Feb 13, 20, 2:45 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
Aug 26, 19, 6:06 am
#62
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Netherlands
Programs: KL Platinum; A3 Gold
Posts: 28,155
Aug 26, 19, 8:14 am
#63
Join Date: May 2016
Posts: 466
Im thinking that VS dont have an European network that can feed traffic in to LHR to their longhaul operations. But KL and AF has. So atleast we will see more codeshare with VS and AFKL in Europe and less codeshare with VS and other airlines like BA and SAS.
Aug 26, 19, 8:16 am
#64
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Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Netherlands
Programs: KL Platinum; A3 Gold
Posts: 28,155
I wasn't aware that VS codeshared with SAS.
And I'm pretty certain that BA and VS don't codeshare at all!!!
You may be referring to the fact that BA is required to interline with VS - a carryover from BA's takeover of bmi, as this was among the conditions for the approval of the takeover. Bear in mind that AFKL can really only deliver pax from PAR and AMS to connect with Virgin services at LHR and MAN (it gets unwieldy and expensive for VS to expect customers to connect on two short hauls, first in PAR/AMS and then again in LHR/MAN, before joining a VS flight); BA can connect pax to VS services at LHR from all over Europe. As such, I wouldn't expect an end to BA-VS tickets anytime soon, though I'm not sure how big a part of VS's business such traffic might be.
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/w...r-7603911.html
And I'm pretty certain that BA and VS don't codeshare at all!!!
You may be referring to the fact that BA is required to interline with VS - a carryover from BA's takeover of bmi, as this was among the conditions for the approval of the takeover. Bear in mind that AFKL can really only deliver pax from PAR and AMS to connect with Virgin services at LHR and MAN (it gets unwieldy and expensive for VS to expect customers to connect on two short hauls, first in PAR/AMS and then again in LHR/MAN, before joining a VS flight); BA can connect pax to VS services at LHR from all over Europe. As such, I wouldn't expect an end to BA-VS tickets anytime soon, though I'm not sure how big a part of VS's business such traffic might be.
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/w...r-7603911.html
Last edited by irishguy28; Aug 26, 19 at 8:31 am
Aug 26, 19, 11:27 am
#65
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Hong Kong, France
Programs: FB , BA Gold
Posts: 15,260
But DL+AFKL own 80% of VS. VS has a microscopic FFP. It would seem simpler for VS to be part of ST. A possibility cold even be to merge Flying Club into SM or FB.
But Brexit brings uncertainties for a British airline.
Aug 26, 19, 11:38 am
#66
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Netherlands
Programs: KL Platinum; A3 Gold
Posts: 28,155
VS has never before had any alliance membership, so it is unlikely to suddenly become interested in having earning/burning opportunities for its flyers in the somewhat random collection of airlines that are found in Skyteam. Instead, it already partners with a selection of global airlines with an emphasis on *A airlines. Besides, the possibilities for Earn/Burn will increase to include all of AFKL once the deal goes through, and that will instantly give something that Flying Club lacked - the potential to book shorthaul trips to Europe (it seems that the Flying Club partnership with SAS only allows earning miles, so no redemptions on SK metal for VS flyers).
I'm not sure which of the "missing" Skyteam airlines would make sense for Flying Club to look into partnering with, beyond AFKL. Alitalia is on the naughty step, having been turfed out of the JV as a result of the new arrangement. CSA doesn't currently serve the UK, I believe [CORRECTION: CSA has 1 daily flight between PRG and BHX]. The Chinese members might make sense, perhaps, for trips to Australia and the like - but I think VS, and AFKL too, would prefer to see their own airlines favoured for trips to Asia, and they already partner with Air China so probably don't really need further China coverage.
If VS was happy to allow their own FFP to be taken over or subsumed into another programme, it would presumably have been merged into SkyMiles by now. I certainly cannot see them ditching Flying Club for Flying Blue as a result of AFKL's 30% shareholding. And I can't really see that AFKL will take such interest in "forcing" new partnerships/alliance membership given that DL with a greater say has taken no such steps.
