Change awards program on reward flight at check in/lounge? Etihad to Virgin

[squeeze72]

Hello AFF experts
I'm looking at booking a reward business flight with velocity miles Mel to Manchester via Etihad (via husbands velocity miles and platinum status).
Can I change my award airline from Virgin to my Etihad on the day of my flight to earn status credits and maintain my Etihad gold? I don't have many Etihad guest miles so can't purchase through them.

I would never of thought of doing this until my recent purchase through Etihad miles for a virgin reward flight to Brisbane and I was unable to select my seat. I phoned Virgin who selected my seat for me and cheerily said "I'll change this to earn velocity miles if you like". I haven't taken the flight yet so trusting I will still be able to use my reciprocal Etihad gold to get into the virgin lounge.
I'm guessing the partner airlines don't really care how you 'paid' for a flight if it isn't through their own rewards program?
Many thanks

 

[Mattg]

You cannot earn points/miles for reward flights, if that's what you're wondering.

 

[squeeze72]

No that's what I thought too. Virgin said that as it was Etihad rewards I'd redeemed I could get the status credits with Virgin.
It seemed strange to me and if so I will report back following the flight.

 

[knagelli]

No that's what I thought too. Virgin said that as it was Etihad rewards I'd redeemed I could get the status credits with Virgin.

They must be confusing it to be Etihad revenue tickets . Assuming the information they gave it correct , can you check the fare class on your ticket and check on velocity website if that fare class is awarded any points/status credits.