How do code share flights work in respect to the benefits for Upper
class? I found a deal which would give me Virgin Upper Class (through Code Sharing) for not that much more than Virgin PE - I couldn't resist...
I have bought a Continental Business First ticket from London to
Maimi this month. The flight is operated by Virgin (so will equate to Virgin
Upper Class). I have the following questions:
- Can you check-in at the Virgin desks or do you have to use the Continental
desks.
- Can you use the Virgin lounges or do you have to use the Continental
Lounge (do they have their own Lounge at Gatwick, if not whose lounge do you
use)?
- Can you use the Virgin arrival lounge when returning to the UK?
- Do you get use of the Virgin limo service (hhhmmmm, I am sure that would
be unlikely).
- I assume that you cannot claim miles or tier points on your Virgin Flying
Club Membership.
- Can you phone Virgin (or at time of booking) attempt to pre-book certain
seats (i.e. bulkhead)?

Anything else which I should be aware of with code share flights?

More general questions about the flight:
- how can I find out which type of plane will most likely be used (I know that substitutions can be made at short nottice). I would like to know which seats to request. I was thinking main cabin bulkhead - if available - on the outbound, and a quieter cabin in bound (assuming it is a 747-400 with two Upper Class cabin configuration).
- I assume that the Virgin lounges are smart casual in dress code. Would shorts be acceptable in the Miami Lounge (on our return flight)?

Thanks,
Boo Boo

Many times in US airports there is a Continental codeshare desk located near the Virgin desk; I usually go directly to the Virgin UC desk and they send me back if there are any problems. In London go directly to the Virgin UC check-in counters.

You do have access to Virgin Clubhouses (as well as Continental ones), but not their Arrivals lounge; Continental uses the Air Canada lounge, which is still very nice, in Heathrow and they have a Presidents Club (with showers apparently) in Gatwick.

I have never managed to get Virgin limo service ahead of time; but Continental supposedly has limo service.

You cannot claim FC miles/points and I doubt you can pre-book seats with Virgin.

I have seen people wearing shorts in Clubhouses before..

Online reservations systems generally list the type of plane that is normally used; I would avoid the A340s like a plague. The seats are not reconfigured and the cabin is really just not as nice.

Hope this helps -h

h

[This message has been edited by nikbruno (edited 07-09-2001).]

I believe they use the 747-200 not the 400 on the LGW-MIA route.

The PC at Gatwick is very nice. Brand new, opened a week prior to me being there in May. Showers, very nice CSR's, decent food, etc. Take a couple of business cards and they will make you a few snooty BF luggage tags for free. Not that I would ever do that.

I had a topic maybe 20 days ago addressing some of these points, and if I was savvy I'd link it here, but:

You definitely cannot call Virgin for seats. CO's stock is CO's stock and Virgin's is Virgin's, and only at the airport will they release the seats to each other. I know this b/c Continental has 10AC and JK but Virgin has 10EF (the letters might be slightly off, but you get the idea - someone decided to put Virgin seats in between Continental ones, which strands a 3pax party, like mine).

And, I actually just found this:

http://www.continental.com/dash/buil...orporate_02_19

Which says in part:

"Continental codeshare customers travelling on Virgin Atlantic's Upper Class may enjoy the Upper Class and ClubHouse lounges in the U.S. and U.K. on the day of travel. The ClubHouse at London Heathrow offers services such as complimentary massages, haircuts, shoeshines, and facials. Other features include a soundproof Sony Music Room, a virtual downhill ski race, a putting green, a library, a full service bar, and a conservatory with an outstanding view of the airport."

If you fly coach on a CO codeshare with Virgin, when you get to the ticket counter at the airport, will Virgin honor a request to move up to the front part of the coach section of the plane assuming availability? I noticed when making a reservation on line, Virgin seats CO passengers in the back. Just curious.

I would assume based on my conversations with Virgin's telephone people, the answer would be yes: as to the front of the "regular" economy section. Continental does not purchase any "premium economy" seats from Virgin (which I think have a few more inches of legroom, etc.) and I doubt that under normal circumstances Virgin would seat you there with a regular coach ticket.