Switching to Delta?

[verheem]

Good morning,

Not sure if this is something you can help me with:

I have been Velocity Platinum for about 8 years now.

I almost exclusively travel Virgin domestically, 3/4 a month, and my international travel is 4x NZ, 2x Singapore or Malaysia, and 2x Europe, mainly The Netherlands.

The upgrade or plain points purchase of international tickets options with Virgin are (too) minimal, and I've been looking at changing to an other frequent flyer plan.

My thinking is that Delta Skymiles might be good; allows me to access the Virgin Lounge, and use KLM for the EU flights (I believe this would be enough to get and keep Platinum there?)

My questions are:

A) is this a correct assumption?
B) can i get and keep Delta status without flying Delta?

Thanks for your help

 

[clipped_wings]

Hi and welcome.

Are you referring only to J class redemptions? If so, then you are in good company, as we all lament this sad phenomena.

However, you may be pleased to know that Vigin Australia Economy/Premium redemptions are extremely well represented and available on many international flights. You just have to be patient and diligent - I seek every day when I am looking for options to upgrade, sometimes they pop up out of nowhere!

Moving your complete loyalty to another airline is a harsh step, especially when you consider the wonderful reputation Virgin Australia enjoys, compared to some of the competition. Maintaining a dual or multi allegiance seems to work for many FF's here, especially when they can migrate points between participating airline programs to maximise flexibility. As for your question B, I'd check on the Delta Symiles website for their codeshare and partner airlines. (I'm a Skymiles member but only fly Delta in the US - however I do know that they recognize VA Gold/Plat status)

Hope you find what you are looking for

 

[serfty]

Just note that to (re)Qualify mid-tier Platinum Medallion, USA residents need to travel on USD9000 on Delta* marketed flights (exclusive of Taxes), USD12500 for Diamond Medallion.

Delta Medallion Program Requirements : Delta Air Lines

So the answers are: A) appears no & B) Yes

Note, no lounge access when on day of travel domestic within the USA.

*There are some exceptions.

 

[grubbidok]

One thing to bear in mind is that even as a DL elite you won't get access to lounges on domestic US flights on DL (unless going on to an international itinerary). So that's one thing VA has over DL and an important consideration if US domestic flights are important to you

 

[Mattg]

Just note that to (re)Qualify mid-tier Platinum Medallion, you need to travel on USD9000 on Delta* marketed flights (exclusive of Taxes), USD12500 for Diamond Medallion.

Delta Medallion Program Requirements : Delta Air Lines

My understanding was that the MQD requirement (i.e. to spend USD9,000 on DL flights) was waived for non-US residents?

 

[serfty]

My understanding was that the MQD requirement (i.e. to spend USD9,000 on DL flights) was waived for non-US residents?

You are correct ...

 

[AustraliaPoochie]

I would go with SQ's KF.
Your flying on AirNZ (if you like premY on their wide bodies), will earn you KF miles, ...
And to Europe, their network is very good.
You can also fly with SQ to the US via SIN, or via AKL with (Air)NZ.
If you go with Delta, your flights Au - NZ will be still with VA, on the 737s, fares in J can be so high its not funny.
PremY on (Air)NZ Au - NZ is reasonable, if you book up ahead of time, and AKL is an easy airport to transit.
At this point in time, we do not know as yet the outcome of the breakup of/to the VA/(Air)NZ relationship, as to frequent flyer side of things.
Flight connections on VA are still being sold in linkage with (Air)NZ after Oct.
Thats my point of view anyways.

 

[Denali]

I would go with SQ's KF.
Your flying on AirNZ (if you like premY on their wide bodies), will earn you KF miles, ...
And to Europe, their network is very good.
You can also fly with SQ to the US via SIN, or via AKL with (Air)NZ.
If you go with Delta, your flights Au - NZ will be still with VA, on the 737s, fares in J can be so high its not funny.
PremY on (Air)NZ Au - NZ is reasonable, if you book up ahead of time, and AKL is an easy airport to transit.
At this point in time, we do not know as yet the outcome of the breakup of/to the VA/(Air)NZ relationship, as to frequent flyer side of things.
Flight connections on VA are still being sold in linkage with (Air)NZ after Oct.
Thats my point of view anyways.

And KF has PPS club, which OP might qualify for, depending on her spend.

 

[AustraliaPoochie]

Re: Denali, ah, from that side of things, I see.
Sgd$25k is a lot to spend in 12 months!

 

[verheem]

AUPoochie (and yes, that is a name that requires some explanation...), I get the recommendation to go KF, but the mos tinteresting thing for me is to get the KLM business class flights to Europe - often priced around 5K, instead of 7,5 or 8K with SQ.

This is the main reason I want to move - whilst keeping my VA Lounge access in AU for the 4 or so times a month I fly domestically.

Michel

I would go with SQ's KF.
Your flying on AirNZ (if you like premY on their wide bodies), will earn you KF miles, ...
And to Europe, their network is very good.
You can also fly with SQ to the US via SIN, or via AKL with (Air)NZ.
If you go with Delta, your flights Au - NZ will be still with VA, on the 737s, fares in J can be so high its not funny.
PremY on (Air)NZ Au - NZ is reasonable, if you book up ahead of time, and AKL is an easy airport to transit.
At this point in time, we do not know as yet the outcome of the breakup of/to the VA/(Air)NZ relationship, as to frequent flyer side of things.
Flight connections on VA are still being sold in linkage with (Air)NZ after Oct.
Thats my point of view anyways.

 

[Pleb Status]

AUPoochie (and yes, that is a name that requires some explanation...), I get the recommendation to go KF, but the mos tinteresting thing for me is to get the KLM business class flights to Europe - often priced around 5K, instead of 7,5 or 8K with SQ.

This is the main reason I want to move - whilst keeping my VA Lounge access in AU for the 4 or so times a month I fly domestically.

Michel

If VA lounge access is all you need, the Amex Platinum Charge will get you in and free you up to many other options...