Battle of the airlines: Virgin launches frequent flyer points counter attack at Qantas after the Flying Kangaroo tried to steal customers with great deals - here's how you can take advantage

Virgin Australia has 'one-upped' its frequent flyer program to try and poach Qantas customers after the rival airline tried to entice their loyal members away.

Qantas launched its 'Qantas Status Fast Track' campaign in November in a bid to recruit frequent flyer members from 16 other airlines. 

The airline has promised Gold and Platinum-tiered members from the other airlines that if they make the switch they will be fast-tracked to the top tier in the Qantas Frequent Flyer program.   

That means converted flyers would would be able to access Qantas' private lounges at the airport and enjoy flight benefits such as preferential seating without having to start the program from the beginning.

Now Virgin Australia has responded to the marketing ploy, and said it will status-match Qantas Gold and above members if they turn to the airline's own Velocity Frequent flyer program.

Virgin Australia has 'one-upped' its frequent flyer program to try and poach Qantas flyers after the rival airline tried to steal their members (pictured, a Virgin Boeing 737 in Sydney)

Qantas launched its 'Qantas Status Fast Track' campaign in November in a bid to recruit frequent flyer members from 16 other airlines (pictured, Qantas CEO Alan Joyce and Virgin CEO Jayne Hrdlicka)

Though the airline has gone a step further in an attempt to keep its existing members.

Existing Gold and Platinum members will be able to extend their status for another year if they take an eligible flight by March 28.

They will also gain 5,000 extra points if they take two eligible flights within the same window period.

If they take three or more eligible flights they will be upgraded to Economy-X or Business Class.

Virgin Australia chief executive Jayne Hrdlicka said she was 'pleased to welcome Qantas members to Velocity'.  

'We're pleased to welcome Qantas members to Velocity who are interested in taking advantage of cheaper fares, award-winning cabin crew, and great rewards for ongoing loyalty.'

Qantas Loyalty chief executive Olivia Wirth said the airline has 'seen a spike in requests from people wanting us to match their status with other airlines'.

'If they (customers from other airlines) are willing to bring their travel across to Qantas, we will fast track them to Gold status,' she said.

Qantas Gold member converts will enter into a three month trial of the Velocity Discover Gold Status and have access to Virgin's lounge

Eligible customers can use Virgin and Qantas' executive lounges before their flights

Registrations for the Qantas Status Fast Track close on December 18.

New members will have to earn 100 status points within three months to qualify for the Gold tier. 

Gold tier benefits with Qantas include lounge access across Qantas and OneWorld airline lounges globally, preferential seating, and priority access to reward seats, as well as priority check-in, boarding and upgrade requests. 

Platinum members will not have their status matched and can only transfer to gold. 

Those on Qantas gold will then have to earn the normal requirements within a Membership Year to reach the next tiers, Platinum and Platinum One.  

Virgin flyers who switch to Qantas would be able to access Qantas' private lounges at the airport and enjoy flight benefits such as preferential seating without having to start over the frequent flyer program

WHAT YOU GET FOR MAKING THE SWITCH TO VIRGIN

Virgin Australia has put on the boxing gloves and said it will status-match Qantas Gold and above members if they turn to the airline's Velocity Frequent flyer program.

Keen Qantas members must lodge an expression of interest with the airline by December 21. 

They will enter into a three month trial of the Velocity Discover Gold Status and have access to the airline's lounge.

Preferential seating and higher checked baggage are included in the perks. 

Members then have to earn 80 status points and take an eligible flight within a three month window period to retain their status for another 12 months.

If they do, they will also get another Velocity Gold membership for their travel buddy. 

 

'We are going to see Qantas and raise them one, given this is all in the spirit of bringing travellers back into the market.' 

Keen Qantas members must lodge an expression of interest with the airline by December 21. 

They will enter into a three month trial of the Velocity Discover Gold Status and have access to the airline's lounge.

Preferential seating and higher checked baggage are included in the perks. 

Members then have to earn 80 status points and take an eligible flight within a three month window period to retain their status for another 12 months.

If they do, they will also get another Velocity Gold membership for their travel buddy. 

Gold tier benefits with Qantas include lounge access across Qantas and OneWorld airline lounges globally, preferential seating, and priority access to reward seats, as well as priority check-in, boarding and upgrade requests

QUALIFYING AIRLINE PROGRAMS FOR QANTAS STATUS FAST TRACK

Qantas is enticing customers of rival airlines to switch allegiances with an offer to fast-track them to Gold Status on their Frequent Flyers program