When Virgin parts ways with airline partners what is usual forward notice given to members?

[ozstamps]

When Virgin parts ways with airline partners what is usual forward notice given to members?

I forget what the deal was with Delta etc.

As I recall a date was given where all Delta flights no longer got Virgin SC and points etc. Same with earlier partners. Not sure whether that was 3 months notice or 6 months etc. Someone may recall?

I am about to spend $12,500 on my hard earner money on 2 x Business class tickets to europe on Etihad in June. Restricted tickets, so a hefty cancel fee if ever I need to go that path.

And as always the cheaper Biz bucket seats are vanishing super fast, so need to act on this almost now.

Done so several times before and all good – in fact booked those flights to Europe direct on Virgin site.

That is no longer possible – the only options given now are SQ and Qatar flights to Europe. So EY have really fallen out of bed.

So booking for May/Jun with Etihad, adding my Velocity number in and expecting 1,100+ Sc is all very nice – as long as they are still partners in 6 months!

I realise right now it looks ‘likely’ no divorce will occur – but who knows what will occur in 6 months?

As I’ll be booking this in EY website and adding in Velocity numbers, I hope such legit bookings will be honoured if made before if there is parting of the ways .. or maybe not – never had to worry about that before.

Anyone know or recall the past deals?

 

[HS-TQE]

I wouldn't say a complete divorce is coming yet (in the short term), but EY has been shacking up with SkyTeam partners, so there's that. I'd keep an eye for ZL/Rex chasing EY up at some point.

Air France/KLM Flying Blue and Etihad Guest launch two-way frequent flyer partnership - Live From A Lounge

Etihad Guest and Flying Blue have started offering reciprocal earn and burn benefits as a part of the enhanced cooperation between Air France KLM and Etihad. Here are the details.

livefromalounge.com

Getting back on the topic, Both the DL and NZ divorces had cut-off dates for bookings from memory, and they honoured bookings that were made before listed date although I can't recall if they had another date for final travel on said redemptions.

 

[Harrison_133]

There was about a six month transition period for the Delta partnership.

From the press release dated 14 December 2021:

"Virgin Australia will honour all Delta customer bookings, and all Delta customers booked on Virgin Australia services will continue to enjoy all current benefits of the partnership. Velocity and SkyMiles Points/miles and Status Credit earn and redemption will also continue. Further details regarding the wind down of the Delta partnership will be announced in early 2022."

Virgin Australia thanks Delta Air Lines

Then from a Points Hacks article in March 2022:

"Virgin Australia’s current US mainland partner, Delta Air Lines, will remain onboard until 12 June 2022. From 13 June onwards, you won’t be able to:

• Earn or use Velocity Points on Delta Air Lines
• Use any frequent flyer benefits such as reciprocal lounge access
• Make any changes to existing Delta reward seats, except for date changes"

Virgin Australia, Delta partnership finishes on 12 June - Point Hacks

 

[ozstamps]

Thanks for help on this. Looks like things are safe for 6 months at least. Fingers crossed.

Tickets came in a bit cheaper than it looked - well under $A12,000 all in .... pretty good given the insane departure taxes the Brits charge on Premium cabins -- £100s extra per person.