Flying to US and Internal US Flights

[ingy]

Thanks for your help

 

[Tazza_0712]

In 2015 my partner and I headed to the US with VA, and we took about 8 flights inter-US on Delta, one on United. All US domestic airfares were booked via Expedia, first class (except a couple of points redemptions). I booked each leg separately and found this to be the best value at the time.

As noted above, we also burned a few points and booked a couple of legs via Velocity redemption on Delta in F, LAX to SFO was one and I believe there was another. We looked into the cost for cash purchase and the points cost and deemed using points on a couple of legs to be better value. On others, cash was the far better option.

For what its worth, all of our flights were on time. Delta F was not, in my opinion, near the standard of J in VA or QF domestic. Still enjoyable though, and certainly better than Y! Service was casual, but polite. One flight from Seattle to Buffalo involved the CSM standing at the front of the cabin and yelling out to get everyone to stop talking, so she could announce the dining options. We found this super funny, part of the joy of travelling for leisure.

 

[ingy]

We've just booked our ADL>LAX return flights and will do internals separately. Question regarding Delta. As a velocity gold if i book a delta flight for example lax to jfk am I eligible for the delta + upgrade and lounge access etc? Sorry I only just recently hit Gold so still not 100% on the perks.

 

[CPMaverick]

When flying Delta, Velocity Gold and Platinum get Skyclub access, even in economy and even flying only domestically. Delta doesn't even give domestic SkyClub access to their own Platinum members (flying economy or even first class!), so the lounge may be confused but just be firm and patient and you should get in.

Not sure about Comfort+ upgrade policy as I think this has changed recently.

 

[ingy]

Thanks again! You sir are a fountain of knowledge

 

[CJEMNMAC]

We've just booked our ADL>LAX return flights and will do internals separately. Question regarding Delta. As a velocity gold if i book a delta flight for example lax to jfk am I eligible for the delta + upgrade and lounge access etc? Sorry I only just recently hit Gold so still not 100% on the perks.

Also keep in mind with any complimentary upgrades to comfort + you usually end up in middle seat. To guarantee comfort + and seat choice, I suggest you book into that fare class. ( Good status credit earn as well for not much more than main cabin )

Lounge access is no problem ( although you can get someone who does not know as CPMaverick indicates ) but just present your Gold card. I have not had a problem in LAX Delta Skyclub as Gold or Plat..

Enter your VA FF number into your Delta booking so you don't have to pay for a checked bag or 2

 

[parlayman]

Apologies for hijacking this thread but my question is somewhat related.

It will be my first time flying to the US this month. Itinerary will be SYD-ATL. Looking at Skyscanner, the cheapest I can find will book me under a VA flight numbers on all legs (SYD-LAX-ATL).
Being a Gold FF, can I use my points to upgrade to Premium Economy?

What if I am book under a DL flight number, is there a way to use my Velocity points to upgrade?

Appreciate the help.

Thanks.

 

[serfty]

Indeed these buy-ups can be quite cheap, but no guarantee you get them. Did you receive SC as if you bought F in the first place? I wasn't sure...

They rebooked into G class and SC / points earn were as for first/busuness.

 

[Vic]

have just used the lax delta lounges and the staff were extremely knowledgable of the rules for velocity gold.

Delta One product to New York was way better than any Australian domestic business class. Delta One, which was called business but is apparently considered first, got sky club access.

 

[CPMaverick]

Delta One is way better than 'the business' on the 330? Not sure that would be most conclusions, but I haven't seen that product in a few years.

The LAX Skyclub, as you'd expect, sees a fair number of Velocity cards. The smaller city lounges are where you might run into trouble... but I have only had a few confused agents, quickly sorted.

 

[newmarket]

One of the agents told me the other day that there are something like 180 different ways to get into the Skyclubs. Considering that Delta do a pretty good job.

the Visa card on the back throws them sometimes.

 

[Vic]

Delta One is way better than 'the business' on the 330? Not sure that would be most conclusions, but I haven't seen that product in a few years.

The LAX Skyclub, as you'd expect, sees a fair number of Velocity cards. The smaller city lounges are where you might run into trouble... but I have only had a few confused agents, quickly sorted.

The OP used the example of LAX-New York. LAX lounge access seems relevant to that example.

As for the other question, it was stated that Delta first is not near VA and QF business up thread. Delta one is better than the majority of Australian business, in my case, and would be on par with the specific example you've selected. On non-transcontinential Comfort+ would be my recommendation

 

[CPMaverick]

The OP used the example of LAX-New York. LAX lounge access seems relevant to that example.

As for the other question, it was stated that Delta first is not near VA and QF business up thread. Delta one is better than the majority of Australian business, in my case, and would be on par with the specific example you've selected. On non-transcontinential Comfort+ would be my recommendation

Yes of course LAX is relevant, but OP mentioned several cities, most of which have Skyclubs. My comment about card acceptance was more in relation to these other cities (MSY for instance).

Your statement that Delta One domestic is better than 'any' domestic Australian business class doesn't quite ring true. Virgin has transcon domestic business class that is more highly rated.