Best option for internal USA flights as QF and VA WP

[Danp]

Hi all,

Have just confirmed an itinerary for the end of the month flying domestically in the US for the first time. I'm both QF and VA WP now thanks to the status match and was wondering what the best options would be both to earn status credits and get lounge access on my trip.

What are the AA and Delta lounges like in domestic US? would be cool to check some out. I read that Virgin America doesn't recognise status from Australia to grant lounge access...

Itinerary is as follows:

LAX - SFO - ORD - LAS - LAX

I know AA is the option for QFF, however the lowest priced fairs are Q class tickets which have no SC earn at all on QFF and I don't think I'll pay for the instant upgrade F fares as it will end up being 8 - 10 times the cost of the discount economy flights and I'm travelling with 2 - 5 people most of the time so can't splurge out to upgrade at all.


Just wondering if anyone knows how the fare class system works on either delta or virgin america so that I can at least earn SC's for velocity while I'm flying over there?

Thanks in advance if you have any info on this

 

[tuapekastar]

Hi all,

Have just confirmed an itinerary for the end of the month flying domestically in the US for the first time. I'm both QF and VA WP now thanks to the status match and was wondering what the best options would be both to earn status credits and get lounge access on my trip.

What are the AA and Delta lounges like in domestic US? would be cool to check some out. I read that Virgin America doesn't recognise status from Australia to grant lounge access...

Itinerary is as follows:

LAX - SFO - ORD - LAS - LAX

I know AA is the option for QFF, however the lowest priced fairs are Q class tickets which have no SC earn at all on QFF and I don't think I'll pay for the instant upgrade F fares as it will end up being 8 - 10 times the cost of the discount economy flights and I'm travelling with 2 - 5 people most of the time so can't splurge out to upgrade at all.


Just wondering if anyone knows how the fare class system works on either delta or virgin america so that I can at least earn SC's for velocity while I'm flying over there?

Thanks in advance if you have any info on this

AA lounges are (IMHO) generally not as nice as Qantas Clubs. AC members can now get free 'house pour' drinks (previously they had to pay for all alcohol), and still pay for better quality drinks. QP members and non-AA OWE/OWS can get 'chits' which can be used for complimentary better quality drinks (a lot of people tip the bartenders - $1 per drink in my case - I don't know what is typical). You usually get given 2 of these chits without asking, and can go back and get more if required, but it's a bit of a YMMV, I've heard reports of lounge staff being reluctant to hand them out.

Complimentary food is limited to very basic 'trail mix' and cookies. There is a range of paid food to be had but I wasn't impressed by something involving a bread roll-type thing that cost me ~$10. I think you can bring food in.

I think you normally have to pay for Wi-Fi but have heard where people don't. There are also computers located in the clubs.

As a WP you should have access to the Flagship Lounges at LAX and ORD (a step up apparently, though I haven't been in either). Self-serve bar, free wi-fi, don't know about the rest. Oh, and most, maybe all ACs have showers.

They are basically pleasant enough (the ones I've been in anyway), and a nicer spot to spend time than in the terminal, just not as good food/drink range as your typical QP. I don't think they have one in LAS.

Delta - can't help.

For points earning fare buckets look here.

For SC earning see here (I'm assuming that a flight eligible for points is eligible for SCs)

You would just need to know which fare bucket you were booking - I have no experience of DL or VX web bookings but assume (I know I shouldn't) you would be able to tell prior to committing to the purchase.

I don't think Virgin America actually has any lounges which may explain their reluctance to let people in. I have heard they are opening some lounges sometime but no idea when.