VA ticket or partner ticket for partner metal flight?

[grubbidok]

Hi all, I swear I've seen this post a number of times and did a search but couldn't find anything recent. Mods please feel free to sweep it into relevant thread if it belongs there.

Anyway - I wanted to know what exactly are the pros and cons of booking a VA code on a EY or SQ flight? I usually just do the partner booking as it appears to be easier to make changes (or at least used to be - perhaps that's changed), but I've found an unusual circumstance where the VA ticket on a EY flight to Europe is cheaper than the EY ticket. I've steered away from VA codes but am wondering if I'm being a bit harsh. Any insights from experience would be welcome

 

[CPMaverick]

You might find this thread I started interesting.

http://www.australianfrequentflyer....ty/booking-all-sq-operated-flights-75939.html

In short, booking with the operating carrier is generally the least amount of hassle, usually cheaper, and sometimes more SC than with VA codeshares. VA codeshares give you status segments, and bonus points for status.