MEL - KIX: Book via Virgin or Sinagpore Airlines

[TheCityLane]

Hi

I'm planning on doing a return MEL - KIX - MEL trip later on this year and was wondering if I were to book via the Sinagpore Airlines website would I still get the additional baggage allowance and lounge access that I'd get if I booked through Virgin (I'm a Platinum FF)?

I can't seem to find a straight answer anywhere.

On the topic does anyone else have any tips/advice as to this? I've got a Krisflyer membership card but have never flown on it before. I'll likely be doing more trips to Asia over the next few years so was thinking I should start building up points on this rather than my Virgin card.

Thanks,
Paul

 

[TomVexille]

The way I read it is that as a WP you'll get an extra 20kg on SQ, and you have lounge access into SQ operated lounges, although only into the reputedly lackluster Krisflyer Gold lounge at SIN.

 

[TheCityLane]

That's what I thought, and I know it's the case if I have a VA ticket codesharing on SQ, just not sure if it works if I have an SQ ticket.

 

[AustraliaPoochie]

If you love a window seat, book on SQ direct.
Booking on VA, they say they can't give you a guaranteed or a quasi guaranteed seat, ie, window or aisle, front or back.
My checking around, a while ago brought this conundrum up.
I love window seats, and while as a VA PS I will get more points booking and paying at VA's website, I don't get a choice of seats till check in.
Also, VA does not allow OLCI, and say if you are flying with a partner, you have to check in at the airport with that partner.
SQ allows OLCI.
Edit: Also to note, Krisflyer points have a life of 3 years, so if you will do a lot of flying and booking with SQ, then its worth it.
But if you don't mind not having a window seat, and want to keep your VA Vel points longer, then book with VA and earn more points.

 

[AustraliaPoochie]

On a side note: http://www.singaporeair.com/registerKFUser.form?showTnC=y
Krisflyer accounts without activity in 18 months expire.
So that Krisflyer card, or account, maybe ring up Krisflyer to see if the account is still open, if you got the card more than 18 months ago.
This is one of the things that puts me off joining SQ's Krisflyer.

 

[TomVexille]

That's what I thought, and I know it's the case if I have a VA ticket codesharing on SQ, just not sure if it works if I have an SQ ticket.

I'm pretty sure it should.

 

[stux]

Book with Singapore, select your seats, and use your velocity number.

You should get the luggage bonus and points that don't automatically expire

 

[AviatorPJ]

I would book with VA if you may need the VA eligible sectors to retain WP. At least 2 eligible sectors O/Way. Double if you fly a R/T on VA ticket as you indicate

Recently I did a VA Flexi O/W MEL-SIN-PNH operated by SQ.

Received, 100% more VA base points as a WP, SQ lounge access in MEL (which was quite good). Yes, the intermediate and underwhelming Krisflyer Gold lounge in SIN. However, you would also have SQ lounge access in KIX (assuming you are doing a R/T) plus, all the extra baggage allowance and priority luggage and boarding.
cheers, PJ

 

[TomVexille]

I would book with VA if you may need the VA eligible sectors to retain WP. At least 2 eligible sectors O/Way. Double if you fly a R/T on VA ticket as you indicate

Recently I did a VA Flexi O/W MEL-SIN-PNH operated by SQ.

Received, 100% more VA base points as a WP, SQ lounge access in MEL (which was quite good). Yes, the intermediate and underwhelming Krisflyer Gold lounge in SIN. However, you would also have SQ lounge access in KIX (assuming you are doing a R/T) plus, all the extra baggage allowance and priority luggage and boarding.
cheers, PJ

No SQ lounge at KIX, so no guarantee of access.

 

[misterchan]

I did SYD-HND on SQ in April as SG with my wife and had no problems with advertised benefits. At SYD I checked in at the SQ business counter and flashed my Velocity card and was given customs and immigration fast pass. Access to SQ lounge at SYD and Krisflyer Gold at SIN. Extra luggage at HND for the return journey.

I booked SQ because it was significantly cheaper than booking VA codeshare for the route at the time.

 

[TheCityLane]

Thanks guys. Good to know that if I book with VA I'll still get the bonus luggage. Will go with whoever is cheaper.