Virgin Australia has announced that it will be forming a new partnership with United Airlines. As a result, its current partnership with Delta will be coming to an end.
Kicking off in April 2022, the alliance will include reciprocal frequent flyer benefits, in addition to a codeshare agreement between the two airlines.
Frequent Flyers
Velocity members will be able to earn Velocity Points and Status Credits when travelling on United Airlines services. On top of that, members holding Silver and above status will receive tier benefits when travelling with United. Finally, United Airlines will be offering Reward Seats to Velocity members. As a result, Velocity members will be able to use their points on United Airlines’ domestic and international networks
In return, United Airlines members will receive benefits when flying on Virgin Australia services. The reciprocal benefits include:
- Priority check-in
- Priority boarding
- Additional baggage check allowance
- Priority baggage delivery
- Priority security clearance
- Lounge access
The details released to date are fairly high level. As a result, we should expect to see some of the finer detail announced over the next few months. For example, the earn rates Velocity members can expect when flying United Airlines are yet to be revealed. In addition, further detail on lounge access is to be advised, such as whether there will be access to United’s domestic lounges.
United Airlines to the US
Virgin Australia has touted the number of flights United Airlines operate between Australia and the US. They note that United Airlines currently operates more flights than any other airline.
At present, United Airlines operates daily services between Sydney to Los Angeles and San Francisco. As travel restrictions ease, it is expected that United will resume other services, including those to Melbourne.
The end of the Delta partnership
The new agreement with United will see the end of the partnership with Delta. Virgin Australia and Delta will be transitioning out of the partnership over the coming months.
