Airberlin as VA partner

[Fiches Mouser]

Hi all,

I'm booking a number of AB flights for December/January and discovering all the wonderful quirks of VA's partner network.

I'd love to know others' experiences as to how AB handles VA status pax, and the general experience on intra-Europe flights.

First issue:

Since apparently my WP number means nothing to them, I put in my Silver topbonus number to select seats for free. After booking, I tried to change the FF number over to VA, and was told that it was impossible since "VA isn't a part of OW". HUACA, and had very helpful agent do it in a couple of minutes. Great.

Then, called 10 minutes later to change another booking and end up with original agent who, again, (rudely) insist it's "impossible". Makes me want to pull my hair out!

Anyway, just curious of what others have found.

 

[J-G]

I found the same thing when booking with AB.

One trick I found was that I could select seats for free using the AB PNR on the Qatar airways manage my booking site. This meant that I didn't have to change FF numbers at all. Bizarre, but effective!

 

[Fiches Mouser]

I found the same thing when booking with AB.

One trick I found was that I could select seats for free using the AB PNR on the Qatar airways manage my booking site. This meant that I didn't have to change FF numbers at all. Bizarre, but effective!

There you go! Thanks J-G. That does seem to work. Wish I had have known that when I booked

 

[Fiches Mouser]

There you go! Thanks J-G. That does seem to work. Wish I had have known that when I booked

I lie – I get this error when trying to save the new seat selection:

We are unable to process your request. Please try again later.(IBE_99)
The same frequent flyer number has been entered more than once. Please validate your entries and try again. (1302)

 

[Dylan O'Connor]

I thought I read somewhere the other day that AB doesn't earn SC on VA accounts.

 

[Fiches Mouser]

I thought I read somewhere the other day that AB doesn't earn SC on VA accounts.

I believe you're right, but I'm not so much worried about SCs (since they'd be minimal anyway) – more the flight itself.

 

[mooingchicken]

From the website:

Earn Points with airberlin when you travel in an eligible fare class on flights with an AB flight number operated by airberlin or Virgin Australia.
You can also still earn Status Credits on airberlin flights marketed by Virgin Australia (with a VA flight number) when travelling on eligible Virgin Australia fare types.
https://www.velocityfrequentflyer.com/content/Earn/Airlines/PointsEarn/#airberlin


So only if its a VA flight number for status credits.
I flew AB with VA gold, no recognition on board really, but received priority bags and prem check in (but was no line). (no lounge where I was) I was able to select seats i believe, but didn't need to swap as i was already in a seat I wanted

 

[Fiches Mouser]

From the website:

Earn Points with airberlin when you travel in an eligible fare class on flights with an AB flight number operated by airberlin or Virgin Australia.
You can also still earn Status Credits on airberlin flights marketed by Virgin Australia (with a VA flight number) when travelling on eligible Virgin Australia fare types.
https://www.velocityfrequentflyer.com/content/Earn/Airlines/PointsEarn/#airberlin


So only if its a VA flight number for status credits.
I flew AB with VA gold, no recognition on board really, but received priority bags and prem check in (but was no line). (no lounge where I was) I was able to select seats i believe, but didn't need to swap as i was already in a seat I wanted

That makes sense, thanks mooingchicken. Booked direct so definitely no SCs, but good to know I can still earn points.

I should have access to the Berlin Waiting Area, but otherwise priority baggage and check in is great. Did you have to argue your case at all, re entitlement?

Now I'm just hoping I can get a *A status match as I'm at a bit of a loss (as we all are) when it comes to intra-Europe flying with VA status. I've got some SAS flights which I can at least credit to SQ.

 

[mooingchicken]

I should have access to the Berlin Waiting Area, but otherwise priority baggage and check in is great. Did you have to argue your case at all, re entitlement?
.

The waiting area is apparently the lounge so but they call it that so they don't have to allow OW's in. but not sure how much of a 'lounge' they are either..
No didn't have to argue or anything. But I was flying from ibiza to munich, so it would be minimal AB flights from there a day (maybe 2?) so would of seen a gold card and be fine, but as per everywhere be prepared to tell them your benefits cause some just dont know.
Ie checking in on SQ in munich the SQ lady thought my gold card was just the basic (didnt catch her in time for priority bag, but not a big deal) but she also made a very good error in my favor, ringing the Lufthansa lounge and getting me access into there top lounge. (BP scanned at lounge allowing access and all).

There are a few status matches going around atm so have a look around.

 

[Alanslegal]

For those heading to Cuba - Air Berlin flies direct from Dusseldorf to Varadero.

 

[Fiches Mouser]

Some feedback from recent flights on AB intra-Europe. In short, pretty unexciting.

Negatives
– No one has seen or heard of Velocity or Virgin Australia and kept asking if it was a member of OneWorld. And this was AB's hub in Berlin. An easy fix for this is to just put the VA logo on the signage that lists Topbonus/OneWorld status. She called her colleague who confirmed that, yes, I was entitled to an extra free piece of baggage.
– I also checked in at ORY and tried to have them change my FF number on the booking from my AB number to VA number. They couldn't understand this at all. Ended up just changing the number, but not the airline code. Meaning it read AB#VFFNUMBER. Not sure I can even be bothered trying to explain to the VA.
– Priority boarding is a shamble. No separate line which means you need to push your way to the front of the queue awkwardly when it's called. Then, you need to convince them your VA card means something. I ended up just showing my silver Topbonus card. Simpler.

Positives
– Cabin crew seem nice enough. Service is friendly and efficient, and you even get a snack and drink (VA domestic style) which I didn't expect from an LCC.
– Got a priority baggage tag at TXL and was warned it might not work when I landed in CPH (nice to see some under-promising, over-delivering). Came out pretty early so happy with that.

The 'Exclusive Waiting Area' at TXL is average, but does the job. coughpy coffee, soft drinks and water.

VFF, get your act together. I only booked AB because they're your partner. They're not benefits if no one has ever heard of them. Next time I'll just go with a Star Alliance carrier. Use my 06 status, and credit to SQ.

 

[bullerdude]

Typical experience when flying with a VA partner and something they seems to ignore. Did you send feedback via the website, at least that way it will add to their stats.

 

[Fiches Mouser]

Definitely will. In fairness, everyone I've come across at SQ seems to recognise it (but I'm sure others' experiences vary).