Virgin Atlantic officially Skyteam member, here's everything you need to know
As of today, the airline founded by Sir Richard Branson is officially an 18th member of the Skyteam alliance. The first [...]
Virgin Atlantic
SkyTeam
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As of today, the airline founded by Sir Richard Branson is officially a member of the Skyteam alliance, the 18th. The first British company to enter the youngest, and smallest, of the 3 aviation alliances active in the market.
In this article:
Codeshare agreements are already in place with Aeromexico and Middle East Airlines, in addition to existing codeshares with Air France-KLM and Delta, with options for additional codeshares to follow by the end of the year. Interline agreements are already in place with all SkyTeam members, that provide a point of contact for all customers, creating a seamless journey with a single ticket.
What changes for those with status in the Flying Club
Virgin Atlantic's loyalty program is called Flying Club and has always had only two elite levels: silver and gold. Starting today, all members will be able to earn points and redeem award tickets on all alliance airlines, all except ITA Airways whose possibility is expected by the end of the year and China Eastern which is expected to arrive by summer.
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The main benefit for Virgin Atlantic customers will be to enjoy status-related benefits when flying aboard other alliance carriers and take advantage of code-share agreements and connecting flights without having to check in again.
Members of the airline's Flying Club will receive a range of benefits that will enhance their travel through the SkyTeam network.
The new elite statuses
Virgin Atlantic Silver cardholders. are recognized as SkyTeam Elite members, while Gold card members of the airline will have the Elite Plus level.
SkyTeam Elite Plus, First and Business Class customers enjoy SkyPriority services, including priority check-in, baggage handling and boarding. Extra baggage allowance is offered to both Elite and Elite Plus members.
Benefits for those with status with other Skyteam carriers
SkyTeam Elite Plus members traveling on Virgin Atlantic, Delta or Aeromexico will have access to at Virgin Atlantic's clubhouse at London Heathrow, in other words as we had already anticipated the doors of one of the most beautiful lounges in the world will remain closed to all passengers boarding from London from Terminal 3 to a destination served by Air France, KLM and the other alliance carriers. In this way, the Clubhouse will remain, as it is today, solely accessible to those who fly upper class with very few exceptions, i.e., those who have Elite Plus status and fly with the airlines mentioned above.
Shai Weiss, CEO of Virgin Atlantic, commented, "SkyTeam shares a customer philosophy that mirrors our own, and our entry into the alliance today marks an important milestone in achieving our vision of becoming the most beloved travel company.
"We want to reward those who choose to fly Virgin Atlantic and our Flying Club members deserve the best loyalty proposition. Our SkyTeam membership offers this through a global network of maximized reward opportunities, along with advanced services on the ground and in the skies."
Patrick Roux, SkyTeam's CEO and Managing Director, said, "We are delighted to welcome Virgin Atlantic to SkyTeam, taking an already close relationship to new heights and elevating our customer offerings with more routes to exciting destinations and access to ambitious airport lounges, not to mention the airline's world-class appeal.
"The U.K. is a key market for SkyTeam, and with Virgin Atlantic on board, customers can expect more opportunities to earn and redeem miles as they fly, enjoying the iconic travel experience that makes our new member airline globally beloved."
In conclusion
The initial euphoria I had had when the news had become public knowledge soon evaporated when it became apparent that the best thing for us Italian users, i.e., access to the Clubhouse space in London would remain a mirage, or nearly so, otherwise fine the ability to use Flying Club points to book Skyteam flights, but lost forever the ability to Book ANA's first class with few points.
