Redemptions on VA partner codeshares

[grubbidok]

Hi all. Following on from a discussion in another thread I was wondering if anyone knew whether VA points could be used to redeem flights on partners that are operated as codeshares.

For example, I'm looking at redeeming for flights between BOS-PSA (or JFK/FCO however it can work) and can only get BOS-CDG or BOS-AMS on DL metal or JFK-FCO on DL, with all other possibilities/connections (including BOS-FCO) operating as codeshare with AZ. Would I be able to redeem for DL-numbered flights if they are operated by another airline?

I know they can't be earned on such flights, but can they be redeemed?

 

[williamsf1]

Hi all. Following on from a discussion in another thread I was wondering if anyone knew whether VA points could be used to redeem flights on partners that are operated as codeshares.

For example, I'm looking at redeeming for flights between BOS-PSA (or JFK/FCO however it can work) and can only get BOS-CDG or BOS-AMS on DL metal or JFK-FCO on DL, with all other possibilities/connections (including BOS-FCO) operating as codeshare with AZ. Would I be able to redeem for DL-numbered flights if they are operated by another airline?

I know they can't be earned on such flights, but can they be redeemed?

NO . must be operated and marketed, same as earn

 

[grubbidok]

NO . must be operated and marketed, same as earn

Bummer. That really limits a lot of routes where DL works with their ST partners. Really goes to show again how the non-alliance VA partnerships just don't cut it as much as a real alliance would. Hope VFF is reading.

 

[anat0l]

Bummer. That really limits a lot of routes where DL works with their ST partners. Really goes to show again how the non-alliance VA partnerships just don't cut it as much as a real alliance would. Hope VFF is reading.

To be fair, in the other alliances there are similar restrictions.

For example, QF have a codeshare on SYD/ICN that is operated by OZ, which is not oneworld. Attempting to redeem AA points on this flight would not be possible.

Even more obvious ditto is all the QF codeshare flights which are operated by EK.

Codeshares operated by a carrier in the same alliance is obviously possible, but in several cases redemptions tend to ticket directly on the operating flight number anyway.

I'm guessing that rather conversely, as a DL member, one can redeem on VA operated flights but cannot, for example, redeem on VA codeshares operated by SQ, EY etc.

It's worth keeping in mind that Velocity is not really an "alliance" but rather a series of (admittedly intimate) bilateral agreements.

 

[grubbidok]

To be fair, in the other alliances there are similar restrictions.

I get that. My point was that as DL are part of an alliance (ST) and they, like other alliance members, are now consolidating routes with their ST partners (in this case, AZ on US-Italy flights). This works great for DL members, as it doesn't affect them as the codeshare is still 'in-house', and if anything opens up new options for them. The example of the QF codeshare on OZ really isn't the same, as it is the exception rather than the rule (as is the EK-QF arrangement) and if QF chose anyone else in OW to codeshare that flight would be open to AA members (as well as AA members having access to a vast number of OW options, as well as bespoke arrangements AA have secured).

In the VA case it means that many of our partners flight numbers aren't available, even when the partner keep them in their own alliance 'house' to make it an otherwise seamless flight for their own members. It's going to be more of a problem in the future as alliance members increasingly revenue share instead of flying their own metal, which won't affect alliance members but will limit what bespoke arrangements like VA have available.

It just shows again, that despite how much VA keep trying to tell us there are more benefits to their arrangement than joining an alliance, it really is a second-rate option.

TBH I would actually probably be happy and more accepting if VA would just admit to their VFF members that their kind of alliance is second-rate but it's what they're going to do. It's the constant harping on about how VFF members get an 'enhanced experience' through the VA approach over and above a traditional alliance that irks me (when clearly it is not, and it is obviously factors far removed from the customer experience that are driving the decision).