Note-because of the merger with Alaska Airlines, the Virgin America Elevate Program will end on January 1, 2018
On the heels of the news of the acquisition of Virgin American by Alaska Airlines, Virgin America is introducing some changes to its rewards program, Virgin America Elevate.
Bonus Rewards Changes At Elite Status Levels
In addition to 5 points per $1 on base fare for flights, at both Silver and Gold status levels, you earn bonus reward points for every Virgin America flight you purchase. Elevate Silver members now earn 50% (up from 25%) more points and Elevate Gold members now earn 140% (up from 100%) more points. To summarize, you are now earning 7.5 points per $1 spent as a Gold member (5 + 50% of 5) and 12 points per $1 spent as a Silver member (5 +140% of 5)
New Ways To Earn Status
You used to only be able to earn Elevate Silver or Elevate Gold Status based on the number of Elevate status points earned in a calendar year. You would become Elevate Silver when you reach 20,000 status points, and Elevate Gold and when you reached 50,000 status points.
Now, you can also qualify for Gold and Elite Status based on segments flown with all flight activity since 1/1/2016 included. You need 15 segments for Gold status and 30 segments for Silver status. Reward flights will also be counted towards achieving status.
Addition of JetBlue Mosaic to the Status Match Program
Virgin America Elevate added JetBlue Mosaic as a program whose status will be matched by Elevate. JetBlue Mosaic members will be upgraded to Elevate Gold simply by joining the program and applying online. Members will have Gold status perks for three months, unless they retain it by flying.