Feb 13, 2020, 1:45 am
Last edit by: Gajan
Hi All,
Further to the earlier recalled news regarding the Air France, KLM and Virgin Atlantic partnership, please find below information regarding the partnership.
As a Flying Blue member, it is now possible to:
- earn miles;
- earn XP on eligible flights (provided flights are booked in a mileage earning fare class);
- earn Elite bonus miles;
- spend miles
- extent overall validity of miles.
Earn miles
Earning miles and XP's is possible for VS or DL marketed flights and operated by AF/KL/VS/DL based on the fare class and distance flown according to the following scheme:
- Business class: J, C (200%); D (175%); I (150%); Z (100%);
- Premium economy: W, S (125%); H (100%); K (75%);
- Economy Delight: V (100%;
- Economy Classic Y, B (100%); R, L (75%); U, M, E (50%); Q, X, N, O (25%);
- Economy Light: T (20%).
Elite benefits
In addition, Flying Blue Silver members will receive the following benefits when flying VS:
- priority boarding;
- priority check-in / priority baggage drop-off.
In addition, Flying Blue Gold members will receive the following benefits when flying VS:
- priority boarding;
- priority check-in / priority baggage drop-off;
- priority baggage handling;
- additional baggage allowance (+ 1 bag);
- lounge access + 1 guest. Note: exceptions apply. At LHR, FB Gold members do not have access to the Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse but are invited to the Qantas lounge. At JNB no lounge access is provided when flying Virgin Atlantic.
In addition, Flying Blue Platinum (Ultimate) and Club 2000 (Skipper) members will receive the following benefits when flying VS:
- priority boarding;
- priority check-in / priority baggage drop-off;
- priority baggage handling;
- additional baggage allowance (+ 1 bag);
- lounge access + 1 guest, except at JNB. FB Platinum members have access to the Virgin Clubhouse at LHR (and other locations). At JNB no lounge access is provided when flying Virgin Atlantic.
- priority security.
Final remarks
In case if you have any questions regarding the new partnership, please post your question. I will see if FB can answer the questions where possible.
Best regards,
Gajan
Further to the earlier recalled news regarding the Air France, KLM and Virgin Atlantic partnership, please find below information regarding the partnership.
As a Flying Blue member, it is now possible to:
- earn miles;
- earn XP on eligible flights (provided flights are booked in a mileage earning fare class);
- earn Elite bonus miles;
- spend miles
- extent overall validity of miles.
Earn miles
Earning miles and XP's is possible for VS or DL marketed flights and operated by AF/KL/VS/DL based on the fare class and distance flown according to the following scheme:
- Business class: J, C (200%); D (175%); I (150%); Z (100%);
- Premium economy: W, S (125%); H (100%); K (75%);
- Economy Delight: V (100%;
- Economy Classic Y, B (100%); R, L (75%); U, M, E (50%); Q, X, N, O (25%);
- Economy Light: T (20%).
Elite benefits
In addition, Flying Blue Silver members will receive the following benefits when flying VS:
- priority boarding;
- priority check-in / priority baggage drop-off.
In addition, Flying Blue Gold members will receive the following benefits when flying VS:
- priority boarding;
- priority check-in / priority baggage drop-off;
- priority baggage handling;
- additional baggage allowance (+ 1 bag);
- lounge access + 1 guest. Note: exceptions apply. At LHR, FB Gold members do not have access to the Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse but are invited to the Qantas lounge. At JNB no lounge access is provided when flying Virgin Atlantic.
In addition, Flying Blue Platinum (Ultimate) and Club 2000 (Skipper) members will receive the following benefits when flying VS:
- priority boarding;
- priority check-in / priority baggage drop-off;
- priority baggage handling;
- additional baggage allowance (+ 1 bag);
- lounge access + 1 guest, except at JNB. FB Platinum members have access to the Virgin Clubhouse at LHR (and other locations). At JNB no lounge access is provided when flying Virgin Atlantic.
- priority security.
Final remarks
In case if you have any questions regarding the new partnership, please post your question. I will see if FB can answer the questions where possible.
Best regards,
Gajan
Virgin Atlantic, Air France and KLM launch codeshare partnership
Mar 5, 2019, 4:15 am
#16
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Hong Kong, France
Programs: FB , BA Gold
Posts: 15,557
Brexit might make it interesting.
