United Airlines new Virgin Australia/Velocity Partner

[mitchd]

Well perhaps I’ll just book now
I thought I’d have to wait until it was “official”
Was anything noted on your UA flights about your VA status?

Good point. No, it doesn’t. Just shows a blank spot where my MileagePlus member number should be since I’m not a member, and then that statement about earning miles through VA, and then shows my reward program is VA and my velocity number. No mention of tier or benefits etc.

 

[wendlle]

Good point. No, it doesn’t. Just shows a blank spot where my MileagePlus member number should be since I’m not a member, and then that statement about earning miles through VA, and then shows my reward program is VA and my velocity number. No mention of tier or benefits etc.

I was just curious because when we flew with Delta and I was VA gold it showed on my Delta tickets.
I took a look at flights and they're too expensive right now. Delta is almost $800 cheaper over our 4 tickets but really don't want to fly with them and would prefer to earn the SC and points with UA.
I hope the prices drop a bit.

 

[wendlle]

sorry for the double post.
I just checked flights today with USA and they have come down over $800 for the 4 of us. EEK now I don't know what to do.
Should I book now or wait until the end of May when the details are official??
I really want to make sure I have my Gold Status honored by UA for the luggage/check-in process as well as making sure i get SC and points.

 

[AIRwin]

I just checked flights today with USA and they have come down over $800 for the 4 of us.

Are the change/cancellation fees under $800?

 

[abefroman]

I am waiting until May to purchase my tickets to the USA (Sept-Oct travel). Hopefully the prices will drop as well in May.

 

[wendlle]

I am waiting until May to purchase my tickets to the USA (Sept-Oct travel). Hopefully the prices will drop as well in May.

Today flights for November were $1200 which I’m happy with for the route I want
But I think I’ll wait too as I don’t want to risk not getting my gold benefits

 

[CPMaverick]

Anyone know (or care to guess) whether UA will allow upgrades (using points) from economy to premium/premium to business like Delta did?

Considering it took 10 years for points upgrades on Delta to become a reality, my guess is 2030.

(What can I say, I'm an optimist! )

I would not expect this anytime soon, it's very low on the priority list for airline partnerships and probably a pain to implement.

 

[Thibault]

It looks like the partnership on UA's side has been further delayed ?

I received this today in their newsletter, however, when I click on the link, it redirects on the original UA PR Statement.
Nothing updated yet on Velocity's website.

 

[Revenge]

It looks like the partnership on UA's side has been further delayed ?

I received this today in their newsletter, however, when I click on the link, it redirects on the original UA PR Statement.
Nothing updated yet on Velocity's website.

Wow Northern autumn would be a significant delay indeed!

 

[jase05]

It looks like the partnership on UA's side has been further delayed ?

I received this today in their newsletter, however, when I click on the link, it redirects on the original UA PR Statement.
Nothing updated yet on Velocity's website.

I guess they are still awaiting the ACCC to give it the nod.
That is set to be determined In July/August but VA has requested interim approval before May 13th

 

[Thibault]

I guess they are still awaiting the ACCC to give it the nod.
That is set to be determined In July/August but VA has requested interim approval before May 13th

Yes I thought so as well.
If this happens, Velocity members would have no other options than just using AC or HA (or SQ/EY for the long way around) to earn/redeem SC and points but that would be it until the partnership is set live.

 

[simong]

It looks like the partnership on UA's side has been further delayed ?

I received this today in their newsletter, however, when I click on the link, it redirects on the original UA PR Statement.
Nothing updated yet on Velocity's website.

This would appear to a UA Australian focussed newsletter based on the language of connecting to US destinations as well as using autumn and not fall, so should be this month right?

 

[Thibault]

This would appear to a UA Australian focussed newsletter based on the language of connecting to US destinations as well as using autumn and not fall, so should be this month right?

Good point !
We will have to wait and see.

 

[HS-TQE]

I guess they are still awaiting the ACCC to give it the nod.
That is set to be determined In July/August but VA has requested interim approval before May 13th

The ACCC application is a blanket codesharing application covering VAd, VAi (Short Haul), UA and UA's existing codeshare carriers in the USA and Short Haul International ex-USA.

The application also mentions the former arrangements with Air New Zealand and the expired arrangements with SQ and DL.

Public Version Source:

https://www.accc.gov.au/system/files/public-registers/documents/Application%20Received%20-%2014.04.22%20-%20PR%20VERSION%20Virgin%20Aus.pdf

 

[jase05]

The ACCC application is a blanket codesharing application covering VAd, VAi (Short Haul), UA and UA's existing codeshare carriers in the USA and Short Haul International ex-USA.

The application also mentions the former arrangements with Air New Zealand and the expired arrangements with SQ and DL.

Public Version Source:

https://www.accc.gov.au/system/files/public-registers/documents/Application%20Received%20-%2014.04.22%20-%20PR%20VERSION%20Virgin%20Aus.pdf

But they would need approval to get the UA partnership fully up and running I’d assume. I noticed on my brief read that they have mentioned they are seeking interim approval by May 13th to allow partnerships to start

 

[Revenge]

This would appear to a UA Australian focussed newsletter based on the language of connecting to US destinations as well as using autumn and not fall, so should be this month right?

Oh yes you are right. I got the newsletter as well and just read it, it’s definitely aimed for an Australian audience. It even talks about UA carrying Bondi Beer.

 

[anthonysimilion]

I've got a flight on 9 May on United. UA did let me put in the VA number and says "This traveler is earning miles with VA". But thinking I'd better change it back to UA – assuming we all think those points/SCs will post into a black hole...?

 

[Revenge]

I've got a flight on 9 May on United. UA did let me put in the VA number and says "This traveler is earning miles with VA". But thinking I'd better change it back to UA – assuming we all think those points/SCs will post into a black hole...?

It does seem risky to credit to VA prior to official announcement.

 

[ozstamps]

Bondi Beer .. love it!

 

[Revenge]

Just got a final bit of value from the VA/DL partnership. Last night I stumbled upon 3 business class seats available on DL from LAX-SYD in July on a couple of dates. Pretty happy with the value, 95,500 + AUD$114 per person. Wife and 2 year old will be happy with that. (Thanks @Mattg for the recent tips on AFF on air podcast a few weeks back for travelling with family)