Flying Delta as a VA plat Questions

[EuroFlyer]

Hi all,
A quick question If I could for those in the know. Any help would be appreciated.

I am flying QF J from MEL - LAX next month with work. However I have some personal trips I want to take while there and was thinking of using Delta. From what I can see I can get some great value F fares (understand that barely a J seat in real life) from LAX - SFO - BOS - LAX
I have re qualified already for QF plat and was thinking this could help me re qualify for VA plat.

My questions and again appreciate any help here.
* Is the process of going from TBIT to where Delta Fly relatively easy?
* Will I get lounge access/extra baggage for my Delta flights (I will book F)
* Are there any issues with earning status credits as per the F reward chart
* Any other advice from people who have done this.

Many thanks,
EuroFlyer

 

[CJEMNMAC]

Hi all,
A quick question If I could for those in the know. Any help would be appreciated.

My questions and again appreciate any help here.
* Is the process of going from TBIT to where Delta Fly relatively easy?
* Will I get lounge access/extra baggage for my Delta flights (I will book F)
* Are there any issues with earning status credits as per the F reward chart
* Any other advice from people who have done this.

Many thanks,
EuroFlyer

1. The process from TBIT to any terminal is very easy and really only a short walk. Have a look at this map http://www.lawa.org/uploadedFiles/LAX/pdf/LAX Airline Location Map.pdf

2. You will get lounge access based on VA Plat. Check out this link and select delta from the list https://www.virginaustralia.com/au/en/experience/at-the-airport/international-lounge-access/
You also get I think 3 checked bags free as VA Plat. They basically honour the equivalent Delta status, ie Plat medallion allowance.

3. Enter your VFF into the booking and you will receive status credits as per status chart on Velocity, based on your fare class etc etc. Check out here https://www.velocityfrequentflyer.com/content/Earn/StatusCredits/

Remember "first" is just domestic business. I will say, using the likes of Delta and booking a first ticket you will achieve a decent amount of status credits and is a pretty cost effective way to contribute to re qualify.

 

[Denali]

Don't forget Virgin America First if the prices are good, far superior to Delta.

 

[MH_fan]

I'm currently VA gold and travelling with DL around the US. I have been very impressed with the status recognition and the DL service so far.

 

[scwappy]

I'm currently VA gold and travelling with DL around the US. I have been very impressed with the status recognition and the DL service so far.

What class have you been flying? Is Y any good?

 

[MH_fan]

What class have you been flying? Is Y any good?

I have been flying in F, so can't comment about Y. However, VA status is always recognised and appropriate benefits applied.

 

[EuroFlyer]

Thanks for the update and message MH_FAN

I have been flying in F, so can't comment about Y. However, VA status is always recognised and appropriate benefits applied.

 

[EuroFlyer]

Thanks for the update and message CJEMNMAC
Il know the procedure when i land now.

1. The process from TBIT to any terminal is very easy and really only a short walk. Have a look at this map http://www.lawa.org/uploadedFiles/LAX/pdf/LAX Airline Location Map.pdf

2. You will get lounge access based on VA Plat. Check out this link and select delta from the list https://www.virginaustralia.com/au/en/experience/at-the-airport/international-lounge-access/
You also get I think 3 checked bags free as VA Plat. They basically honour the equivalent Delta status, ie Plat medallion allowance.

3. Enter your VFF into the booking and you will receive status credits as per status chart on Velocity, based on your fare class etc etc. Check out here https://www.velocityfrequentflyer.com/content/Earn/StatusCredits/

Remember "first" is just domestic business. I will say, using the likes of Delta and booking a first ticket you will achieve a decent amount of status credits and is a pretty cost effective way to contribute to re qualify.

 

[EuroFlyer]

Thanks for the suggestion Denali

Don't forget Virgin America First if the prices are good, far superior to Delta.

 

[MH_fan]

Thanks for the suggestion Denali

Except no lounge access when flying VX and their lounge at LAX has no showers. DL had decent showers on their lounge at LAX.

 

[Denali]

Except no lounge access when flying VX and their lounge at LAX has no showers. DL had decent showers on their lounge at LAX.

Yes, forgot about no showers at LAX and the Delta showers were refurbished a few months ago.

