VA & Hawaiian partnership - a recent experience

[oneduhy]

I have just returned from an Extra Comfort set of sectors - SYD/HNL/SYD - HA452/451 both of which state they are codeshare with VA. Yet there is no recognition of Velocity Status (Velocity Plat), in Sydney the ground handling is managed by Qantas, who were almost quite rude when I was asking about checkin and boarding (go to the back of the line, was one agents comment, I was rescued by asking another) When i asked about Velocity being equivalent to Club Premier - was told "we have been told no velocity privileges" they didnt say by whom... Qantas maybe, so as to piss us off!

Also very annoying is that only having one choice of fare for Extra Comfort we find that it is a class not recognised for status/points - yet there is no way of selecting an appropriate fare. So pay a premium fare for zero status, by the way the class earns Hawaiian Miles points.

a positive comment, HA Business class apparently get QF lounge access, the arrangement VA has with Skyteam works well - a quiet lounge with appropriate refreshments and food

So sorry, this does not seem like a partnership at all... if I had booked a VA flight it was still going to be via HA, so there is no out on this approach

Final pain in the a... was that the overhead bins on both flights in Extra comfort were filled with crew baggage

Dave M

 

[Mattg]

It's these kinds of experiences that really make me question why I bother with VA and their "extensive network" of partner airlines. (The answer is becoming increasingly that I don't...)

I wonder if more benefits would have been offered if you'd booked the VA codeshare?

 

[Pleb Status]

Where on the VA website does it advertise that VA and HA have a full partnership (like with DL/EY/SQ etc)? It appears to be limited to a codeshare and mileage accrual relationship only.

It does not look like any other partner of HA gets anything more than this either (VS, B6, NH etc). At least most HA flights earn VFF SC which is better than some partners to some programs.

QF have non oneworld partners where you can codeshare and earn points but are not entitled to any elite benefits (9W for example).

 

[drron]

It's only a codeshare.Similar to AA.I got an Advantage award on HA which did not give me access to the AC at HNL.

 

[oneduhy]

It's these kinds of experiences that really make me question why I bother with VA and their "extensive network" of partner airlines. (The answer is becoming increasingly that I don't...)

I wonder if more benefits would have been offered if you'd booked the VA codeshare?

I had thought of this, but the way the ground staff handled the query - doubt it, I still think the SIA and Eithad connections are still good value at Premium economy level

Dave