Alaska Air to (potentially) purchase Virgin America - impact to VA relationship?

[theevilmuppet]

Hi all,

As has been reported in many places (Alaska Air to buy Virgin America for $57 a share for example), it looks like Alaska Air may very well acquire Virgin America in the not-too-distant future.

What do members think this will mean for the VA-VX relationship? Given the existing AS relationship with QF, I doubt we'll see the ability to earn Velocity points and/or Status Credits on AS flights!

 

[oh_lol]

That would be disappointing if they took away the VA/VX partnership.
Just sounds wrong flying VIRGIN metal but getting points/SC with Qantas/Oneworld!

 

[theevilmuppet]

That would be disappointing if they took away the VA/VX partnership.
Just sounds wrong flying VIRGIN metal but getting points/SC with Qantas/Oneworld!

This can happen now - AirBerlin is a Oneworld member and VA partner.

 

[serfty]

Almost certainly "VX" will disappear ...

 

[Vel]

What would happen if I decided to book a VX flight for a few months? I could end up on a slightly crummier Alaskan plane?

 

[gwilli1]

VX Press Release ..... Elevate will go & VX brand likely to disappear

https://www.virginamerica.com/cms/news/virgin-america-merger-with-alaska-airlines.html

 

[oh_lol]

What would happen if I decided to book a VX flight for a few months? I could end up on a slightly crummier Alaskan plane?

I rate Alaskan over Virgin America. I would say they are arguably the best US domestic carrier.

 

[Mattg]

Will be interesting to follow the developments of this.

According to the press release, Virgin America Elevate will eventually become part of the Alaskan Mileage Plan program.

I wonder what will happen to members' Elevate miles? Alaskan miles are valuable, but I would consider Elevate miles to be considerably more so.

 

[theevilmuppet]

Will be interesting to follow the developments of this.

According to the press release, Virgin America Elevate will eventually become part of the Alaskan Mileage Plan program.

I wonder what will happen to members' Elevate miles? Alaskan miles are valuable, but I would consider Elevate miles to be considerably more so.

If this is the case, there are two possible outcomes.

1. Virgin Australia become an Alaska Miles partner, increasing their reach in North America.
2. Virgin Australia see their partner network shrink.

Given Qantas and Emirates are already partnered with AS, this will be interesting.

 

[Cool Cat Phil]

If this is the case, there are two possible outcomes.

1. Virgin Australia become an Alaska Miles partner, increasing their reach in North America.
2. Virgin Australia see their partner network shrink.

Given Qantas and Emirates are already partnered with AS, this will be interesting.

If VX is swallowed into AS as speculated, than this development could give QF passengers a lot more options Ex SFO, as this is the main hub for VX and AA only fly to their main hubs from SFO.

Potentially some new code share options for QF in conjunction with AS in SFO.

 

[smit0847]

If this is the case, there are two possible outcomes.

1. Virgin Australia become an Alaska Miles partner, increasing their reach in North America.
2. Virgin Australia see their partner network shrink.

Given Qantas and Emirates are already partnered with AS, this will be interesting.

I don't think DL will let VA partner with AS (google 'the battle for Seattle')

 

[exceladdict]

I would be surprised how the regulators react, in Aus in particular as to what codeshares they allow. AS/AA partnership will get heated and perhaps AA will pressure QF to jump ship from AS.

 

[puppysparkes]

Looks like it is a done deal http://loyaltylobby.com/2016/04/04/alaska-air-buys-virgin-america-for-2-6b-in-cash/?omhide=true

 

[drewbles]

I don't think DL will let VA partner with AS (google 'the battle for Seattle')

VX loss won't really affect VA at all. The DL deal is working well (at least from my use of it, it's been excellent). VA offer some amazing F deals around the place too, meaning it's relatively easy to fly where you need to go in a premium cabin without status runs. DL F is actually damn good, leaving AA for dead (still not a scratch on what we get domestic here but for the USA it's great).

 

[Cryptarcadian]

I don't think DL will let VA partner with AS (google 'the battle for Seattle')

What amazes me about that is that DL and AS themselves are partners at this point!

I think the whole thing will be made easier by the fact that the VX brand will disappear once the deal is done. It would've been pretty odd for any Virgin-branded airlines not to be partners, and would certainly cause confusion for the public.

 

[williamsf1]

I rate Alaskan over Virgin America. I would say they are arguably the best US domestic carrier.

I would rate VX way better than AS from hard product to service in all classes having experienced both a large number of times.
One of my worst flight ever was in F class on AS

 

[williamsf1]

Hi all,

As has been reported in many places (Alaska Air to buy Virgin America for $57 a share for example), it looks like Alaska Air may very well acquire Virgin America in the not-too-distant future.

What do members think this will mean for the VA-VX relationship? Given the existing AS relationship with QF, I doubt we'll see the ability to earn Velocity points and/or Status Credits on AS flights!

AS and VA already have interline agreements in place and already actively promote this (see interactive route map online or in Voyer)

AS also are a partner of DL

AS are not part of any alliance so no restrictions there.

SA were a partner of QF and now with VA so swapping and changing or both being a partner ( ie AB) is not as crazy as it seems !!

 

[williamsf1]

I don't think DL will let VA partner with AS (google 'the battle for Seattle')

DL already partner with AS. DL have no controlling interest in VA and they only have a JSA that covers the AU US route only.

 

[CJEMNMAC]

Alaska Air and Virgin America | Flying Better Together

I know there are plenty of articles. Here is what I received from Alaska.

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