights with a UA or VA flight number. Velocity members can fly with United Airlines directly from Australia to Los Angeles, Houston and San Francisco, with connecting points across United’s network.

How many Points will I earn?

Image of woman loading baggage into overhead compartment on united airlines

Earn Points per mile flown when you travel in an eligible fare class on United1

The number of Velocity Points you earn with United is based on the fare class and the number of miles you are travelling, so the higher your fare type, the more Points you earn. ​​​​​​Use our Mileage calculator to determine the number of miles you will fly then refer to the tables below to know your Points earn rate.

To make a booking please visit United.com, Virginaustralia.com or contact your preferred travel agent and enter your Velocity Frequent Flyer Member details at the time of booking.

United Airlines operated flight with a VA flight number for travel from 24 May 2022

Fare Type Virgin Australia (VA) Fare Class Points Earn Rate Per Mile
Business J, C, D 2
Flex Y, B, W, H, K, L 1
Choice R, E, O, N, V, P, Q, T, I, S 0.5

United Airlines operated flight with a UA flight number for travel from 24 May 2022

Fare Type United Airlines (UA) Fare Class Points Earn Rate Per Mile
Business J, C 1.5
Discount Business D, Z, P 1.25
Premium Economy O 1.25
Discounted Premium Economy A, R 1
Economy (fully refundable) Y, B 1
Economy M, E 1
Economy U, H 0.75
Economy Q, V, W 0.5
Economy S, T, L, K, G, N 0.25

Note: The above earn rates also apply to flights operated by Virgin Australia with a UA flight number.

To ensure you earn Velocity Points make sure you enter your Velocity membership number when making your booking or call the United Airlines contact centre directly or present your Velocity membership card at check in.

Popular Destinations

In need of a holiday? See some destinations to fly to, along with the number of Points you will earn when flying on United Airlines with a VA flight number below.

  • Sydney to Los Angeles

    7,488 Points

    Based on a return economy N class fare

    Sydney to Los Angeles

    7,488 Points

    Based on a return economy N class fare

  • Sydney to San Francisco

    7,418 Points

    Based on a return economy N class fare

    Sydney to San Francisco

    7,418 Points

    Based on a return economy N class fare

  • Melbourne to Los Angeles

    7,920 Points

    Based on a return economy N class fare

    Melbourne to Los Angeles

    7,920 Points

    Based on a return economy N class fare

Velocity Points cannot be earned on:

  • Reward Seat bookings
  • Charter Flight bookings
  • Fare classes other than as specified in tables above
  • Codeshare flights (other than a United Airlines operated flight with a VA flight number or a Virgin Australia operated flight with an UA flight number)
  • Upgraded fares: Members travelling on upgraded fares that were purchased with Points or by bidding for an upgrade will earn as per the rules of the original fare class purchased.

Claim missing Points

To ensure you automatically earn Velocity Points on your eligible travel, add your Velocity membership number to your booking prior to travel. You can add your Velocity membership number when you book your flight or call the airline directly to get it added to your booking or present your My Velocity Card at check-in.

It can take up to 14 days after your flight for your Points to be added to your Account.

Flown recently and missing some Points?

If your Points have not been credited after 14 days, or if you forgot to add your Velocity membership number prior to travelling, you can submit a missing Points claim by logging into your Velocity Account and following the steps provided.

Terms and Conditions - 
 
  1. Earn rates are correct as at 11 May 2022, with an effective date of 24 May 2022 and are subject to change. Flights are governed by the operating carrier's terms and conditions, which can be viewed on the operating carrier's websites. Members travelling on Upgraded fares purchased with Points or any other subsidised means of Upgrades on Virgin Australia or our partner airlines will earn Points based on originally purchased fare classes. Check the Velocity Member Terms and Conditions for details about earning Points.
  2. Base Points refers to the minimum number of Points that can be earned for an eligible activity or transaction by a Red member.

Important information

Access to United Airlines Owned and Operated Lounges

Domestic lounge access into United Airlines owned and operated lounges within the USA is only available to Platinum and Gold Velocity members in conjunction with an International journey, where both flight sectors are booked on a single ticket. Lounge access is not available where a Velocity member is holding a domestic flight and an international flight on separate tickets.
International lounge access into United Airlines owned and operated lounges is only available to Platinum and Gold Velocity members in conjunction with an international same day boarding pass. Access to 3rd party lounges (e.g. Star Alliance owned and operated) lounges is currently not included in your ticket unless you travel in Business Class on a United Airlines operated flight.
Velocity Gold and Platinum members departing on a same day United Airlines operated service in Economy or Premium Economy Class from either Melbourne or Sydney will have access to the Singapore Airlines lounges, whereas travellers in Business Class will have lounge access based on United Airlines’ own policy.

