Future of CO/VS codeshare?
 

Apologies if this has been covered before, but I'm wondering if there's any official word if the CO/VS codeshares will continue post-merger? Along those lines, can CO passengers on VS flights collect Mileage Plus miles today?

Thanks,

Dave

Welcome to FT!

No word yet.

You can COllect CO miles then transfer them to your MP account if you'd like. So indirectly you can earn MP miles on VS flights.

What though are the issues at stake for the future of the arrangement both from UA and VS perspective?

Interestingly enough, I've searched for C flights to LHR and have found .bomb selling a CO 9*** "operated by VS" or "operated by Virgin Atlantic"

It's very unlikely that VS has a long-term future with the Star Alliance. Branson has talked about starting a fourth alliance with the world's top unattached players: all the Virgins, AS, B6, MH, EK, FI, etc.

Wonder if it will meet the fate of the Wings Alliance.

I disagree, VS is 49% owned by SQ, and I'm sure if SQ has anything to say about it, they will be joining *A

I hope that you are right. I use VS for my flights to LHR. It's usually a bit more pricy than the CO BF alternative but I think it is a nicer experience. Getting EQMs on CO has been important to me.

Side topic -

They code-share the VS flight from NYC to LHR, but not the LAS -> LGW flight. I'd like to book the direct from LAS, but get the elite qualification miles. But I guess they don't code-share that flight.

Or am I missing something?

I'm at least hoping the CO/VS relationship stays around long enough to book an award seat in C, so I can try out a different TATL carrier.

I've been in the VS-style seat on NZ, but I'm curious to see how the soft product compares.

NZ's food is way better. But VS's LHR lounge is pretty cool.

It's such a bizarre relationship: last week I needed 3 award tickets to LHR, and one paid. All the saver pass award availability from the DC area was on VS. When you added the revenue ticket, it priced out at over $2K higher than ANY other airline flying non-stop from either DC or New York. Why anyone would fly VS in economy is beyond me, and why anyone would pay 2K more than BA, UA, CO, DL, or AA for that product begs sanity. It just amazes me that VS economy always prices out much higher. Power of marketing IMHO.

No codeshare = no EQMs.
Badly, IME. The food is horrible and the Clubhouse is nice enough, but that's 1-2 hours of a 10 hour experience. It doesn't make up for the other shortcomings.

To be safe, transfer your miles to CO and make a booking on VS.

https://secure.unitedmileageplus.com/MP1101OPTM.jsp

Out of curiosity, what makes the food horrible? Poor choices/preparation, not enough variety, or literally disgusting?

I ask because I'm generally content with a simple dish, like chicken and potatoes, as long as it's well prepared. But to hear some other people criticize food in int'l F, if it's not lobster and caviar, it's trash.

If VS isn't worth it, I may try AC instead. It's supposed to be better, and same style seats, too.