Alitalia and Virgin, anybody?

[openseat]

I have always struggled getting mileage credited to Velocity, so much so that I have given up.

 

[dandandan]

Yes, no Alitalia status credits or points for me from a trip a month ago. Sent boarding pass to Retro claims and they wanted itinerary! told them I didn't keep however that they shouldn't need as I sent them the boarding pass. They said they will credit however yet to see. Hong Kong airlines flight on same trip posted no problems.

All Velocity FF numbers added at time of booking online with Alitalia.

No SC & points after flights

Unfortunately did not keep boarding passes but managed to get confirmation of “used status and booking class” from Alitalia which I’ve sent to retro claims @ Velocity.

Mission to find lounge in Italy we just gave up. Info point you in the wrong direction..

 

[Zaib Naeem]

Not flown with Alitalia yet but have booked for coming July a trip from Athens to Rome, flying as a Platinum Velocity member, we'll see how things go.

 

[ItaliaJim]

For documentation of Velocity points to carry any weight with Alitalia, Velocity would need to make it available in Italian. This would particularly apply to internal flights, but don't expect too much fluency in English anywhere.

With use of lounges, as a Velocity silver or gold card holder, Etihad lounge in Abu Dhabi refused me entry twice because my sectors to Rome were with Alitalia, booked through Virgin Australia (although I try to avoid the Middle East because of the extra long haul between there and the East Coast of Australia, preferring Hong Kong or Singapore).

 

[mad_atta]

Interesting to read so many tales of difficulty in getting VA status recognised on AZ.

We flew recently (late August) from Milan LIN to Rome FCO on a 'classic' economy fare, ie the lowest fare class that included checked bags. Booking was easy, though it didn't seem to have captured our Velocity details correctly (it showed our numbers, but not Velocity) so I went to the trouble of calling their Australian reservations number to get them entered correctly, as I thought that would greatly increase the likelihood of us actually getting our benefits (especially if checking in online ahead of time) and the very courteous agent who answered confirmed that our numbers were actually entered correctly. It seemed that it was just a display issue on their 'Manage my reservation' page.

When the time of travel came, I had low expectations - but it all went remarkably well:
- I was able to check in online successfully (though mobile boarding pass showed no evidence of any status)
- On arrival at the airport we went to check-in counter to check bags. We had 3 between the two of us, so I was able to get the additional bag checked at no charge, and it didn't require any effort (though the agent gave me the impression he was taking my word for it being a benefit, rather than actually being familiar with VA status entitlements. Maybe the agent in the priority queue (which I didn't spot until afterwards) would have been more knowledgeable).
- We then navigated our way through the maze-like layout to find the Casa Alitalia lounge, and were graciously welcomed inside with no delay. The lounge itself wasn't super exciting but it was clean, had power, and a nice tended bar where we treated ourselves to a mid-morning prosecco and a pastry
- Inflight service was simple but friendly (instant coffee though! In Italy!), flights were punctual, and baggage handling in Rome was efficient.

All in all a thoroughly satisfactory experience.

 

[Gianni S]

Interesting to read so many tales of difficulty in getting VA status recognised on AZ.

We flew recently (late August) from Milan LIN to Rome FCO on a 'classic' economy fare, ie the lowest fare class that included checked bags. Booking was easy, though it didn't seem to have captured our Velocity details correctly (it showed our numbers, but not Velocity) so I went to the trouble of calling their Australian reservations number to get them entered correctly, as I thought that would greatly increase the likelihood of us actually getting our benefits (especially if checking in online ahead of time) and the very courteous agent who answered confirmed that our numbers were actually entered correctly. It seemed that it was just a display issue on their 'Manage my reservation' page.

When the time of travel came, I had low expectations - but it all went remarkably well:
- I was able to check in online successfully (though mobile boarding pass showed no evidence of any status)
- On arrival at the airport we went to check-in counter to check bags. We had 3 between the two of us, so I was able to get the additional bag checked at no charge, and it didn't require any effort (though the agent gave me the impression he was taking my word for it being a benefit, rather than actually being familiar with VA status entitlements. Maybe the agent in the priority queue (which I didn't spot until afterwards) would have been more knowledgeable).
- We then navigated our way through the maze-like layout to find the Casa Alitalia lounge, and were graciously welcomed inside with no delay. The lounge itself wasn't super exciting but it was clean, had power, and a nice tended bar where we treated ourselves to a mid-morning prosecco and a pastry
- Inflight service was simple but friendly (instant coffee though! In Italy!), flights were punctual, and baggage handling in Rome was efficient.