I am no expert of EU procedures, but it seems that the airlines will have to redraft the JV probably excluding AZ and including VS , so that the two separate AFKL-DL JV and DL-VS JV become one. If no-deal Brexit, the EU will lose jurisdiction over UK and UK-US routes. It is likely that a new JV has already been submitted. Maybe the EU will fast-track it and approve it before 31 March (or whatever delay date is granted).
Fun
I am no expert of EU procedures, but it seems that the airlines will have to redraft the JV probably excluding AZ and including VS , so that the two separate AFKL-DL JV and DL-VS JV become one. If no-deal Brexit, the EU will lose jurisdiction over UK and UK-US routes. It is likely that a new JV has already been submitted. Maybe the EU will fast-track it and approve it before 31 March (or whatever delay date is granted).
Fun
Mar 5, 2019, 5:00 am
#17
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2017
Location: London / Amsterdam
Programs: Flying Blue
Posts: 223
Don't forget - this is just a codesharing arrangement.
All codeshares earn miles, regardless of operator.
The Flying Blue website won't be "updated" on the basis of this arrangement, which is merely codesharing. (e.g. you don't find Etihad, Qantas, etc listed on the Flying Blue partners page, because they are also mere codeshare partners)
(In due time, once the new JV is operational, then Virgin Atlantic should be announced as a new Flying Blue partner. Only at that stage will VS be mentioned on the Flying Blue website as a partner).
All codeshares earn miles, regardless of operator.
The Flying Blue website won't be "updated" on the basis of this arrangement, which is merely codesharing. (e.g. you don't find Etihad, Qantas, etc listed on the Flying Blue partners page, because they are also mere codeshare partners)
(In due time, once the new JV is operational, then Virgin Atlantic should be announced as a new Flying Blue partner. Only at that stage will VS be mentioned on the Flying Blue website as a partner).
Not really familiar with the Skyteam requirements and benefits for VS. Especially with this JV in place, it seems that VS has a pretty good access to flights and does not have to offer anything back
Mar 5, 2019, 6:18 am
#18
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Netherlands
Programs: KL Platinum; A3 Gold
Posts: 28,740
VS has always maintained that they are not interested in joining Skyteam, and there is no requirement for them to do so.
Once AFKL and Flying Blue are partnered with VS and Flying Club, then the only meaningful missing parts from Skyteam membership - frequent flyer reciprocal recognition - will be in place. Of course, it sucks for Alitalia members (or those with other Skyteam FFPs) but at least they can choose to avoid flying VS where this makes sense for them.
Once AFKL and Flying Blue are partnered with VS and Flying Club, then the only meaningful missing parts from Skyteam membership - frequent flyer reciprocal recognition - will be in place. Of course, it sucks for Alitalia members (or those with other Skyteam FFPs) but at least they can choose to avoid flying VS where this makes sense for them.
Mar 5, 2019, 10:08 am
#19
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2017
Location: London / Amsterdam
Programs: Flying Blue
Posts: 223
VS has always maintained that they are not interested in joining Skyteam, and there is no requirement for them to do so.
Once AFKL and Flying Blue are partnered with VS and Flying Club, then the only meaningful missing parts from Skyteam membership - frequent flyer reciprocal recognition - will be in place. Of course, it sucks for Alitalia members (or those with other Skyteam FFPs) but at least they can choose to avoid flying VS where this makes sense for them.
Once AFKL and Flying Blue are partnered with VS and Flying Club, then the only meaningful missing parts from Skyteam membership - frequent flyer reciprocal recognition - will be in place. Of course, it sucks for Alitalia members (or those with other Skyteam FFPs) but at least they can choose to avoid flying VS where this makes sense for them.
Mar 5, 2019, 12:38 pm
#20
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Netherlands
Programs: KL Platinum; A3 Gold
Posts: 28,740
I don't know if this is a recent change, but KLM is apparently already a full earning partner in Flying Club! - and not just on the codeshare routes ("on all KLM operated and marketed services")! And with pretty decent earning rates - 400% (J/C/D) or 200%(I/Z) in business!!!
However, the equivalent table for Air France indicates that earning is only on codeshare flights...
Of course, the subset of earning partners for Virgin Club won't be of much interest to people who travel widely on Skyteam, but if the collection of airlines makes sense for your travel patterns, it may be a very interesting programme to swap over to...
