DL-VA on separate tickets

[bernardblack]

I have friends coming here from the US. They have a basic-economy DL ticket DEN-LAX (and then return later) and business seats I got with Velocity miles, LAX-SYD then MEL-LAX on the way home. Those are separate tickets. Some other family are coming with them, on a DL-issued single-ticket economy itinerary for the same flights.

So, a few questions:

1. Will DL check them through for the onward VA flight LAX-SYD, on a separate PNR?
2. Will DL let them use the First/priority check-in counter at DEN?
3. Can they access the Sky Club at DEN based on a connection to a partner flight in intercontinental business?
4. If they've been issued onward VA boarding passes at DEN, will those be accepted for entry at the EK Lounge at LAX, or will they need some sort of invitations and can those be retrieved airside anywhere?
5. They presumably can't guest anyone into the EK Lounge at LAX?

Obviously on the way home they can use the House (the former EY Lounge) at MEL, and they have to clear immigration to landside at LAX, so with a five-hour layover it doesn't really matter if they're not checked-through all the way to DEN.

If you think this should be reposted to a different channel please let me know.

Thanks!

 

[CPMaverick]

1. Will DL check them through for the onward VA flight LAX-SYD, on a separate PNR?
   1. I don't believe DL will be able to check-in or issue VA boarding passes on a different itinerary.
   2. DL should be able to check luggage through, however no experience specifically on BE tickets
2. Will DL let them use the First/priority check-in counter at DEN?
   1. Technically I don't think they should be allowed, but if they show their full itinerary I don't think they will have an issue.
3. Can they access the Sky Club at DEN based on a connection to a partner flight in intercontinental business?
   1. Yes, usually presenting the J BP is all that is required. Without it, a printed itinerary should be OK.
4. If they've been issued onward VA boarding passes at DEN, will those be accepted for entry at the EK Lounge at LAX, or will they need some sort of invitations and can those be retrieved airside anywhere?
   1. There will be a VA representative at the EK lounge that can print your BP, check documents, etc. No need to go anywhere else, just shuttle to TBIT and head to the lounge
5. They presumably can't guest anyone into the EK Lounge at LAX?
   1. No guests for J pax without status.

My suggestion is try to check in online. I have been able to check-in for VA departures from LAX and print boarding passes the last few times without issue, although I'm not sure how reliable that is. Then you'll have your BP and things should be pretty easy. If you can't do that, print a copy of the VA itinerary and use it as described above.

Since the others have a through ticket and should have 2 checked bags for free, it may be worth having them check all the bags so you don't need to inquire with DL about checking through.

 

[bernardblack]

Thanks @CPMaverick. I've definitely encouraged them to check the bags in on the other travellers' single itinerary, because their domestic DL flights will charge extra for bags. If there's a VA rep at the EK lounge that should take care of everything.

 

[clipped_wings]

What lucky friends you have! And what a nice gesture on your part, being so concerned for their well being and comfort.

 

[Muppet501st]

Just to muddy the waters, ive been checked all the way JFK-LAX, ( DL on seperate booking ) LAX-BNE on a couple of occasions ( 2016 and 2017 ) but then ive also been denied, from LAS-LAX, LAX-BNE last year.
It doesnt hurt to ask apon checkin at DEN.

 

[CPMaverick]

Just to muddy the waters, ive been checked all the way JFK-LAX, ( DL on seperate booking ) LAX-BNE on a couple of occasions ( 2016 and 2017 )

You were checked into a separate VA booking, and issued a BP, by DL staff at JFK?

 

[Quickstatus]

I have friends coming here from the US. They have a basic-economy DL ticket DEN-LAX (and then return later) and business seats I got with Velocity miles, LAX-SYD then MEL-LAX on the way home. Those are separate tickets. Some other family are coming with them, on a DL-issued single-ticket economy itinerary for the same flights.

So, a few questions:

1. Will DL check them through for the onward VA flight LAX-SYD, on a separate PNR?
2. Will DL let them use the First/priority check-in counter at DEN?
3. Can they access the Sky Club at DEN based on a connection to a partner flight in intercontinental business?
4. If they've been issued onward VA boarding passes at DEN, will those be accepted for entry at the EK Lounge at LAX, or will they need some sort of invitations and can those be retrieved airside anywhere?
5. They presumably can't guest anyone into the EK Lounge at LAX?

Obviously on the way home they can use the House (the former EY Lounge) at MEL, and they have to clear immigration to landside at LAX, so with a five-hour layover it doesn't really matter if they're not checked-through all the way to DEN.

If you think this should be reposted to a different channel please let me know.

Thanks!

You have half a yes:

1) DL will only transfer to VA if a single ticket covers both. Though Ive had it provided in situations with 2 tickets but this was several years ago. Does not hurt to ask
2) No one will stop you queuing up at the F/priority counter. But no because no one has F/priority status and the VA J is not on the same ticket as the DL flight.
3) No because the DL-VA passengers will only be given the DEN-LAX boarding passes because again the VA ticket is separate. The VA boarding passes will be obtained at LAX. And no one has F seats or status.
4) VA boarding passes will be issued at LAX in Terminal 3 (with the flight departing from TBIT)
5) EK Lounge at LAX is a yes only for the VA J passengers. No guests unless someone is a Velocity Gold/Plat. Only 1 guest in that case.

Note that the EK LAX lounge closes at 2130 and VA 2 boarding does not occur until maybe 2300hrs.
And VA checkin at T3 opens 3hrs before the flight. So any time spent in the EK lounge is likely abbreviated.

 

[Ausbt]

DL will check their bags through but they might need to push for that a bit. I did a while back on an EWR-LAX-SYD separately ticketed. I held the queue up at EWR for a good while.

 

[CPMaverick]

3) No because the DL-VA passengers will only be given the DEN-LAX boarding passes because again the VA ticket is separate. The VA boarding passes will be obtained at LAX. And no one has F seats or status.

The SkyClub rules only require you present a same-day BP in international J to access. It does not need to be departing that airport, or on the same ticket. So, if you have a BP, you are good. Without a BP, it is not so clear and depends on the agent.

4) VA boarding passes will be issued at LAX in Terminal 3 (with the flight departing from TBIT)
Note that the EK LAX lounge closes at 2130 and VA 2 boarding does not occur until maybe 2300hrs.
And VA checkin at T3 opens 3hrs before the flight. So any time spent in the EK lounge is likely abbreviated.

No need to go to T3. BP can be issued at EK lounge. I've done this as recently as last week. I have been flying to destinations served non-stop only by AA recently so lots of separate tickets connecting at LAX.

The EK lounge will be open until boarding of VA2. They won't kick pax out until boarding starts. Last week I was on VA2 that didn't board until 2:15 am and the EK lounge stayed open for us (flight was eventually canceled...).

 

[Muppet501st]

You were checked into a separate VA booking, and issued a BP, by DL staff at JFK?

Yep, then when I've rocked up at the *alliance lounge they took the DL bp, and issued me with a VA one

 

[CPMaverick]

Yep, then when I've rocked up at the *alliance lounge they took the DL bp, and issued me with a VA one

Thanks. I didn't even think that was possible, so it's good to know.