One vaccinated Australian could fly business class to London seven times for free as part of Virgin Australia’s bold move to encourage more people to get the job. The airline will launch a Covid-19 Vaccination Competition later this year – when all Australian adults are expected to be eligible for the vaccine – with the major prize being one million Velocity Frequent Flyer Points.
Dubbed the VA-X & Win, the program will offer various prizes, including dozens of free Business Class flights. The move follows Qantas announcing plans to launch its incentives program in July. A recent online survey of 2006 Australians – who have not had the Covid-19 vaccine – by the Growth Intelligence Centre found travel-based incentives attractive for those resisting the jab.
For those in the survey who described themselves as “hesitant” to get the jab, unrestricted travel (24 percent), exempt from quarantine (23 percent), free return flight (22 percent), paid time off work (22 percent), and discounted flights (21 percent) would work as incentives.
After a Virgin Australia survey found 65 percent of its frontline team members were vaccinated, the airline announced it would also open an internal competition to reward team members who have received the jab. A Virgin Australia Group spokesman said the airline was responsible for using its voice in the community to boost Covid-19 vaccination rates among Australians.
“The latest lockdown in Melbourne has taught us that the sooner we can all get vaccinated, the sooner we can get on with our lives without the constant fear and uncertainty that come with lockdowns, restrictions, and closed borders,” he said.
“For simply rolling up your sleeve and getting a Covid-19 vaccination, you could walk away with a share in tens of thousands of dollars of Virgin Australia and Velocity Frequent Flyer prizes or be the lucky one to become a Velocity Points millionaire.
“We’re also proud; so many team members are already vaccinated. As an industry severely affected by Covid-19, we want to do all we can to help vaccinate the population. It makes sense to reward and encourage our colleagues on the frontline of this pandemic in this journey.”
For graphic designer Julia Carroll, the chance to resume unrestricted travel with their one-year-old daughter, Aurora, encouraged her and her husband, Ben Carroll, to get vaccinated. “Ben’s brother just had a baby boy so that California be the first international destination on our hit list,” Ms. Carroll said.
“Ben and I like a long road trip, but with a baby, we’re now leaning toward more flights. We wanted to go to Broome and Kimberley, but it was always too far to drive. “I’m not yet eligible for the vaccine, but I’ve had friends get it because of their careers, and they’ve been super positive about getting vaccinated. “These (Virgin) incentives are a positive step and help. We’ll be getting it. As soon as we’re eligible, we’ll get on board.”
For info and to register your interest, visit virginaustralia.com/vaxandwin
