Upgrading Long Haul MEL-LAX With Velocity
Mar 16, 2019, 8:23 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2011
Programs: Delta Diamond; Marriott Gold Elite
Posts: 170
Upgrading Long Haul MEL-LAX With Velocity
In the rules it says Gold and Platinum members can upgade the long haul International routes.
I take this to mean Partner-Platinum would not be allowed to upgrade these routes. Is that correct?
Thanks.
I take this to mean Partner-Platinum would not be allowed to upgrade these routes. Is that correct?
Thanks.
Mar 17, 2019, 1:44 pm
#2
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Melbourne
Programs: ►QFWP/LTG►VA WP►HyattExpl.►HiltonGold►ALL Silver
Posts: 21,994
No - a "partner" WP/SG has the same benefits as a normal WP/SG.
Mar 18, 2019, 6:26 am
#3
Join Date: May 2006
Location: GA
Programs: VA-PLT, QF-GLD, DL-GM, UA-ex1K, AA-exPLT, HH-DM, IHG-PLT, MR-GLD
Posts: 8,242
In general I agree. But the benefits aren't exactly identical. For example a partner plat does not receive upgrade certificates, Hertz/Hilton comp upgrades, etc etc.
I am quite unsure that VA will allow a partner to upgrade with VA points if they do not have VA status. Knowing VA's systems can be quite troublesome, even if VA wanted this to be a benefit, it might not work as desired.
I am quite unsure that VA will allow a partner to upgrade with VA points if they do not have VA status. Knowing VA's systems can be quite troublesome, even if VA wanted this to be a benefit, it might not work as desired.
Mar 18, 2019, 2:01 pm
#4
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Melbourne
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In general I agree. But the benefits aren't exactly identical. For example a partner plat does not receive upgrade certificates, Hertz/Hilton comp upgrades, etc etc.
I am quite unsure that VA will allow a partner to upgrade with VA points if they do not have VA status. Knowing VA's systems can be quite troublesome, even if VA wanted this to be a benefit, it might not work as desired.
I am quite unsure that VA will allow a partner to upgrade with VA points if they do not have VA status. Knowing VA's systems can be quite troublesome, even if VA wanted this to be a benefit, it might not work as desired.
He received hotel and rental car upgrade options.
Has this changed?
Mar 18, 2019, 5:56 pm
#6
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2011
Programs: Delta Diamond; Marriott Gold Elite
Posts: 170
Yes, this is what I am referring to - Delta in particular. I said "Partner Platinum" because that's what my boarding pass says when my VOZ itinerary is linked to my DL SkyMiles #. Sorry if it was confusing.
Mar 18, 2019, 8:12 pm
#7
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Melbourne
Programs: ►QFWP/LTG►VA WP►HyattExpl.►HiltonGold►ALL Silver
Posts: 21,994
With Velocity Points a VA Gold or Platinum can use Velocity points to upgrade from Freedom (Flexi Economy) or Premium Economy fares to upgrade to Business Class.
Velocity UpgradeMe Points | Flying | Velocity Frequent Flyer
I don't believe this extends to members of Partner programs, certainly the terms are specific "Platinum and Gold Velocity members booked on certain fares can use Points to request an upgrade on International Long Haul flights to or from Los Angeles and Hong Kong operated by Virgin Australia with a VA flight number" ...
Mar 19, 2019, 5:01 pm
#8
Join Date: May 2006
Location: GA
Programs: VA-PLT, QF-GLD, DL-GM, UA-ex1K, AA-exPLT, HH-DM, IHG-PLT, MR-GLD
Posts: 8,242
Yes 'Partner Platinum' is what Delta Diamond elites are called (and I assume, other partner top-tier elites).
'Partner Gold' is the name for Delta Gold, and confusingly, Delta Platinum.
I do not know of a comprehensive list of benefits for these 'partner' tiers. Generally I think the airport and in-flight experience is the same as VA tiers.
'Partner Gold' is the name for Delta Gold, and confusingly, Delta Platinum.
I do not know of a comprehensive list of benefits for these 'partner' tiers. Generally I think the airport and in-flight experience is the same as VA tiers.
Mar 19, 2019, 8:06 pm
#9
Join Date: Sep 2005
Programs: Lifetime *G (MP), Lifetime PE (Bonvoy)
Posts: 1,465
"Partner" has now become one of those words that means everything and nothing. I recall being told the partner of someone who was already a Partner in a Fat Four accounting firm and working on the project, would be joining a project I was on. It took me a little while - and even then I had to ask - to understand that the partner was not a partner in the business sense but the leg-over sense. I think VA uses the term in the leg-over sense when it refers to family members or similar to whom a "double Platinum" can gift a Gold status membership. And then of course there's "partner in crime" ...
Oct 14, 2019, 11:46 am
#10
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2011
Programs: Delta Diamond; Marriott Gold Elite
Posts: 170
I verified today in MEL that "Partner Platinum" via Diamond on Delta will NOT give you eligibility to upgrade to business on the LAX route.
Surprisingly (to me anyway), I also could NOT upgrade to premium economy either, despite the availability.
For additional data: there was 1 business left and an undisclosed number of PE. The upgrade price point was A$2500 for business and A$999 for PE. I would be curious to know if these are static upgrade prices or if they are dynamic based on inventory remaining and possibly day of the week of travel.
Surprisingly (to me anyway), I also could NOT upgrade to premium economy either, despite the availability.
For additional data: there was 1 business left and an undisclosed number of PE. The upgrade price point was A$2500 for business and A$999 for PE. I would be curious to know if these are static upgrade prices or if they are dynamic based on inventory remaining and possibly day of the week of travel.
Oct 17, 2019, 4:04 pm
#11
Join Date: May 2006
Location: GA
Programs: VA-PLT, QF-GLD, DL-GM, UA-ex1K, AA-exPLT, HH-DM, IHG-PLT, MR-GLD
Posts: 8,242
Thanks for following up to confirm. It doesn't surprise me that PE upgrade eligibility is the same as J upgrade eligibility, that is how the rule is written for VA members as well.
Sorry, don't know for sure if those are dynamic or fixed upgrade cash prices, but they sound fixed to me.
Sorry, don't know for sure if those are dynamic or fixed upgrade cash prices, but they sound fixed to me.