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Old Sep 14, 2014 | 9:15 am
  #97  
CarmenOM
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Originally Posted by superbobx2
I noticed this and started a thread, and since then the language has been modified several times... originally it just added GM to the list of ppl who get access to/from London. While this is really nice given the quality of Virgin Clubhouses, it should be noted that as Skyteam Elite+, we should get lounge access on int'l travel and now with DL moving to T3 at LHR, not only do we not get lounge access there, it also makes transfers/connections the other way (i.e. US-LHR-Europe) more annoying since we have to exit and re-enter at the Skyteam terminal (T4?).

Overall, if they are trying to be so buddy buddy with Virgin, they should at least make sure to update our reciprocal benefits such as lounge access without artificial restrictions and access to Virgin's "extra legroom" seats - although this might be harder because in my reading, it seems their own elites don't even get this for free...
One of the complications here is that Virgin Atlantic is not a SkyTeam member, so ST Elite+ benefits do not apply. Delta's relationship (49% ownership, I believe) with VS is separate from SkyTeam.

If by "extra legroom" you mean VS Premium Economy, that is not at all equivalent to DL EC. PE is a different class of service, separate cabin, and quite a bit more comfortable (wider seats, footrests) than EC. The cost of a PE seat from US-LHR is several hundred dollars (currently close to $1K) more than regular economy seats; it is a W fare that earns 150% MQM. There may be some preferred seating in VS regular economy; I'm not certain about that.
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