currentjer

In the face of the 2015 SM program changes, I have decided that Virgin Atlantic will prove better value for miles accrual and spend. Essentially, I like the idea that I could redeem on DL, SQ, NH, etc. and still be able to accrue on DL!

I remember my first flight to the US for college was on DL, and loved them since. Even fought to procure DM status when I was in college (and made it!). But the recent changes don't sit well with my friends and me.

Let me delineate why VS FC could be a viable DL surrogate for some of us. Good values for redemption, esp. on NH, NZ, and SQ. FC redemption on DL metal is comparable to (or even better than) DL. No minimum revenue spend on VS to hit the status tiers. FC accrual is a bit weak, but will still prove a little better for people who fly long-haul based on 2015 SM rules. Furthermore, upgrades, priority boarding/screening, and free baggage on DL for Gold FC members - yay.

The bonus 50/100% bonus on DL&VS for silvers/gold is comparable to DL's current program. Sure, from a DM to a low-priority upgrade - I can give up a few FC bloody marys, and I frankly don't mind the loss of DL benefits for a much much better loyalty experience.

Now, as I was jumping ship, I came across this...

http://www.virgin-atlantic.com/gb/en...e-friends.html

Well, if you guys want 3000 miles to kickstart your Flying Club career, let me know - PM me and I will be happy to send you a referral. In the interest of transparency, I also get a bonus kickback when you sign up and fly with VS.

-Edit- This said bonus kickback ranges from 1-10K miles for me. Thanks BusTrav8yrs for pointing out. I'm just sharing with y'all why this might be a better strategy for me - may be different for you.

HongKonger

Where are you primarily based, BNA or SIN? Doesn't seem like it would work for someone based in Asia.

BusTrav8yrs

Well you are not 100% transparent, if the other person flies Prem Econ you get 5K miles and they get 3K and if they fly FC you get 10K miles and they only get 3K.

currentjer

BusTrav8yers, dude, I did provide y'all the link. Hongkonger, I'm mostly in SIN these days, but travel at times to BNA.

I think FC works for people like me when in Asia, since the redemptions on SQ would be helpful intra-SE-A. Decent rates, compared to DL needing 70K for partners within SE-A. And would I take a Singapore Girl over DL FAs? Hmmm.

rwoman

If imagine VS elites are pretty low for the UG priority on DL...even below FO.

As with anything, it depends on each person's priorities.

tkey75

Well there's not something you hear every day.

lamont2718

"Priority" boarding/screening, but not SkyPriority I believe. Doesn't this just mean Zone 1 boarding, which is the same as what DL Amex cardholders receive? And are you sure about priority security? Usually I see only two security lines, one for SP/Precheck passengers and one for regular passengers.

Also, no access to complimentary EC on DL flights. Not even discounted (as ST and VA elites get) or free at time of check-in (as FOs get).

exwannabe

I see one can redeem on several partner airlines, but I see no ability to redeem on a ticket that relies on codeshares or multiple airlines.

So, for example, BNA to SIN would need to use DL metal only, and not other partners. That would make this nearly impossible (with the assumption that only Low inventory would be available).

Am I missing something here?

carolinaRN

I have flown delta several times now as a VS gold and have received pretty much everything a medallion member would. Sky priority for check-in, bags and boarding (SKY on BP) I get two free bags and EC seats for free. I also get tsa pre check, but that is probably due to my GE # and not my VS gold. I don't know much about the upgrades, since it started 4/1 and on my last flight I was already flying in FC. I did read over on v-flyer.com that those who have flown recently as VS gold are not on the bottom of the upgrade list at the gate. Low, but not last. It seems they were about equal to a gold medallion member.

mikepa

Unfortunately for a GM/PM/DM based in the US you would be giving up most of your complementary upgrades and free use of the SkyClub on international trips.

Now if VS joins Skyteam ...

tkey75

It wouldn't help the complimentary UG issue, but I'd love to have access to VS clubs on Y tickets.

currentjer

carolinaRN, seems like a good deal. I would still prefer to earn at least 100% miles on my DL flights. Segment qualifiers who fly about 50 DL flights a year, would also find the tier qualifications easy to hit.

bubbashow

....until DL (in VERY short time) brings accrual in line with SM. Then what? What's the plan then? It's coming.

currentjer

Then I will rely on my *G status w UA (sigh) and fly with Virgin's other partners internationally.

carolinaRN

I do earn 100% of miles from my delta flights (for my virgin account)...plus a 100% bonus for being gold. I also get a 50% class of service bonus when flying first. The only thing I haven't done is redeem the miles for a reward ticket. Not sure how it compares to delta.