Ff points flying Aircalin ?

[roomer]

Booked a flight to Noumea via a travel agent and flights from ADL MEL are Virgin and from MEL to destination is Aircalin. ( it's the one booking )

Cant seem to find anything about whether Aircalin is one world or not ie can we earn QFF points with them and as a Qantas Club member, will we be allowed access to their lounge, if they have one.

if not QFF, then would velocity points be earned.?

(Toying with the idea of cashing in my Flybuy points to velocity points in order to grab business class for one of the legs if can't use Qantas lounge)

Appreciate any comments

 

[eric2011]

QF sells code share flights, and points and status credits can be earned. I'm booked on QF364 which operates as a aircalin flight number and metal

 

[Steady]

If they are SB tickets you can earn flying blue points but they didn't seem to be worth much after completing 6-8 return flights

 

[roomer]

QF sells code share flights, and points and status credits can be earned. I'm booked on QF364 which operates as a aircalin flight number and metal

Thanks eddie2021 and Steady,

I've since found that the flights are recognised in my Velocity account app but nothing has shown in my QFF bookings, so I guess Aircalin is ambidextrous ( for want of a better description) and it is deemed a Virgin flight

 

[kevviek]

I tried to use the lounge on nonQF flight numbers and they said no go at either end, but apparently for code share it would have been possible.

 

[roomer]

I tried to use the lounge on nonQF flight numbers and they said no go at either end, but apparently for code share it would have been possible.

mm yes, I now understand that will now be the case. Will need to try my upgrade are strategy via flybuys ...

 

[Steady]

I tried to use the lounge on nonQF flight numbers and they said no go at either end, but apparently for code share it would have been possible.

No issues with Lounge access on QF code share flights

 

[roomer]

No issues with Lounge access on QF code share flights

I can only assume though that in my case the flights must be Virgin code share although I guess it won't hurt for me to ring up and find out

 

[Steady]

I didn't realise VA had code share flights with Aircalin..........

Do you have any paperwork? What do the flight numbers start with, SB or VA?

 

[roomer]

I didn't realise VA had code share flights with Aircalin..........

Do you have any paperwork? What do the flight numbers start with, SB or VA?

Just hunted it up, it's SB

 

[roomer]

I didn't realise VA had code share flights with Aircalin..........

Turms out that Aircalin is not oneworld and therefore no QFF points can be earned nor access to any lounge if a Qantas club member. Also, the fact that the Aircalin flight has been included on my Virgin bookings is immaterial, velocity points can't be used to upgrade the Aircalin flight.

 

[ozbeachbabe]

Turms out that Aircalin is not oneworld and therefore no QFF points can be earned nor access to any lounge if a Qantas club member.

Also, the fact that the Aircalin flight has been included on my Virgin bookings is immaterial, velocity points can't be used to upgrade the Aircalin flight.

If the TA had booked you on QF ADL/MEL (or to SYD or BNE) then on the QF codeshare flight MEL /NOU (SB metal) you would've earned the same points as if it was QF metal.

An airline doesn't have to be One World to earn points there just has to be an agreement with QF for points earn and/or burn.

You would've also been able to check your bag from ADL to NOU irrespective of whether the MEL/NOU flight was booked as SB or QF if both flights were on the same ticket.

As you're flying VA you'll need yo collect your luggage at MEL domestic then take it to MEL international and check in again with SB, I believe they only allow one piece at 23 kilos whereas QF codeshare flight would've been multiple pieces up to a total weight of 30 kilos.

What were your instructions to the TA when making the booking? Did you tell them you are s QF Club member or ask for a quote on QF?

 

[bam71]

IME the QF flight numbers to NOU can be rather more expensive than the SB flight numbers.....

 

[roomer]

Thanks ozbeachbabe and bam71 for your comments. When booked via the TA it was for a package and whilst I knew the Australian legs were with Virgin, I had been under the impression that Aircalin was partnered with Qantas and thus I'd gain lounge access and earn points. It was when I downloaded the Velocity app and saw all the bookings were being recognised by Virgin that I began to have doubts...

As a side issue ( having recently earned a small no of velocity points) I contacted Virgin to see if I could gain lounge access for the return,Australia side, by purchasing or using points. Turns out yes , 10,000 points or $65 pp but would be subject to availability on the day. Seemed a bit hit or miss, so I won't bother.

Anyway, appreciate the tips Ozbeachbabe re luggage and collection. ( I was thinking because of the Velocity app recognising the bookings that the luggage would go thru to Noumea). At least I am forewarned