Hellboy666

Hi all,

I am about to be given Velocity Platinum Status from VA as part of a status match (to my Qantas status).

When reading through the status Benefits for Velocity - just have a few detail questions that maybe one of you is able to answer?

UpgradeMe Platinum Member offer: 4 complimentary upgrades on Domestic, Trans Tasman and International Short Haul flights.
Does this really mean international short flights, e.g. not valid for flights to US or Europe? (I would consider those as long haul flights). And if so, anyone knows the distance/flight time until when it is a short haul flight?
And if so, US flights could only get upgraded with points?

Fly ahead: Means I can switch to an earlier flight. Will it incur any charges? E.g. if the earlier flight would be sold at a higher price?

Then, once I get the 800SC to retain Platinum Status, will this immediately kick in as renewal or once the initial Status period has ended?
E.g. if I get 800SC in September, will it then be 12 months from September, or 12 months from May 2018 (as I will get Platinum this month)?

Lastly, looks like Virgin Status has no similar thing like Oneworld Emerald to get access to First Class lounges, is that correct? And no lifetime status as Qantas would offer?

Thanks all in advance

Cheers