All in all a thoroughly satisfactory experience.

Similar experience for us, had a few flights last August and had no issues.
- Velocity Number was on booking but reentered on check in
- When checking in at desk also no issues, they took my card and punched it onto the booking so details were on the boarding pass
- Lounge access was no issue in Rome or Naples
- Priority Boarding was also fine, just line up where the Sky Priority signs are, one even had Velocity Platinum written on it
- Points and SC also posted

 

[mad_atta]

Similar experience for us, had a few flights last August and had no issues.
- Velocity Number was on booking but reentered on check in
- When checking in at desk also no issues, they took my card and punched it onto the booking so details were on the boarding pass
- Lounge access was no issue in Rome or Naples
- Priority Boarding was also fine, just line up where the Sky Priority signs are, one even had Velocity Platinum written on it
- Points and SC also posted

I forgot to mention on my post that our (meagre) points and status credits also posted automatically without any issues - and that was on a fare class which didn't seem to show up on the Velocity site as definitely being points earning.

 

[cath87]

I recently flew to Europe on Etihad but had a leg on Alitalia (with Etihad flight number). I received extra luggage, lounge, priority for Alitalia however I assumed I would earn points on that leg as both airlines are aligned with Virgin but doesn't seem to be the case. When I chased for the missing Alitalia points I received the below:

Please note that only Etihad Airways codeshare flights with Virgin Australia are eligible to earn Velocity Points and Status Credits. Im sorry but you cant earn from your Etihad Airways flights sold as/operated by Alitalia flights.

Has anyone else had this before?

 

[AIRwin]

When I chased for the missing Alitalia points I received the below:

Please note that only Etihad Airways codeshare flights with Virgin Australia are eligible to earn Velocity Points and Status Credits. Im sorry but you cant earn from your Etihad Airways flights sold as/operated by Alitalia flights.

This is in line with the earning rules:
ETIHAD AIRWAYS Travel with Etihad and set your Velocity Points flying

VELOCITY POINTS AND STATUS CREDITS CANNOT BE EARNED ON:

• Reward Seat bookings
• Fares classes other than as specified above
• Surface transportation (e.g. Buses)
• Codeshare flights (Any flight with an EY flight number that is operated by an airline other than Etihad or Virgin Australia).
• Upgraded fares: Members travelling on upgraded fares that were purchased with Points or by bidding for an upgrade will earn as per the rules of the original fare class purchased.

 

[jas0nt]

I'm looking at booking some AZ award tickets - anyone know if those redeemed through Velocity includes check in luggage?

I asked two different CSR's and neither could tell me if the award tickets are economy light (no checkin baggage) or economy (with 23kg checkin).

 

[Dublin]

I recently flew to Europe on Etihad but had a leg on Alitalia (with Etihad flight number). I received extra luggage, lounge, priority for Alitalia however I assumed I would earn points on that leg as both airlines are aligned with Virgin but doesn't seem to be the case. When I chased for the missing Alitalia points I received the below:

Please note that only Etihad Airways codeshare flights with Virgin Australia are eligible to earn Velocity Points and Status Credits. Im sorry but you cant earn from your Etihad Airways flights sold as/operated by Alitalia flights.

Has anyone else had this before?

Holy coughe that's good info. I booked the flight solely for the purpose of the benefits (included points and status credits).

I purchased via Alitalia so it sounds like I won't be getting points or Status Credits. Damn!

 

[Zaib Naeem]

Since the Air Berlin bankruptcy, Virgin is now a partner of Alitalia. That's very convenient since i'm going to Italy in a couple of weeks.... but the details aren't clear. Does anybody know how status benefits (especially baggage, lounge access, and point/status earn) actually work?
Virgin's website says

but neither the baggage link nor the lounge link have any specific information.

