Booking VA to US and onward Delta Flights Thru VA

[robd]

Sorry if this question has been posed and answered, but I couldn't find a related thread on this topic.

Jnr needs to get to SDF (Louisville, Kentucky) from BNE. The flights are bookable on 3rd party websites, but not online via VA website. She phoned VA and they will book them, but they are more expensive and they also want to charge the phone booking fee. There are 2 stops from BNE to get to SDF (LAX and ORD/MSP/DTW), so obviously she would like to keep the booking on one PNR, hence preferring to book with VA.

As she is unable to book the flights online with VA, should the phone booking fee apply or does it still apply as the US domestic flights are not VA codeshare?

Or best just to book with Delta?

Any other suggestions welcomed.

 

[Quickstatus]

If flying VA I would book DL direct through their website or app. Just make sure you enter your VA FF number.
VA /DL will check bags through to final destination and will also the apply the luggage rules of the most significant segment through to final destination.

Only caveat is that because the tickets are on separate booking references (PNR) it is possible that in the event of delays and you miss subsequent segments, the subsequent airline may make you buy another ticket or apply change fees.

Additionally its always cheaper to book via DL website directly. What value would you ascribe to a one PNR ticket?. I dont know ifyou can make a case for booking fee waiver. Have never done it as I have always booked as described above.

 

[robd]

If flying VA I would book DL direct through their website or app. Just make sure you enter your VA FF number.
VA /DL will check bags through to final destination and will also the apply the luggage rules of the most significant segment through to final destination.

Only caveat is that because the tickets are on separate booking references (PNR) it is possible that in the event of delays and you miss subsequent segments, the subsequent airline may make you buy another ticket or apply change fees.

Additionally its always cheaper to book via DL website directly. What value would you ascribe to a one PNR ticket?. I dont know ifyou can make a case for booking fee waiver. Have never done it as I have always booked as described above.

Ended up booking online through Delta. All on one PNR, cheaper and easier. Bad luck VA :-|

 

[Quickstatus]

Ended up booking online through Delta. All on one PNR, cheaper and easier. Bad luck VA :-|

You found the secret! The only downside is that you dont get the squiggle in the VA FF account for flying a VA flight (if your SYD-LAX is a DL condeshare on VA metal)

 

[robd]

You found the secret! The only downside is that you dont get the squiggle in the VA FF account for flying a VA flight (if your SYD-LAX is a DL condeshare on VA metal)

Yes, DL codeshare on VA metal but fortunately, squiggle not required.