Earn Status with United

Earn Status Credits when you travel in an eligible fare class on United operated flights with a UA or VA flight number. The Status Credits you earn will depend on where you fly and the fare purchased.

Calculate the number of Status Credits you can earn by using our Mileage Calculator to determine the number of miles you are flying. Then refer to the table below with your chosen Fare Type.

To make a booking please visit United.com, Virginaustralia.com or contact your preferred travel agent and enter your Velocity Frequent Flyer Member details at time of booking.

How many Status Credits will I earn?

United Airlines operated flight with a VA flight number for travel from 24 May 2022

One-way Miles (zone)
Choice
Flex Business
0 - 750 (1) 15 20 40
751 - 1,500 (2) 20 30 60
1,501 – 3,000 (3) 25 50 80
3,001 – 5,000 (4) 35 60 120
5,001 – 8,000 (5) 45 80 160
8,001 + (6) 55 100 200

Note -

  • Eligible fare classes for Choice are R, E, O, N, V, P, Q, T, I, S and Flex are Y, B, W, H, K, L
  • Eligible fare classes for Business are J, C, D.

United Airlines operated flight with a UA flight number for travel from 24 May 2022

One-way Miles (zone)
Discount Economy Economy
Premium Economy Business
0 - 750 (1) 10 20 30 40
751 - 1,500 (2) 15 30 45 60
1,501 – 3,000 (3) 20 40 60 80
3,001 – 5,000 (4) 30 60 90 120
5,001 – 8,000 (5) 40 80 120 160
8,001 + (6) 50 100 150 200

Note -

  • Eligible fare classes for Discount Economy U, H, Q, V, W, S, T, L, K, G, N
  • Eligible fare classes for Economy Y, B, M, E
  • Eligible fare classes for Premium Economy O, A, R
  • Eligible fare classes for Business J, C, D, Z, P
  • The above earn rates also apply to flights operated by Virgin Australia with a UA flight number

Popular Destinations

In need of a holiday? See some destinations to fly to, along with the number of Status Credits you will earn when flying on United Airlines with a VA flight number below.

  • Sydney to Los Angeles

    90 Status Credits

    Based on a return Choice economy class fare

    Sydney to Los Angeles

    90 Status Credits

    Based on a return Choice economy class fare

  • Sydney to San Francisco

    90 Status Credits

    Based on a return Choice economy class fare

    Sydney to San Francisco

    90 Status Credits

    Based on a return Choice economy class fare

  • Melbourne to Los Angeles

    90 Status Credits

    Based on a return Choice economy class fare

    Melbourne to Los Angeles

    90 Status Credits

    Based on a return Choice economy class fare

Velocity Status Benefits with United Airlines

Enjoy benefits that are tailored to your Velocity membership level.

Simply carry your My Velocity Card with you at all times to ensure seamless access to your travel benefits when travelling with United Airlines.

  • ""

    Benefits for Silver Status members

    • 50% Bonus Points on miles flown

      50% Bonus Points on miles flown

  • ""

    Benefits for Gold Status members

    • 75% Bonus Points on miles flown

      75% Bonus Points on miles flown

    • Additional Baggage Allowance (one additional bag up to 23kgs)

      Additional Baggage Allowance (one additional bag up to 23kgs)

    • Lounge Access
    • Priority Check-In

      Priority Check-In

    • Priority Boarding

      Priority Boarding

    • Priority Baggage

      Priority Baggage

    • Priority Security

      Priority Security

  • ""

    Benefits for Platinum members

    • 100% Bonus Points on miles flown

      100% Bonus Points on miles flown

    • Additional Baggage Allowance (one additional bag up to 23kgs)

      Additional Baggage Allowance (one additional bag up to 23kgs)

