United to partner with Virgin Australia -- UA elite benefits starting 23 May 2022
Dec 13, 21, 2:42 pm
#1
Original Poster
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United to partner with Virgin Australia -- UA elite benefits starting 23 May 2022
Virgin Australia will end its long-standing relationship with Delta Air Lines in early 2022, with United Airlines stepping in to become Virgin's new US partner.
Commencing in April 2022, the partnership will include codeshare flights as well as reciprocal loyalty benefits members of Virgin's Velocity Frequent Flyer and United's MileagePlus programs.
Those perks will include earning Velocity points and status credits on UA flights plus access to domestic United Club lounges; United's elite tier members will gain access to Virgin lounges when they head down under.
Commencing in April 2022, the partnership will include codeshare flights as well as reciprocal loyalty benefits members of Virgin's Velocity Frequent Flyer and United's MileagePlus programs.
Those perks will include earning Velocity points and status credits on UA flights plus access to domestic United Club lounges; United's elite tier members will gain access to Virgin lounges when they head down under.
Dec 13, 21, 3:22 pm
#5
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Originally Posted by FLYMSY
That’s good news. One of the best meals that I’ve had on a plane in recent years was on a Virgin Australia flight, SYD-AYQ, in First. Wines were pretty good, also. Much better than what is served on UA & LH in J.
Dec 13, 21, 4:55 pm
#7
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Whenever it becomes easier to travel back to that part of the world, that’ll be real nice. Combine that with NZ being in *A and it definitely puts UA in pole position for Oceania airline partnerships.
Dec 13, 21, 5:08 pm
#8
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That is GREAT news! But really surprising given Delta's tie-in with VS. VA will be great for extra US-OZ options but more importantly for onward flights from MEL and SYD! Great award ops as well with NZ and VA 
Dec 13, 21, 7:02 pm
#9
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Originally Posted by cfischer
...But really surprising given Delta's tie-in with VS...
Last edited by IAH-OIL-TRASH; Dec 13, 21 at 7:20 pm
Dec 13, 21, 7:37 pm
#11
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Originally Posted by IAH-OIL-TRASH
Actually, as almost a seperate entity, it allows VA to be like HA - a regional air slut, entertaining all offers to partner.
Dec 13, 21, 8:01 pm
#12
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Originally Posted by restlessinRNO
Excellent news! Australia has always been a black hole for domestic flights for *A members. ✈️
Dec 13, 21, 8:03 pm
#13
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The relevant parts of the email that Virgin just sent out :
As domestic border restrictions ease and the world slowly re-opens to Australia, we are committed to creating more ways to get you to wherever your heart desires.
United Airlines to join the Virgin Australia Group family
Today, I’m excited to share that we have announced a long term strategic frequent flyer and codeshare partnership with United Airlines which will be phased into the Virgin Australia family from April next year.
Not only is United a fantastic brand fit for Virgin Australia and Velocity Frequent Flyer, but they offer the most flights between Australia and North America out of any other US-based carrier. The partnership with United will triple our network reach into the Americas, which means you’ll have access to new destinations when flying from Australia to the United States, Mexico, the Caribbean and South America.
As United ramps up more services to Australia next year, they will continue to offer direct flights between Melbourne and Sydney and Los Angeles, San Francisco and Houston, so you’ll have even more flight options and connecting points, making it a lot easier to get to your final destination.
You’ll also earn Velocity Points and Status Credits, and eligible members will receive tier benefits when travelling with United. Reward Seat availability is another significant benefit of the partnership, so you’ll be able to use your Points to redeem seats on United’s vast domestic and international network.
This is another example of how we are doing things differently to make travelling with us easier and more seamless, while continuing to provide great value whenever and however you choose to fly.
We look forward to sharing more details on the partnership before it launches in April 2022.
United Airlines to join the Virgin Australia Group family
Today, I’m excited to share that we have announced a long term strategic frequent flyer and codeshare partnership with United Airlines which will be phased into the Virgin Australia family from April next year.
Not only is United a fantastic brand fit for Virgin Australia and Velocity Frequent Flyer, but they offer the most flights between Australia and North America out of any other US-based carrier. The partnership with United will triple our network reach into the Americas, which means you’ll have access to new destinations when flying from Australia to the United States, Mexico, the Caribbean and South America.
As United ramps up more services to Australia next year, they will continue to offer direct flights between Melbourne and Sydney and Los Angeles, San Francisco and Houston, so you’ll have even more flight options and connecting points, making it a lot easier to get to your final destination.
You’ll also earn Velocity Points and Status Credits, and eligible members will receive tier benefits when travelling with United. Reward Seat availability is another significant benefit of the partnership, so you’ll be able to use your Points to redeem seats on United’s vast domestic and international network.
This is another example of how we are doing things differently to make travelling with us easier and more seamless, while continuing to provide great value whenever and however you choose to fly.
We look forward to sharing more details on the partnership before it launches in April 2022.