Mar 5, 2019, 12:52 pm
#21
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Netherlands
Programs: KL Platinum; A3 Gold
Posts: 28,740
Brexit might make it interesting.
I am no expert of EU procedures, but it seems that the airlines will have to redraft the JV probably excluding AZ and including VS , so that the two separate AFKL-DL JV and DL-VS JV become one. If no-deal Brexit, the EU will lose jurisdiction over UK and UK-US routes. It is likely that a new JV has already been submitted. Maybe the EU will fast-track it and approve it before 31 March (or whatever delay date is granted).
Fun
I am no expert of EU procedures, but it seems that the airlines will have to redraft the JV probably excluding AZ and including VS , so that the two separate AFKL-DL JV and DL-VS JV become one. If no-deal Brexit, the EU will lose jurisdiction over UK and UK-US routes. It is likely that a new JV has already been submitted. Maybe the EU will fast-track it and approve it before 31 March (or whatever delay date is granted).
Fun
"Although the parties hope to implement metal-neutral cooperation with Alitalia in the future, Alitalia is currently undergoing restructuring through the Italian bankruptcy process, and its future ownership structure is uncertain," the applicants say in the filing with the US Department of Transportation.
Brexit shouldn't really affect the JV (although AFKL has negotiated a clause to sell their shareholding back to the Virgin Group in the case that the eventual Brexit makes their investment in a UK airline untenable/unattractive). All that might happen is that the UK CMA may end up having an additional say in the matter as well. There certainly shouldn't be a "rush" on anyone's part to clear it before Brexit day.
Mar 5, 2019, 8:17 pm
#22
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Hong Kong, France
Programs: FB , BA Gold
Posts: 15,557
Brexit shouldn't really affect the JV (although AFKL has negotiated a clause to sell their shareholding back to the Virgin Group in the case that the eventual Brexit makes their investment in a UK airline untenable/unattractive). All that might happen is that the UK CMA may end up having an additional say in the matter as well. There certainly shouldn't be a "rush" on anyone's part to clear it before Brexit day.
But I assume that the three airline groups would much prefer to have EU/US approval, especially EU, before any Brexit deal. It might be easier to treat an existing deal within the Brexit agreement than to negotiate a new one after a complex Brexit arrangement between EU and UK. Just a guess.
Mar 6, 2019, 1:48 am
#23
Join Date: Mar 2016
Location: Cologne
Programs: FB Plat, IHG RA Spire, TK Elite+, HH Diamond, LH SEN, Marriott Titanium
Posts: 972
Or switch to Virgin Flying Club!
I don't know if this is a recent change, but KLM is apparently already a full earning partner in Flying Club! - and not just on the codeshare routes ("on all KLM operated and marketed services")! And with pretty decent earning rates - 400% (J/C/D) or 200%(I/Z) in business!!!
However, the equivalent table for Air France indicates that earning is only on codeshare flights...
Of course, the subset of earning partners for Virgin Club won't be of much interest to people who travel widely on Skyteam, but if the collection of airlines makes sense for your travel patterns, it may be a very interesting programme to swap over to...
I don't know if this is a recent change, but KLM is apparently already a full earning partner in Flying Club! - and not just on the codeshare routes ("on all KLM operated and marketed services")! And with pretty decent earning rates - 400% (J/C/D) or 200%(I/Z) in business!!!
However, the equivalent table for Air France indicates that earning is only on codeshare flights...
Of course, the subset of earning partners for Virgin Club won't be of much interest to people who travel widely on Skyteam, but if the collection of airlines makes sense for your travel patterns, it may be a very interesting programme to swap over to...
Mar 6, 2019, 2:38 am
#24
Join Date: May 2017
Location: LYS
Programs: FB Plat
Posts: 438
Or switch to Virgin Flying Club!
I don't know if this is a recent change, but KLM is apparently already a full earning partner in Flying Club! - and not just on the codeshare routes ("on all KLM operated and marketed services")! And with pretty decent earning rates - 400% (J/C/D) or 200%(I/Z) in business!!!
However, the equivalent table for Air France indicates that earning is only on codeshare flights...
Of course, the subset of earning partners for Virgin Club won't be of much interest to people who travel widely on Skyteam, but if the collection of airlines makes sense for your travel patterns, it may be a very interesting programme to swap over to...