I'll find out the hard way in two weeks... but has anybody travelled on Alitalia with Virgin status in the last few months?

 

[Zaib Naeem]

Since the Air Berlin bankruptcy, Virgin is now a partner of Alitalia. That's very convenient since i'm going to Italy in a couple of weeks.... but the details aren't clear. Does anybody know how status benefits (especially baggage, lounge access, and point/status earn) actually work?
Virgin's website says

but neither the baggage link nor the lounge link have any specific information.

I'll find out the hard way in two weeks... but has anybody travelled on Alitalia with Virgin status in the last few months?

I traveled to Rome from Athens on Alitalia only 10 days ago. I hold Virgin Australia Platinum status. Was able to use priority check-in, check in 22 Kg of luggage free (although with a bit of hassle after explaining it to the check-in officer) and also used priority boarding. Everything went overall quite smoothly. As Alitalia didn't had any lounge at Athens airport so that was the only thing I missed out on. Hope it helps.
Regards, Zaib Naeem

 

[Dublin]

This is in line with the earning rules:
ETIHAD AIRWAYS Travel with Etihad and set your Velocity Points flying

VELOCITY POINTS AND STATUS CREDITS CANNOT BE EARNED ON:

• Reward Seat bookings
• Fares classes other than as specified above
• Surface transportation (e.g. Buses)
• Codeshare flights (Any flight with an EY flight number that is operated by an airline other than Etihad or Virgin Australia).
• Upgraded fares: Members travelling on upgraded fares that were purchased with Points or by bidding for an upgrade will earn as per the rules of the original fare class purchased.

Can anybody help me understanding the above line in bold?

I bought the ticket via Alitalia, so the flight will be an AZ flight operated by Etihad. I've logged into the Etihad site and entered my velocity number.

Basically if I don't stand to get points and more importantly Status Credits, I'll try and cancel the flight now (as I have Economy Flex which says I can get a full refund).

 

[Obzerva]

Can anybody help me understanding the above line in bold?

I bought the ticket via Alitalia, so the flight will be an AZ flight operated by Etihad. I've logged into the Etihad site and entered my velocity number.

Basically if I don't stand to get points and more importantly Status Credits, I'll try and cancel the flight now (as I have Economy Flex which says I can get a full refund).

Bad news, you won't receive status credits or points for this flight as it's Alitalia operated by Etihad.

If it's an EY flight number, it needs to be operated by Etihad or Virgin.
if it's an AZ flight number, it needs to be operated by Alitalia or Virgin.

 

[Dublin]

Thanks for that. Below are the conditions on my ticket with Alitalia. Do you see any issues with me getting a full refund?

CHANGE BEFORE DEPARTURE	Free
CHANGE AFTER DEPARTURE	Free
REFUND BEFORE DEPARTURE	Free
REFUND AFTER DEPARTURE	Free

 

[Obzerva]

Thanks for that. Below are the conditions on my ticket with Alitalia. Do you see any issues with me getting a full refund?

CHANGE BEFORE DEPARTURE	Free
CHANGE AFTER DEPARTURE	Free
REFUND BEFORE DEPARTURE	Free
REFUND AFTER DEPARTURE	Free

I wouldn't see any issues, looks like a very flexible fare to have those conditions.

 

[Dublin]

I just entered the Casa Alitalia lounge here in Fumicino, no issues with me being Velocity Platinum, I showed them the card and straight through. This lounge is actually pretty good, I'm at the one close to E1 gate.

 

[jasecao]

Entry at Rome was easy, however forget Venice, the lady at the counter laughed and said VIRGIN Australia is not a partner and laughed again when I showed it on the own Alitalia website.......

 

[Lord_Lenny]

I just entered the Casa Alitalia lounge here in Fumicino, no issues with me being Velocity Platinum, I showed them the card and straight through. This lounge is actually pretty good, I'm at the one close to E1 gate.

Good to hear, Lady Lenny and I are doing a Rome - London leg on Alitalia in October. I'll only be Gold but as long as we can get a glass of prosecco we'll be happy