Impact of VX status match on UA (and AA) elites
Nov 14, 2012, 6:54 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Slightly to the left of center
Posts: 3,475
Impact of VX status match on UA (and AA) elites
As reported on some of the blogs today, Virgin America is doing a status match for UA and AA elite members. In the past some have said the lack of a status match prevents them from moving over. Given issues with UA post 3/3 and now this match, do we see many folks making the big switch?
For me, VX works well (SFO-based), but while they go to many cities, international coverage is non-existent. I'll do the match, but not sure if I can/should maintain it beyond the trial period.
Got elite status on United Air Lines or American Airlines? Upgrade to Elevate® Gold or Elevate® Silver on the airline that makes flying good again.
http://www.virginamerica.com/vx/statusmatch
For me, VX works well (SFO-based), but while they go to many cities, international coverage is non-existent. I'll do the match, but not sure if I can/should maintain it beyond the trial period.
Got elite status on United Air Lines or American Airlines? Upgrade to Elevate® Gold or Elevate® Silver on the airline that makes flying good again.
http://www.virginamerica.com/vx/statusmatch
Nov 14, 2012, 6:59 pm
#2
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Portland
Posts: 11,569
I'm going to pass. Don't get me wrong, I think United is one of the worst airlines out there and I think VX has an amazing product, but the frequent flyer program is still pretty terrible. With United or AA, my work trips net me a nice annual international family vacation in some great foreign airline's international F product. With VX, I get to go to Vegas. It's simply not comparable.
Nov 14, 2012, 7:39 pm
#3
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: SFO, PDX, CDG
Programs: AA EXP, UA 1K, Marriott Platinum, Hyatt Diamond
Posts: 161
I, too, am going to pass on this one. Mostly because Virgin doesn't have the route network to support my extensive travel. Interestingly, my most recent flight on UA LAX to SYD was the best UA flight of my life. This isn't going to win me back from AA for most of my flying, but it was a refreshing change of pace.
I am definitely passing this on, though. I know a few SFO-based domestic flyers who have already switched their loyalties to Virgin.
I am definitely passing this on, though. I know a few SFO-based domestic flyers who have already switched their loyalties to Virgin.
Nov 14, 2012, 10:09 pm
#4
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Programs: UA-1k, 1mm, Marriott-LT Platinum, Hertz-Presidents Circle
Posts: 6,355
Easy decision for me as 2/3 of all my flying is international, thus won't move. I enjoy the domestic schedule and upgrades I get from UA as well.
Nov 14, 2012, 11:47 pm
#5
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: PDX
Programs: Free agent!
Posts: 1,426
I don't see much of an impact because their route network is so limited. Never mind international flying but what happens when your company needs to send you to, say, MSN or TUS for work? Also, this seems more like a challenge than anything as they're only matching until the end of April.
Nov 15, 2012, 12:42 am
#6
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: IAH
Programs: *AG, Choice Privileges Elite Diamond, SPG Gold, La Quinta Returns Gold, Wyndham Rewards Gold
Posts: 466
Too bad they don't fly to IAH or HOU. Or else I would seriously consider trying them.
They currently only serve one market in Texas, DFW. If this airline wants to survive long-term, it has to add more business markets in the center of the country. Why aren't they serving the Atlanta, Houston, Denver, or Phoenix markets?
If it wants to compete with the big boys, it has to fly where the big boys fly. Otherwise, this will become just another failed experiment.
They currently only serve one market in Texas, DFW. If this airline wants to survive long-term, it has to add more business markets in the center of the country. Why aren't they serving the Atlanta, Houston, Denver, or Phoenix markets?
If it wants to compete with the big boys, it has to fly where the big boys fly. Otherwise, this will become just another failed experiment.
Nov 15, 2012, 11:10 am
#8
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: SEA
Programs: United: Gold, HHonors: Gold, Marriott: Gold, AA, US, AGR
Posts: 397
Probably going to pass this time. As much as I love Virgin, their frequent flyer program is so lacking. Elevate Silver benefits are far below any of the other carriers (Main Cabin Select only at 12 hours before, and no comp upgrades to First). And not to forget that they do charge YQ for international redemptions on Virgin Atlantic. Pretty bad program compared to the legacy carriers.
Nov 15, 2012, 11:25 am
#9
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Between EWR & PHL
Programs: UA MileagePlus dirt (former hard-way Silver); AS Mileage Plan MVP; Hilton Honors Silver
Posts: 1,586
I submitted for a match, since a lot of my itins are PHL/EWR-SFO, although I don't know that I'll hit the challenge threshold by the end of April to keep status. It's actually a shame - I just booked IAD-SFO-PHL and had considered VX but stuck to UA due to status.
Nov 15, 2012, 12:25 pm
#11
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: BOS (South End)
Programs: UA 1K, AA EXP, TrueBlue, IHG Plat Amb, SPG Gold, Marriott Gold, Accor Platinum, National Exec Elite
Posts: 907
I did the match but won't qualify by April '13. FF program is severely lacking, revenue based, and route network non-existent. I have a BOS-LAX r/t on VX beginning of Dec so figured why not get the match and benefits for at least this one trip.
Their in-flight experience is fantastic and I love having a fast wi-fi connection but doesn't make sense to move biz over from AA and UA given their respective alliances and international awards.
Their in-flight experience is fantastic and I love having a fast wi-fi connection but doesn't make sense to move biz over from AA and UA given their respective alliances and international awards.
Nov 15, 2012, 12:37 pm
#12
Join Date: Feb 2008
Programs: 6 year GS, now 2MM Jeff-ugee, *wood LTPlt, SkyPeso PLT
Posts: 6,526
I think that this is a better pitch for UA PLTs/GOLDs, and AA PLTS, neither of which really get upgrades, and therefore are trading more usable miles (AA/UA) for much better service and extra leg-room and free food.
If I was doing 50-75K miles out of SFO, then VX makes more sense. Clearly it does not for AA EXPs, or even UA 1Ks.
If I was doing 50-75K miles out of SFO, then VX makes more sense. Clearly it does not for AA EXPs, or even UA 1Ks.
Nov 15, 2012, 5:40 pm
#14
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Michigan
Programs: AA EXP(4mm), DL Gold, UA Gold (1mm), HH Diamond, Bonvoy Amb(l/t Titanium). Former EA/PA elite
Posts: 993
My bet is VX will not exist by the end of 2013.
Nov 15, 2012, 6:35 pm
#15
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Verdi, NV, SFO & Olympic (aka Squaw )Valley.
Programs: Ikon Pass Full + AS Gold + Marriott Titanium + Hilton Gold. Recovering UA Plat. LT lounge AA+DL+UA
Posts: 3,823
I really like the VX product...but they do not fly where I go even though I'm based in SFO. Plus...I'd move from *G to Silver and have relatively few perks.