I don't know if this is a recent change, but KLM is apparently already a full earning partner in Flying Club! - and not just on the codeshare routes ("on all KLM operated and marketed services")! And with pretty decent earning rates - 400% (J/C/D) or 200%(I/Z) in business!!!
However, the equivalent table for Air France indicates that earning is only on codeshare flights...
Of course, the subset of earning partners for Virgin Club won't be of much interest to people who travel widely on Skyteam, but if the collection of airlines makes sense for your travel patterns, it may be a very interesting programme to swap over to...
It seems to contradict what is told at the top of the KLM page, at least it is consistent with both companies.
Mar 6, 2019, 2:50 am
#25
Join Date: Apr 2016
Location: UK/FR
Programs: FlyingBlue Platinum, Hertz PC
Posts: 886
I had some thoughts about it but in the end, it's better to have elite status with the SkyTeam alliance. Doesn't stop you from racking up miles on a FlyingClub account, redeem and then stick your FB number on it to enjoy elite benefits.
Mar 6, 2019, 5:32 am
#26
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2017
Location: London / Amsterdam
Programs: Flying Blue
Posts: 223
Or switch to Virgin Flying Club!
I don't know if this is a recent change, but KLM is apparently already a full earning partner in Flying Club! - and not just on the codeshare routes ("on all KLM operated and marketed services")! And with pretty decent earning rates - 400% (J/C/D) or 200%(I/Z) in business!!!
However, the equivalent table for Air France indicates that earning is only on codeshare flights...
Of course, the subset of earning partners for Virgin Club won't be of much interest to people who travel widely on Skyteam, but if the collection of airlines makes sense for your travel patterns, it may be a very interesting programme to swap over to...
I don't know if this is a recent change, but KLM is apparently already a full earning partner in Flying Club! - and not just on the codeshare routes ("on all KLM operated and marketed services")! And with pretty decent earning rates - 400% (J/C/D) or 200%(I/Z) in business!!!
However, the equivalent table for Air France indicates that earning is only on codeshare flights...
Of course, the subset of earning partners for Virgin Club won't be of much interest to people who travel widely on Skyteam, but if the collection of airlines makes sense for your travel patterns, it may be a very interesting programme to swap over to...
Mar 6, 2019, 6:20 pm
#27
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2000
Location: London, UK and Southern France
Posts: 18,364
Brexit might make it interesting.
I am no expert of EU procedures, but it seems that the airlines will have to redraft the JV probably excluding AZ and including VS , so that the two separate AFKL-DL JV and DL-VS JV become one. If no-deal Brexit, the EU will lose jurisdiction over UK and UK-US routes. It is likely that a new JV has already been submitted. Maybe the EU will fast-track it and approve it before 31 March (or whatever delay date is granted).
Fun
I am no expert of EU procedures, but it seems that the airlines will have to redraft the JV probably excluding AZ and including VS , so that the two separate AFKL-DL JV and DL-VS JV become one. If no-deal Brexit, the EU will lose jurisdiction over UK and UK-US routes. It is likely that a new JV has already been submitted. Maybe the EU will fast-track it and approve it before 31 March (or whatever delay date is granted).
Fun
Mar 6, 2019, 7:15 pm
#28
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Hong Kong, France
Programs: FB , BA Gold
Posts: 15,557
It would not really make any difference on this. The EU assumes jurisdiction over any agreement that affects competition in the EU. A JV between DL and VS limited to UK-US routes would not affect competition in the EU sufficiently to warrant application of EU law. OTOH, a JV between AFKL/FL/VS over tatl traffic certainly would, whether or not it includes the UK and whether or not the UK is inside the EU or not. The difference is that they would not be bothered about the impact of the JV agreement on competition on UK-US routes any more if the UK was outside the EU. I can't think of any obvious reason why they might want to fast track it.
Mar 11, 2019, 10:28 pm
#29
Join Date: Mar 2011
Programs: Flying Blue Plat, Finnair Plat, Bonvoy Titanium, National EE
Posts: 122
Hmm... Might try to get on a KL-coded VS flight soon to try them out, then.
However, has there been any official announcement if FB golds/plats would get access to the VS lounge at LHR? Looking at the strict wording of the Flying Blue rules, this is not allowed. Any idea if this is coming shortly?
However, has there been any official announcement if FB golds/plats would get access to the VS lounge at LHR? Looking at the strict wording of the Flying Blue rules, this is not allowed. Any idea if this is coming shortly?