Will Continental/Virgin code shares continue after merger ?
Mar 21, 2011, 12:10 pm
#1
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Will Continental/Virgin code shares continue after merger ?
CO and VS codeshare on several flights from UK-USA (earn and redeem on either) but Virgin have no connection with United.
Anyone know what will happen to this codeshare ?
Anyone know what will happen to this codeshare ?
Mar 21, 2011, 12:18 pm
#2
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Mar 21, 2011, 12:21 pm
#3
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Not if DL/AF-KL buy into VS as rumored.
But otherwise it all depends on whether or not UA feels that it needs additional lift to LHR to compete with AA/BA. UA actually has a track record of code sharing with non-star carriers and it would make sense for them to code-share, particularly given that VS is strong where UA gave up (BOS, JFK, MIA) and is weak at UA's strengths (IAD, ORD).
My guess is that VS will actually join either UA or DL's JV.
But otherwise it all depends on whether or not UA feels that it needs additional lift to LHR to compete with AA/BA. UA actually has a track record of code sharing with non-star carriers and it would make sense for them to code-share, particularly given that VS is strong where UA gave up (BOS, JFK, MIA) and is weak at UA's strengths (IAD, ORD).
My guess is that VS will actually join either UA or DL's JV.
Mar 21, 2011, 2:12 pm
#4
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No telling for sure, but I'm loving being able to transfer my MP miles to CO and booking Virgin flights. Came in quite handy for an upcoming award trip.
Mar 21, 2011, 4:14 pm
#5
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Reviews of VS are mixed but I'm willing to give it a try as I'll have no other chance to try it.
Mar 21, 2011, 5:13 pm
#6
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VS coach is coach, they all pretty much stink. Premium economy isn't part of the partnership (except maybe for earning, but def not redeeming). Upper Class, like nearly any business class out there, has its strengths and weaknesses. They're well-discussed elsewhere on FlyerTalk. I would not hesitate to redeem for VS UC, except for those cases where OnePass requires first class mileage levels (it's not worth that).
Mar 21, 2011, 7:21 pm
#7
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VS coach is coach, they all pretty much stink. Premium economy isn't part of the partnership (except maybe for earning, but def not redeeming). Upper Class, like nearly any business class out there, has its strengths and weaknesses. They're well-discussed elsewhere on FlyerTalk. I would not hesitate to redeem for VS UC, except for those cases where OnePass requires first class mileage levels (it's not worth that).
Mar 21, 2011, 8:46 pm
#8
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VS is primarily partnered with *A carriers and DJ and other Virgin group carriers are increasing their ties to *A carriers as well. I'd bet it will probably stay. A month ago I was looking for C seats ORD-LHR on .bomb and they were selling some flights as Continental 9xxx operated by VS.
Mar 22, 2011, 6:30 am
#9
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Also don't forget that you don't need to purchase the ticket from CO to obtain OnePass miles. Experience has shown Its usually cheaper to purchase the codeshare flight directly from Virgin then set OnePass as the mileage program to credit.
Mar 22, 2011, 8:42 am
#10
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Another random data point that may or may not mean anything on this front...
Virgin Atlantic is now offering interline connections with JetBlue at IAD, MCO, JFK and BOS. Probably means nothing, but it is always interesting to see these relationships develop.
Virgin Atlantic is now offering interline connections with JetBlue at IAD, MCO, JFK and BOS. Probably means nothing, but it is always interesting to see these relationships develop.
Mar 22, 2011, 10:16 am
#11
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But you won't get any bonus miles or EQMs if you do this, plus it only work for certain class codes -- not the severly discounted ones.
Mar 22, 2011, 10:30 am
#12
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Wirelessly posted (BlackBerry9630/5.0.0.591 Profile/MIDP-2.1 Configuration/CLDC-1.1 VendorID/105)
You never get bonus RDMs on VS-operated flights. You do get EQMs so long as it has a CO code, even if you are not booked on the CO code.
Originally Posted by PublicBJ
But you won't get any bonus miles or EQMs if you do this, plus it only work for certain class codes -- not the severly discounted ones.