VA to codeshare with AC

[AviationNZ]

Interesting...

If/when the second stage gets approved, it'll be another addition to the "virtual network"

Virgin Australia enters codeshare partnership with Air Canada - Australian Business Traveller

 

[rtyuiop]

Interesting - I just transferred some points to SQ and booked an AC redemption back from Vancouver a few weeks ago!

 

[liamsal]

Very exciting! Did so much flying in Canada earlier this year and was disappointed Virgin didn't have a partner there. Already planning another trip to Canada next year so this will be great.

Hm, upon reading the announcements (both the one linked above and the one on VA's website), there is no mention of earning status credits, only points.

 

[RooFlyer]

I like this. I fly Air Canada from time to time, but as I have now drained my Aeroplan account, and will never get status on AC, it will be good to have another home for AC miles. Although ... I see that most of the useful benefits will only kick in at some later, undefined time ...

 

[jgm]

They may as well join *A. This will make the 4th *A partner (NZ, SQ, SA, AC).

 

[Buzzard]

Might open up some more redemption opportunities.

 

[VOZ102]

This is awesome - the Air Canada 787 business seat (although the same as VA's) is so much better!

 

[deva22]

This makes me *very* happy! VA and AC are my workplaces two preferred airlines!!

 

[Marty_]

I am a bit confused by the two-stage agreement. It seems that the benefits right now are extremely limited, and only applicable to a few flights... Until stage 2, which has no timeline.

 

[AviationNZ]

I am a bit confused by the two-stage agreement. It seems that the benefits right now are extremely limited, and only applicable to a few flights... Until stage 2, which has no timeline.

I wonder if it's either something to do with regulators being against giving it the green light, or if VA need to make sure it won't adversely affect their relationship with DL, which is far more important.

 

[justcallmeryan]

Has anyone heard or have any intel as to when this agreement (even just the first stage) kicks in? I am heading to YYZ in March and considering AC from LAX now that I can at least get FF points, if not SC's.

 

[deva22]

Anyone heard anything more on this?
There will obviously be a press release at some stage, but to quote the initial press release:
"Virgin Australia and Air Canada plan to offer reciprocal frequent flyer redemption benefits on each other’s flights in a subsequent stage of the agreement, with further details to be released in 2017"

Does this mean we'll be waiting until late 2017 to hear any more? Has the initial tie up been completed? We're already well into 2017 and they said "The first stage of the codeshare is scheduled to be implemented in early 2017"

 

[Budbrian]

I have posted this same query on another Virgin board here, it was suggested to ask on Virgin Facebook, which i have don.
if any update or response i will advise!
waiting on this to come into effect as need to book LAX-YVR, best flight time is with AC, after arrival into LAX off new MEl flight with VA.

 

[RadioBusinessTraveller]

This from AirlineRoute today.

 

[grubbidok]

This from AirlineRoute today.
View attachment 93341

I wonder if the LAX codeshares are going to piss DL off a little? I've been using DL for YYZ and YYC via LAX, I'm sure others have also done similar. Admittedly they don't do those routes direct but it does step a little bit on their turf.

 

[Tiggerstoes]

Anyone heard anything further on this?

 

[Budbrian]

Yes,
I got a response from VA on their Facebook page. They are still working on this and will advise accordingly.

 

[grubbidok]

This looks a bit like how they handled their South Africa tie-up. Announced way too early, with no detail to provide and indication for people looking to arrange flights in the coming year of what their realistic options are.

 

[Mr Pumblechook]

Noticed that LAX to Calgary, Toronto and Montréal AC lines feature on this month's Voyeur route map but no mention of SC or points yet.

 

[nubbie]

Noticed that LAX to Calgary, Toronto and Montréal AC lines feature on this month's Voyeur route map but no mention of SC or points yet.

Actually read the magazine on my flight today due to your comment and I noticed Virgin lists a whole bunch of airlines as partners that are not on the website, including:
Air Canada
All Nippon Airlines
Asiana
Cathay Pacific + Dragon
Hainan

Has this always been there?