    • Lounge Access
    • Priority Check-In

      Priority Check-In

    • Priority Boarding

      Priority Boarding

    • Priority Baggage

      Priority Baggage

    • Prioritiy Security

      Prioritiy Security

Velocity Status Credits cannot be earned on

  • Reward Seat bookings
  • Charter Flight bookings
  • Fare classes other than as specified above
  • Codeshare flights (other than a United Airlines operated flight with a VA flight number or a Virgin Australia operated flight with a UA flight number)
  • Upgraded fares: Members travelling on upgraded fares that were purchased with Points or by bidding for an upgrade will earn as per the rules of the original fare class purchased.
Terms and Conditions - 
 
  1. Earn rates are correct as at 11 May 2022, with an effective date of 24 May 2022 and are subject to change. Flights are governed by the operating carrier's terms and conditions, which can be viewed on the operating carrier's websites. Members travelling on Upgraded fares purchased with Points or any other subsidised means of Upgrades on Virgin Australia or our partner airlines will earn Points based on originally purchased fare classes. Check the Velocity Member Terms and Conditions for details about earning Points.
  2. Base Points refers to the minimum number of Points that can be earned for an eligible activity or transaction by a Red member.

Important information

Access to United Airlines Owned and Operated Lounges

Domestic lounge access into United Airlines owned and operated lounges within the USA is only available to Platinum and Gold Velocity members in conjunction with an International journey, where both flight sectors are booked on a single ticket. Lounge access is not available where a Velocity member is holding a domestic flight and an international flight on separate tickets.
International lounge access into United Airlines owned and operated lounges is only available to Platinum and Gold Velocity members in conjunction with an international same day boarding pass. Access to 3rd party lounges (e.g. Star Alliance owned and operated) lounges is currently not included in your ticket unless you travel in Business Class on a United Airlines operated flight.
Velocity Gold and Platinum members departing on a same day United Airlines operated service in Economy or Premium Economy Class from either Melbourne or Sydney will have access to the Singapore Airlines lounges, whereas travellers in Business Class will have lounge access based on United Airlines’ own policy.

Redeem your Velocity Points with United Airlines

From 24 May 2022 Velocity members can redeem Points for flights across the United Airlines network. Note that the routes operated by United may be subject to COVID-19 restrictions, and not all flights will have Reward Seats available. Available travel dates will vary for each route.

How many Points do I need for a Reward Seat?
 

  • Use our Mileage Calculator to determine the number of Points you will need, based on the distance you will fly
  • Refer to the tables to see the minimum amount of Points required for each fare class

Redeem Velocity Points with United Airlines

In need of a holiday? See some of our most popular destinations to fly to, along with the number of Points you will need to book a Reward Seat on United Airlines

  • Sydney to Los Angeles

    44,800 Points

    Based on a one-way Economy Class Reward Seat plus $116.88 in taxes, fees and carrier charges*

    Sydney to Los Angeles

    44,800 Points

    Based on a one-way Economy Class Reward Seat plus $116.88 in taxes, fees and carrier charges*

  • Sydney to San Francisco

    44,800 Points

    Based on a one-way Economy Class Reward Seat plus $116.88 in taxes, fees and carrier charges*

    Sydney to San Francisco

    44,800 Points

    Based on a one-way Economy Class Reward Seat plus $116.88 in taxes, fees and carrier charges*

  • Melbourne to Los Angeles

    44,800 Points

    Based on a one-way Economy Class Reward Seat plus $110.60 in taxes, fees and carrier charges*

    Melbourne to Los Angeles

    44,800 Points

    Based on a one-way Economy Class Reward Seat plus $110.60 in taxes, fees and carrier charges*

*The quoted redemption fares are correct as at 10 January 2023 and are subject to change. Fares are subject to availability. Points values are based on one-way Economy Class Reward Seat fares with United Airlines and must be booked on the Velocity website (https://experience.velocityfrequentflyer.com/flying-status/use-points-for-flights). Taxes, fees and carrier charges are payable in addition to Velocity Points redeemed. Price may vary until ticketed. Reward Seats and associated charges are not eligible for Points earn. Seats are limited and may not be available at peak times or on all flights. Payment surcharge may apply.  You can change or get a refund for your booking by paying a fee and any fare difference, at least 24 hours before scheduled departure. You may also request a refund for other reasons, including under the Australian Consumer Law. View the Velocity Rewards Seat fare rules for more information. Some flights may be operated by a partner airline. Different baggage allowances and conditions may apply to these flights. Full terms and conditions at velocityfrequentflyer.com. To learn exact taxes, fees and carrier charges applicable to your route, please visit virginaustralia.com and select ‘Use Points’ when searching your flight or contact our Membership Contact Centre.

