Virgin Atlantic Finally Joins SkyTeam Alliance
Today on March 2nd the time has finally come for Virgin Atlantic to join the SkyTeam Alliance. The airline is already a founding partner of a joint venture with SkyTeam members Delta Air Lines and Air France-KLM. Virgin Atlantic is now SkyTeam’s first and only UK member airline
Virgin Atlantic passengers will now be able to travel with more ease across the booking and connection process to over 1,000 destinations in 170 countries, as well as earn and redeem loyalty points across 18 other carriers.
Flying Club members also have more opportunities to earn Virgin Points and Tier Points across all member airlines. Additionally, Flying Club members will be able to redeem their points on SkyTeam member airlines. Alongside joint venture partners Delta & Air France-KLM, these include Aerolíneas Argentinas, Aeromexico, Air Europa, China Airlines, China Eastern (later this year), Czech Airlines, Garuda Indonesia, ITA Airways (later this year), Kenya Airways, Korean Air, MEA, Saudia, TAROM, Vietnam Airlines and XiamenAir.
The membership gives Flying Club members even more benefits throughout their journeys across the SkyTeam network. Virgin Atlantic Silver Card holders are recognized as SkyTeam Elite Members, while the airline’s Gold Card members have become Elite Plus. 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.
SkyTeam Elite Plus members travelling on Virgin Atlantic, Delta or Aeromexico will have access to Virgin Atlantic’s renowned Clubhouse at London Heathrow, while other SkyTeam Elite Plus members can take advantage of their airline-designated lounge at Terminal 3. Elite Plus members will also enjoy a network of 750 worldwide airport lounges to choose from.
It’s worth mentioning that Delta Gold Medallion members will not have access to Virgin Atlantic’s Heathrow Clubhouse, unless travelling in Virgin Atlantic Upper Class or Delta One.
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[…] Atlantic Finally Joins SkyTeam Alliance: This week, Virgin Atlantic made it official. See this post on Miles to Memories. This means we can use Virgin Atlantic miles for awards across more […]
On the points-earning side . . . if there’s any real change at all . . . fine.
On the points-redeeming side, partner access to inventory is not what it should be.
Elite status with any SkyTeam member is pointless if one is buying or redeeming premium cabin seats.
Non-event.