What I did recently was Delta out of LAX and then used VX after that because quite frankly, the F product is just so superior to Delta it was worth it to me.

 

[grubbidok]

Don't forget Virgin America First if the prices are good, far superior to Delta.

For the benefit of @scwappy and other Y warriors I would argue this isn't the case any more, especially as VA WP. The DL experience for VA elites has really stepped up whereas VX still treat you as just another punter no matter what status you have. Only possible benefit is that VX have a direct SFO-BOS flight and DL do not. However, VX lounges are terrible and sparse (and there is nothing at all in BOS). I have to admit though, this is based on Y, not F.

@scwappy I'm a BIS Y (any work travel above Y forbidden by the powers that be) so always flying Y in the US. As VA elite I would say that DL offers the best Y experience in the US. I've never had an issue getting a good Economy Comfort seat via their free upgrades, and they always offer free baggage, lounge access etc. TBH even before DL upped their game I'd always found VX Y a little underwhelming. F is a very different kettle of fish, though one I'm not allowed to sample.

 

[Dylan O'Connor]

I am VA Gold that does many flights on DL in the U.S. They have always been fantastic at recognising status both onboard and at the Delta Sky Club.

I mix up my flights between F and Y, have scored a few upgrades from Y to F before as well. I am always very happy with their product and offerings and happily fly them.

VX Have nicer seats but a limited network and minimal lounge access means it's not always realistic for me to utilise them.

 

[newmarket]

Thanks grubbidok.

I'm a Y flyer too. I was wondering if you have been able to access the "priority seating" that DL has. I can access them using my GM number, but I can't see them as VA plat.

Thanks,

 

[notzac]

I can access them using my GM number, but I can't see them as VA plat.

VA Platinum only get free Comfort+ within 72 hours of departure.

 

[newmarket]

Yeah. I know but there are a set of seats which tend to be available for more last minute bookings after c+ are already gone. I can get then when crediting to GM.

I do find c+ seats are generally only middles by t-72. I'd rather sit further back!

Probably not available to VA Plat.

Does anyone know if i can credit points and status to VA but get DL GM benefits?

 

[KVK]

Just had an interesting experience in Detroit. Flying New York to Bangor in Maine, by way of Detroit. VA gold, travelling with my wife. Check in and lounge access at La Guardia was fine (travelling domestic First, but access was on VA status). Flight was late leaving NY so we missed the connection in Detroit. Rebooked on the later flight which meant a 7 hour wait. Went to the lounge near gate A61 and was told no access, due to the fact we were not on international flights. Asked to speak to the supervisor and was told the same story. I then walked all the way to the main lounge (train is down for two weeks for maintenance) and spoke to two of the best service customers I have ever met, who checked my status, told me yes, I was entitled to access with one guest. They rang the lounge at gate A60 to tell them we should be allowed in. Walked back to my wife who I left nursing a sore knee, told her we had access and we attempted to enter the lounge. The original lounge "Angel" was clearly not happy and chided me for giving wrong information previously.
We decided we would probably be happier in the main lounge, so retrieved our boarding passes and exited.
i have to say the service in the main lounge has been superb, amazing contrasts. I guess some people should just not be in the service industry....

I am VA Gold that does many flights on DL in the U.S. They have always been fantastic at recognising status both onboard and at the Delta Sky Club.

I mix up my flights between F and Y, have scored a few upgrades from Y to F before as well. I am always very happy with their product and offerings and happily fly them.

VX Have nicer seats but a limited network and minimal lounge access means it's not always realistic for me to utilise them.

 

[grubbidok]

Thanks grubbidok.

I'm a Y flyer too. I was wondering if you have been able to access the "priority seating" that DL has. I can access them using my GM number, but I can't see them as VA plat.

Thanks,

Do you mean Gold Medallion? You should get the same access online, in fact it should class you in your respective Delta elite class. I always have seen the availability when I've entered my VFF number in the DL site, without an issue.

Some routes can admittedly be a bit tricky with availability, but usually I've always generally managed to snag an aisle or a window. Another thing that may be useful - I've noticed that availability is often greater on the day (presumably upgrades for their elites), so often you can get a better seat when printing out your boarding pass - not enough to rely on it though. I agree, middle in Economy Comfort is not as good as an aisle or window further back.