Why Isn't VS in *A?
Jun 20, 2007 | 1:38 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: SFO, IAH
Programs: UA MM, Marriott Lifetime Plat, Hertz #1 Gold
Posts: 437
Why Isn't VS in *A?
With 49% ownership by SQ, VS should be an easy in into the *A. Is the only veto from BD? It would seem that BD has such limited int'l traffic and VS has such limited domestic UK or intra-EU traffic, both airlines would benefit considerably from VS's entry into the *A... as would most pax. Any other reason why VS isn't in the *A... or any alliance for that matter?
1Konsultant
1Konsultant
Jun 20, 2007 | 1:52 am
#2
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: New Zealand
Programs: NZ , QF , MK
Posts: 1,386
I was under the impression that both UA and BD have vetoed VS while all other *A members where in favour
( this is a rumour - I have no source or reference to back it up - I believe that I actually read it on here on FT )
( this is a rumour - I have no source or reference to back it up - I believe that I actually read it on here on FT )
Jun 20, 2007 | 6:07 pm
#4
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2000
Location: London, UK and Southern France
Posts: 18,881
Can't see why BD would have veto'ed it. There is very little route overlap and, in any event, VS are a partner of BD's own FFP and they have codeshare agreements on a number of BD feed routes into LHR. There is also an agreement concerning the use of the VS club lounge at LHR for BD gold frequent flyers flying VS, so it is not as if BD would not want anything to do with VS.
I think it has more to do with VS being happy remaining outside an alliance for now and preferring bilaterals.
I think it has more to do with VS being happy remaining outside an alliance for now and preferring bilaterals.
Jun 20, 2007 | 8:26 pm
#5
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2004
Posts: 23,999
I wish they would join. That would be awesome!
Hmm, is Virgin American really part of Virgin though? Like, Virgin Blue and Virgin Atlantic aren't really "one" as far as I know, but I agree that if they were one it's obvious why UA doesn't want it.
Hmm, is Virgin American really part of Virgin though? Like, Virgin Blue and Virgin Atlantic aren't really "one" as far as I know, but I agree that if they were one it's obvious why UA doesn't want it.
Jun 20, 2007 | 8:44 pm
#6
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: SFO, IAH
Programs: UA MM, Marriott Lifetime Plat, Hertz #1 Gold
Posts: 437
Perhaps LH sees VS as a threat?
1Konsultant