Short on Points to get to your next reward?

Buy Points with Points Booster and get there sooner. Minimum and maximum purchase limits, and T&Cs apply.

Buy Points

Important Information for travelling overseas

Australian Government Travel Restrictions

The Australian Government has currently implemented international travel restrictions for Australia.

We recommend checking the latest information and advice on the relevant Government websites. The Australian Government information is available at the Border Force websiteDepartment of Health website and Smartraveller.

United Airlines Travel Requirements

When flying with United, we recommend you check travel requirements for entering the U.S. and any requirements before boarding your flight. Click here to find out more.

Heading Overseas?

We've introduced international redemptions with some of our partners. Find out how we're getting our members back in the air with our airline partners.

Terms and Conditions - 
 
  1. Earn rates are correct as at 11 May 2022, with an effective date of 24 May 2022 and are subject to change. Flights are governed by the operating carrier's terms and conditions, which can be viewed on the operating carrier's websites. Members travelling on Upgraded fares purchased with Points or any other subsidised means of Upgrades on Virgin Australia or our partner airlines will earn Points based on originally purchased fare classes. Check the Velocity Member Terms and Conditions for details about earning Points.
  2. Base Points refers to the minimum number of Points that can be earned for an eligible activity or transaction by a Red member.

Business travel for less with United Airlines and Virgin Australia Business Flyer

Virgin Australia Business Flyer is proud to partner with United Airlines to help take your business global with up to 10% off international fares3 when you travel for business with United Airlines.

Plus, as a Virgin Australia Business Flyer member, you can earn Velocity Points for your business4 and your team,5 making work trips work harder for you.

Discounts to help your business's bottom line

As a Virgin Australia Business Flyer member, you will receive up to 10% discount on United Airlines operated flights with a VA flight number when you book via the Virgin Australia Business Flyer Booking Portal on relevant fare classes.3

United Airlines operated flights with a VA flight number: 

Fare Type Fare Class Virgin Autralia Business Flyer Discounts
Business J, C and D 10%
Economy Y, B, W, H, K and L 10%
Economy R and E 5%

How many Points will my business earn?

 

Each time you book a United Airlines flight via the Virgin Australia Business Flyer Booking Portal, your business will earn Velocity Points on flight bookings between Australia and USA, Mexico, the Caribbean, South America and other destinations in the United Airlines network.4 The more you travel the more Velocity Points your business will earn.

Simply book a United Airlines operated flight with a VA flight number, travelling in an eligible fare class and your business will earn Velocity Points per dollar spent, according to your membership Tier.4

The higher the Tier, the more Points your business will earn:  

Tier 1

1 Point per $1 spent

Tier 2

1.5 Point per $1 spent

Tier 3

2 Point per $1 spent

United Airlines operated flights with a VA flight number:

Fare Type Virgin Australia (VA) Class Fare Points Earn Rate per $1 Spent (Tier 1) Points Earn Rate per $1 Spent (Tier 2) Points Earn Rate per $1 Spent (Tier 3)
Business J, C, D 1 1.5 2
Economy Flex Y, B, W, H, K, L 1 1.5 2
Economy R, E, O, N, V, P, Q, T, I, S 1 1.5 2
image of United Airlines

How to earn Points and Status for the traveller

With Virgin Australia Business Flyer it’s not just the business that reaps the rewards. The individual traveller will also earn Velocity Frequent Flyer Points and Status Credits based upon their Velocity membership status.6

To find out more about how many Points the traveller can earn, click here

To learn more on how to earn Status, click here.

Frequently Asked Questions

Terms and Conditions

1. Earn rates are correct as at 11 May 2022, with an effective date of 24 May 2022 and are subject to change. Flights are governed by the operating carrier's terms and conditions, which can be viewed on the operating carrier's websites. Members travelling on Upgraded fares purchased with Points or any other subsidised means of Upgrades on Virgin Australia or our partner airlines will earn Points based on originally purchased fare classes. Check the Velocity Member Terms and Conditions for details about earning Points.

2. Base Points refers to the minimum number of Points that can be earned for an eligible activity or transaction by a Red member.

