United Airlines new Virgin Australia/Velocity Partner

[HS-TQE]

The only meaningful benefit I can come up with is that United's network into Oz is far better than DL, which is especially important now that VA has stopped flying longhaul.

UA had a larger network than VA/DL combined pre-COVID despite largely surviving on O&D on the OZ end.

On a related note, UA also accepted the approach from the Queensland Government (in partnership with BAC) with taxpayer funds partially funding the restoration of 'competition' on Queensland-USA flights post-COVID through the new BNE-SFO flights. Those will replace the now defunct VA long haul service.

 

[FlyingKangaroo]

I just had to buy a domestic ticket with UA due to a schedule change on another ticket next year, and I see the reservation is correctly showing the free baggage allowance per my VA status. Hopefully that's sorted and fixed for all across the board going forward.

 

[BRIS_VA_HAWK]

I just had to buy a domestic ticket with UA due to a schedule change on another ticket next year, and I see the reservation is correctly showing the free baggage allowance per my VA status. Hopefully that's sorted and fixed for all across the board going forward.

Here's hoping!!

 

[ajobbins]

Am flying MEL>LAX>PHX and return in Dec. The VA page on the UA partnership seems to suggest I would get UA lounge access on the domestic legs as they are same day and on the same ticket as the international leg, but the UA page seems to contradict this. Has anyone had any recent experience?

I sounds like I won't have any troubles with lounge access at MEL and then at LAX on the return, but access at LAX before my flight to PHX and at PHX on the way home would be very handy.

 

[serfty]

Flying deep discount G class today, BP shows group 1 and was able to use "premier access" security at LAX. Did not have checked luggage.

 

[MooTime]

Last night booked 2 UA MEL-SFO Economy reward tickets for 2 other family members with Velocity points, I'm not flying, was a gift.

There able to reserve seats & even upgrade to the comfort seats via UA website, but no option to upgrade to premium or J, not an issue anyway.

No lounge access as they don't hold status.

Not bad to get 2 reward seats for July 2023.
They return with QF points, but on Fiji metal via Nadi, I said that's better then flying QF metal.

 

[Must...Fly!]

You are generous paying for the upgrade to comfort seats at the prices UA are charging.

 

[MooTime]

You are generous paying for the upgrade to comfort seats at the prices UA are charging.

No sorry we/I didnt go the upgrade seat option, think it was like ~$US250+ per seat.......close to $AU1000 for the 2, pass.

I meant to post that it was available to upgrade with cash, but Premium & J were not upgradable at all.

 

[Must...Fly!]

Ah, I see. Yes that mirrors my experience. I am flying next week in Y reward. 44k pts + $140 is a decent deal with cash fares as they are at the moment.

 

[furiousmango]

Had a decent time to San Francisco in J, even enjoyed the decidedly unpremium "fairy toast" for breakfast.

 

[kamchatsky]

Still watching with interest as I have Y LAX-LAS, LAS-SFO in December for family of 4. I have put in my SQ *G number but I prefer to earn points on VA, so still unsure if I should swap to my VA G number.

 

[FlyingKangaroo]

Still watching with interest as I have Y LAX-LAS, LAS-SFO in December for family of 4. I have put in my SQ *G number but I prefer to earn points on VA, so still unsure if I should swap to my VA G number.

I suspect you will be fine. It seems things are working smoothly now, and as noted, I've noticed an upcoming domestic UA flights in Y shows the free baggage allowance that didn't show up when I originally booked.

 

[serfty]

I suspect you will be fine. It seems things are working smoothly now, and as noted, I've noticed an upcoming domestic UA flights in Y shows the free baggage allowance that didn't show up when I originally booked.

Interesting you mention that. Online my booking for LAX-ORD showed 1 Bag had been "purchased" but I was not to check anything. While checking in on the app, I decided to see what would happen for a bag - It wanted to charge me USD35. I backed out and selected 0 bags. I guess I would have needed to go to a counter.

I note this morning (less than two days after the travel, that SC's have posted along with discount economy points (including WP bonus).

 

[Mattg]

Anyone want to take their family of 4 to Houston in Polaris in a few weeks using Velocity points?

 

[SYD]

Anyone want to take their family of 4 to Houston in Polaris in a few weeks using Velocity points?

View attachment 306320

For Thanksgiving! Always a great time to travel

 

[Must...Fly!]

Anyone want to take their family of 4 to Houston in Polaris in a few weeks using Velocity points?

View attachment 306320

I'll raise you 5 seats MEL-SFO on Christmas Eve

 

[Saab34]

Would appear that Gold and Platinum flying Economy or Premium Economy on the new MEL-SFO won't get lounge access unless you use Virgin Domestic Lounge (now airside which makes it a bit more painful). SQ lounge closes 1035 and the flight departs at 1pm. Business Class should get access to ANZ.

 

[levelnine]

I'll raise you 5 seats MEL-SFO on Christmas Eve

Some amazing last minute availability out of AKL too:

 

[Gold Member]

Some amazing last minute availability out of AKL too:
View attachment 306364

I know this is VA/UA discussion, but some of those last minute flights and more (ICN and others) are available on Lifemiles in Business class too. Never thought I’d see long haul transpacific business available on LM, let alone the exceedingly stingy Air NZ offering an award.

Matt’s earlier find SYD-IAH in business is also available on Lifemiles. This is all too much to handle… need to sit down.

 

[Must...Fly!]

Would appear that Gold and Platinum flying Economy or Premium Economy on the new MEL-SFO won't get lounge access unless you use Virgin Domestic Lounge (now airside which makes it a bit more painful). SQ lounge closes 1035 and the flight departs at 1pm. Business Class should get access to ANZ.

Good to know, flying out next Sunday. Was thinking of getting to the airport early... Won't bother now even if the SQ lounge open. Bit depressing down there.