SQ Alliance - What is happening?

[LiamR]

Does anybody know what is happening with the Singapore Alliance?

I'd like to travel on SQ, SYD-SIN-ZRH later this year. But don't want to do so without being able to use Priority Checkin, extra baggages, Lounges, earn points act to Virgin. I understand that lounges have come into effect, but nothing else.

I've got two questions...

When do we realistically think the alliance will come into effect.

What benefits can we expect to receive? Will it be a simple patch to enable you to earn points and access lounges. Or will it be similar to *A/OW whereby we can access all the priority services as a top tier member (Express Immigration Passes, Priority Security, Extra baggage, Priority Boarding ect ect)

What does everybody think?

 

[Jack Melon]

Hopefully by the end of the year the ACCC will approve. When approved the alliance will kick in, we have just got to wait.

 

[DeKa]

You can use SQ lounges now by showing your Velocity Gold or Platinum card - I did it four times this week. They write your membership number down in a register (and I assume cross charge back to Velocity/Virgin Australia).

Having said that, if you are used to OneWorld lounges, you will be severely disappointed.

 

[Cruiser Elite]

You can use SQ lounges now by showing your Velocity Gold or Platinum card - I did it four times this week....................Having said that, if you are used to OneWorld lounges, you will be severely disappointed.

Interested to know exactly which SQ lounges you used?

 

[DeKa]

Interested to know exactly which SQ lounges you used?

KrisFlyer at Sydney International, KrisFlyer Gold at Singapore T2 and Krisflyer Gold at Singapore T3.

 

[Cruiser Elite]

Ah yes the Krisflyer Gold lounges at Changi - really not much on offer their - have never been in SYD SQ lounge.

If you have PP you can use the Ambassador Lounges which do have showers - no food much to speak of - but at least you can have a tub.

 

[rlarosa]

Does anyone know if the planned alliance will allow Velocity members to accrue status credits on SQ flights? We're off to the UK in Dec ... hopefully it's all approved by then!

 

[cityloop]

I think we're all in the same boat with this one. Eagerly waiting for the alliance to be formally in place so we can book flights for Dec/Jan, gaining all the benefits we expect (status credits, luggage etc...)

 

[rlarosa]

heres hoping the ACCC get a move on then!

 

[oz_mark]

The ACCC has stated it expects to make a draft determination this month or next.

Reading through the publically available submissions, neither Qantas nor Malaysia Airlines have objected to the alliance.

The only real objection I could find was from Gold Airways (!)

 

[rlarosa]

I've never even heard of Gold Airlines!

Good news on the timings, anyway...

 

[kamchatsky]

The ACCC has stated it expects to make a draft determination this month or next.

Reading through the publically available submissions, neither Qantas nor Malaysia Airlines have objected to the alliance.

The only real objection I could find was from Gold Airways (!)

And I don't think they even have Air operator's certificate anyway?!

 

[cityloop]

Are you referring to the long planned Ansett esque RMA Gold Airways?? They have been planning that airline for years now.

 

[oz_mark]

Are you referring to the long planned Ansett esque RMA Gold Airways?? They have been planning that airline for years now.

That's them.

Apparently, from what I can make out, they desire to compete aggressively with Tiger on price, and may wish to join Star Alliance at some point in the future.

(You can get to the submissions, including the Gold Airways one from here: http://www.accc.gov.au/content/index.phtml/itemId/993958/fromItemId/278039)

 

[straitman]

That's them.

Apparently, from what I can make out, they desire to compete aggressively with Tiger on price, and may wish to join Star Alliance at some point in the future.

(You can get to the submissions, including the Gold Airways one from here: Virgin Australia Group & Singapore Airlines - Authorisations - A91267 & A91268)

Are they going to get some aircraft one day :?: :shock:

 

[Justchecking]

Priceless, someone who might start an airline one day (if only someone would lend him some cash) 'may' wish to join star alliance (if he ever gets an aircraft) objects to the alliance. On what grounds? Wishful thinking?

 

[Virgin Flyer]

You can use SQ lounges now by showing your Velocity Gold or Platinum card - I did it four times this week. They write your membership number down in a register (and I assume cross charge back to Velocity/Virgin Australia).

Having said that, if you are used to OneWorld lounges, you will be severely disappointed.

I've just flown back from London on Singapore,

Lounge access in Brissie and Singapore T3 all fine - in London they'd never heard of the alliance and refused me entry

 

[LiamR]

in London they'd never heard of the alliance and refused me entry

Oh dear. I think Virgin would like to hear about this. Have you called up, or submitted feedback online?

 

[anat0l]

I've just flown back from London on Singapore,

Lounge access in Brissie and Singapore T3 all fine - in London they'd never heard of the alliance and refused me entry

Oh dear. I think Virgin would like to hear about this. Have you called up, or submitted feedback online?

Pah! Good ol' London town. Always the last set of staff to hear about taking care of their friends. Just ask some of those here who are QFFers and had to deal with BA.

 

[Jack Melon]

Just an update, the government today announced that it supports and approves the alliance.

More here:Government proves Virgin's wingman on Singapore alliance strategy