3. United Airlines Business Discounts (UA Business Discounts): As at  1 November 2023, the following discounts apply to the United Airlines and Virgin Australia base fares (which excludes fees, carrier charges and taxes) of Virgin Australia marketed and United Airlines operated flights (with a VA flight number) booked by Virgin Australia Business Flyer members (Members), which may change without notice:

Business Fares:
VA Fare Class J, C and D: 10%

Economy Fares:
VA Fare Classes Y, B, W, H, K and L: 10%
VA Fare Classes R and E: 5%

Please check the Virgin Australia Business Flyer website for current discount levels. UA Business Discounts can only be booked through the Booking Portal, our Guest Contact Centre, or a registered Travel Management Company (TMC) or travel agent and are not available through the public Virgin Australia website. If your TMC or travel agent is not registered to process these UA Business Discounts, please instruct your TMC or travel agent to contact the Virgin Australia Business Flyer team businessflyer@virginaustralia.com.

UA Business Discounts cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer or discount and cannot be combined with any other Unpublished Fares or Promotional Fares, unless otherwise stated. UA Business Discounts do not apply to any bookings made via the Virgin Australia conference and group travel area, sale fares or other tactical fares offered from time to time, and bookings for children and infants. If you have any questions regarding the application of UA Business Discounts, please contact the Virgin Australia Business Flyer team. Virgin Australia Business Flyer Terms and Conditions apply.

4. United Airlines Business Points Earn: Virgin Australia Business Flyer members (Members) will earn Velocity Points when Travellers fly on eligible United Airlines operated flights with a VA flight number (excluding fare classes X,Z and G) bookable via on Eligible Booking Channel as follows: 

  • Tier 1: 1 Point per AUD $1 spent

  • Tier 2: 1.5 Points per AUD $1 spent

  • Tier 3: 2 Points per AUD $1 spent

Please note that Velocity Points cannot be earned on certain fees or charges (e.g. baggage charges and credit card surcharges). Travellers travelling on upgraded fares that were purchased with Points or by bidding for an upgrade will earn as per the rules of the original fare class purchased. An Eligible Booking Channel is: 1. the Virgin Australia Business Flyer Booking Portal, 2. www.virginaustralia.com provided that the Member’s ABN is included, 3. the Member’s nominated TMC, and 4. the Guest Contact Centre.

Please note that Members can earn up to 1,000,000 Velocity Points per annum for travel on flights marketed and operated by Virgin Australia or flights marketed by Virgin Australia and operated by eligible international partner airlines (with a VA flight number) (including United Airlines) based on the rolling 12-month period from when the Member joins Virgin Australia Business Flyer.

Membership and Points earn is subject to the Virgin Australia Business Flyer Terms and Conditions and Velocity Frequent Flyer Terms and Conditions, and any changes to the Member benefits and program features, including Points earn for eligible travel on flights operated by United Airlines, will be governed by those Terms and Conditions. Velocity collects and handles your personal information in accordance with its Privacy Policy, and Virgin Australia Business Flyer collects and handles your personal information in accordance with its Privacy Policy

Earn rates are correct as at 3 April 2023 and are subject to change. Flights are governed by the operating carrier's terms and conditions, which can be viewed on the operating carrier's website. Members travelling on upgraded fares purchased with Points or any other subsidised means of upgrades on Virgin Australia or our international partner airlines will earn Points based on originally purchased fare classes. If paying for an upgrade with the international partner airline, the airline partner may re-issue the ticket without a VA flight code/the ticket may no longer start with 795, and the member may no longer be eligible for Points earn. Check the Virgin Australia Business Flyer Terms and Conditions  and Velocity Membership Terms and Conditions for details about earning Points. 

 

5. Velocity Frequent Flyer Points Earn: If the indvidual flying with Virgin Australia or a partner airline is a Velocity Frequent Flyer member, they may also earn Velocity Points on eligible flights in accordance with the Velocity membership Terms and Conditions.

 

6. Velocity Membership Terms and Conditions apply.

7. Virgin Australia Business Flyer Account Administrators can transfer Points earned by the Virgin Australia Business Flyer member to a Velocity Frequent Flyer member, provided that (a) there is a minimum of 3,000 Points per transfer; and (b) the Velocity Frequent Flyer member transferee is directly employed or contracted by the Virgin Australia Business Flyer member.

 

*Virgin Australia Business Flyer membership is available to businesses with an active ABN/ACN and an Australian business address that spend less than $300K per annum on flights with Virgin Australia. The business cannot be a Superannuation fund, travel agent, travel management company, travel wholesaler, air travel consolidator or anyone re-selling air travel. For more information please see the Virgin Australia Business Flyer Terms and Conditions.