Originally Posted by
3544quebec
I think the difference is though that VA isn't part of any alliance - they just partnered with several international airlines all of which were their "alliance" and qualifying for elite earning. The partners in the main had their alliances which allowed elite earning on alliance partners but VA was never a part of those so by and large VA flights were not elite earners for them.
Personally I don't think that was a major factor. The partners that VA members could earn status on were more often than not reciprocal. So it's not true that 'by and large' VA flights weren't earners for them (if their flights were earners for VA). But it is true that those airlines have large agreements to share status earning already with their alliances. It's all speculation either way, just my opinion.
Originally Posted by
lokijuh
I guess wait and see. The hope is that UA lounge access will be based on the same rules that it has with those who hold status with UA's star alliance partners which, except for UA status holders themselves, allows star gold members lounge access on domestic itineraries. (Whereas DL does not grant the same to Skyteam partners, and in the last few months VA either).
I read in one of the airline blogs that UA members will have VA lounge access on AU domestic itineraries. But unfortunately, VA elites cannot access UA lounges on US domestic itineraries.
In addition, VA members can only access UA-run lounges. Which means no lounge access for any AU international departures either. A big devaluation over the DL arrangement (at least pre-2021). It sure would be nice if UA could strike a deal with SQ so that VA members could access the SQ lounges too....