FlyerTalk Forums - View Single Post - United to partner with Virgin Australia -- UA elite benefits starting 23 May 2022
Old Apr 3, 2022, 11:25 pm
  #70  
phkc070408
 
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Delaware
Programs: UA Mileage Plus, Amtrak Guest Rewards
Posts: 1,384
Originally Posted by docbert
By August their partnership with Virgin Australia should be up and running. Only time will tell what the award options are like on those flights, but at least it might give you some options to get MEL-SYD-SFO as an award... Based on my previous experience UA will open seats for you on SYD-SFO, but anything that's not their metal (eg, MEL-AKL or routes via Asia) would depend on pre-existing availability.
There are two options available on the following day (MEL-EWR J Awards), but they both involve long (8+ hours) transfers in BKK and NRT, something I wouldn't consider even without the concern of international borders being closed. (I would consider it with one longer and one shorter connection).
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