Last edited by irishguy28; Aug 26, 19 at 11:49 am
Aug 31, 19, 7:08 am
#67
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Netherlands
Posts: 4,126
Hi,
Yesterday as I visited the Schengen lounge in AMS, I noticed that they changed the signage of which airlines pax are allowed to use the lounge - noticed this time that Virgin Atlantic was included (not sure if it was already back in July when I last visited, but did not notice it at that time) as "we also invite passengers from the following airlines"
If this is new, does this mean soon if we fly Virgin Atlantic in the future with either own code or KL code, will we be able to use the Virgin Clubhouse as FB elite members?
Cheers!
ps: sorry I forgot to take a photo nor ask the staff of it, but I am sure many members here will pass through the lounge.
Yesterday as I visited the Schengen lounge in AMS, I noticed that they changed the signage of which airlines pax are allowed to use the lounge - noticed this time that Virgin Atlantic was included (not sure if it was already back in July when I last visited, but did not notice it at that time) as "we also invite passengers from the following airlines"
If this is new, does this mean soon if we fly Virgin Atlantic in the future with either own code or KL code, will we be able to use the Virgin Clubhouse as FB elite members?
Cheers!
ps: sorry I forgot to take a photo nor ask the staff of it, but I am sure many members here will pass through the lounge.
Aug 31, 19, 8:18 am
#69
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Netherlands
Programs: KL Platinum; A3 Gold
Posts: 28,155
Given that VS does not operate at AMS, I am wondering if this means KL is already granting Flying Club status members access to the Crown Lounges prior to taking VS-coded KL flights - or whether they have just updated the signage in advance of this coming on-stream.
Based largely on not having seen reports otherwise on here, I assume that VS is still not granting access to its lounges to FB members flying on VS flights from LHR, LGW or MAN, regardless of whether booked under an AF or KL flightcode, or not.
Sep 4, 19, 5:19 pm
#70
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: SEA, YVR
Programs: Alaska MVPG, Flying Blue Gold, BA Silver, Hilton Diamond, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 561
Not sure if I'm slow, but I read this whole thread and still don't fully understand the XP earning lol. Please also forgive me in advance if I'm using this terminology wrong =)
I"m looking at a flight operated by VS on the outbound. KL/AF coded version of this flight is 4700 and Delta/VS coded is 2600. Then on the return, its operated by KL but same thing (KL coded is 4700 and VS coded is 2600). Two questions 1) If I book the Delta codeshare operated by VS would I earn XP? and 2) likewise if I book the Delta codeshare operated by KL on the return, will I earn XP?
Balancing earning XP against paying 2k more...
I"m looking at a flight operated by VS on the outbound. KL/AF coded version of this flight is 4700 and Delta/VS coded is 2600. Then on the return, its operated by KL but same thing (KL coded is 4700 and VS coded is 2600). Two questions 1) If I book the Delta codeshare operated by VS would I earn XP? and 2) likewise if I book the Delta codeshare operated by KL on the return, will I earn XP?
Balancing earning XP against paying 2k more...
Sep 5, 19, 1:06 am
#71
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Paris, France
Programs: AF/KL Flying Blue Platinum for life/Club2000 Ultimate, Accor ALL Diamond
Posts: 21,295
Not sure if I'm slow, but I read this whole thread and still don't fully understand the XP earning lol. Please also forgive me in advance if I'm using this terminology wrong =)
I"m looking at a flight operated by VS on the outbound. KL/AF coded version of this flight is 4700 and Delta/VS coded is 2600. Then on the return, its operated by KL but same thing (KL coded is 4700 and VS coded is 2600). Two questions 1) If I book the Delta codeshare operated by VS would I earn XP? and 2) likewise if I book the Delta codeshare operated by KL on the return, will I earn XP?
Balancing earning XP against paying 2k more...
I"m looking at a flight operated by VS on the outbound. KL/AF coded version of this flight is 4700 and Delta/VS coded is 2600. Then on the return, its operated by KL but same thing (KL coded is 4700 and VS coded is 2600). Two questions 1) If I book the Delta codeshare operated by VS would I earn XP? and 2) likewise if I book the Delta codeshare operated by KL on the return, will I earn XP?
Balancing earning XP against paying 2k more...
Now, to answer your questions :
1) No
2) Yes if DL-coded but no if VS-coded. There is something unclear in your post (see bolded part) so that's why I put both
Again, to earn FB miles (and XPs) on VS, the flight has to be booked exclusively under AF or KL code.
Sep 5, 19, 2:07 am
#72
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Netherlands
Programs: KL Platinum; A3 Gold
Posts: 28,155
It's really quite simple:
- any AF-coded flight earns XP, regardless of the operator of the flight. (AF operated by Virgin, Finnair, Austrian, JAL, Etihad, Qantas etc etc etc)
- any KL-coded flight earns XP, regardless of the operator of the flight. (KL operated by Transavia, Aer Lingus, Malaysia Airlines, etc etc etc)
- any other Skyteam-coded flight, as long as it is also operated by any Skyteam member airline [doesn't have to be the same airline - i.e. DL coded, KE operated is fine], and in a fare class that earns as per the relevant page for that Skyteam member on the FB website
- any Flying Blue partner airline flight, as per the terms of the relevant page for that partner on the FB website
In terms of Virgin Atlantic - it is NOT a Skyteam member, and it is NOT (yet) an FB partner. The only way you can currently earn XP on a Virgin Atlantic flight is by booking and flying it under an AF or a KL flight code. As such, there are currently very limited opportunities for earning XP while flying VS. Flying on Virgin Atlantic on a VS- or DL-coded flight will not earn anything in Flying Blue - this should change, but don't count on it happening soon.
Conversely, if you end up on an Air France or KLM flight but are travelling on a VS code - then you earn nothing in FB for that flight.
Sep 6, 19, 4:24 pm
#74
Join Date: Sep 2019
Posts: 2
First time poster here, long time lurker.
I recently flew one of these code share and thought I would report if for people wondering. I connected in LHR onwards to BOS on a Virgin operated flight. The flight was a AF codeshare (my booking was on AF).
I am FB platinum and I was flying PE. In London terminal 3, I tried, without much hope, to get into the Virgin lounge. They said they don't yet accept this card (platinum), suggesting they might soon. They redirected me to the Quantas lounge in the same terminal, where I got access.access. the lounge was extremely nice!
I also got XP exactly as I would have if the flight was on AF.
I recently flew one of these code share and thought I would report if for people wondering. I connected in LHR onwards to BOS on a Virgin operated flight. The flight was a AF codeshare (my booking was on AF).
I am FB platinum and I was flying PE. In London terminal 3, I tried, without much hope, to get into the Virgin lounge. They said they don't yet accept this card (platinum), suggesting they might soon. They redirected me to the Quantas lounge in the same terminal, where I got access.access. the lounge was extremely nice!
I also got XP exactly as I would have if the flight was on AF.
Sep 18, 19, 7:09 am
#75
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Netherlands
Programs: KL Platinum; A3 Gold
Posts: 28,155
Just as an FYI: Virgin is looking for a slate of new slots at the new expanded Heathrow, and wants to start service to a clutch of European destinations as well as to new long-haul destinations (there's even a return to Sydney, as well as Auckland which must surely be envisaged as a tag from SYD!).
I was surprised to see both Amsterdam and Rotterdam on the list - I'd have imagined that they'd be happy with KL feed from the Netherlands rather than running additional services alongside KLM; ditto for Paris/AF - but I imagine this "vision" is far beyond anything they would ever reasonably hope to achieve.
This would be a great network and airline to have as a Flying Blue partner
PS: interesting to note they expect Berlin Tegel to still be open by the time Heathrow's third runway is built and operational!!
I was surprised to see both Amsterdam and Rotterdam on the list - I'd have imagined that they'd be happy with KL feed from the Netherlands rather than running additional services alongside KLM; ditto for Paris/AF - but I imagine this "vision" is far beyond anything they would ever reasonably hope to achieve.
This would be a great network and airline to have as a Flying Blue partner
PS: interesting to note they expect Berlin Tegel to still be open by the time Heathrow's third runway is built and operational!!
