VA & SQ - I still don't know how, or if, it all works

[Jude Starr]

OK, please forgive me for being a bit thick.

I want to book flights to Europe (probably into Frankfurt). I want to go via Singapore (with at least an overnight stopover each way). I thought (hoped) that, with the new arrangements between VA & SQ, there would be a codeshare kind of arrangement whereby I could book via VA but fly on an SQ codeshare flight.

However, when I look at VA site, there seems to only be codeshare with Ethiad, via Abu Dhabi.

I know I can book what I want directly via SQ, and if needs be, that's what I will do, but I had hoped I could do it via VA to collect Velocity points and SCs.

So, what exactly is the arrangement between the two companies, and what does it mean for me, because I can't figure it out.

 

[Princess Fiona]

I think ( but could be wrong) you cannot book via VA website on SQ to Europe but if booked directly with SQ you can still earn points and status credits on Velocity.
About to make a booking to ICN with SQ ( again can't be done on VA as multi city)
I hope there is some way of adding Velocity number to booking but if not I will keep the BP and claim?

 

[JohnPhelan]

My understanding is that the affiliation with SQ is not an "across the board" deal - it is for certain routes only, predominantly Asian routes. The codeshare only applies on these routes.

I gather this is done so VA's partner airline networks don't overlap/compete. You can't fly to America on SQ with a VA flight number, for example, as this would conflict with the DL partnership. Ditto for Europe - VA's partner for flights to Europe is EY, not SQ.

You should still be able to get Velocity points on all SQ flights, though.

This is where not being part of a recognised alliance makes things a bit patchy and difficult.

 

[oz_mark]

So, what exactly is the arrangement between the two companies, and what does it mean for me, because I can't figure it out.

Etihad is VA's partner for flights to Europe, while Singapore Airlines is their partner for Asia. While there are some exceptions ex-Perth, they won't generally offer SQ flights to Eurpoe.

This is where not being part of a recognised alliance makes things a bit patchy and difficult.

Even if they were in an alliance, they may not necessarily codeshare on Singapores services to Europe, while there were still Etihad services.

 

[Fruitcake]

This is where not being part of a recognised alliance makes things a bit patchy and difficult.

Most of the global alliances work the same way. For example there's no QF code on CX's CNS-HKG service but if you were to book it with CX, you'd earn SCs.

I think the earn/burn part of VA's partner network is relatively clear (except for a few 'gotchas' like points but no SCs when travelling on a HA coded flight). The bit that needs much more work relative to the major alliances is lounge access - that's where things are very patchy and difficult, in my opinion. Note the case of the VFF status holder travelling on VS Y out of Sydney as an example.

 

[JohnPhelan]

The bit that needs much more work relative to the major alliances is lounge access - that's where things are very patchy and difficult, in my opinion. Note the case of the VFF status holder travelling on VS Y out of Sydney as an example.

Totally agree. The lounge situation is a shambles.

Another example - I'm soon flying SYD-HNL (on HA metal, obviously, in J). I'm a VA Gold, but if I fly on the VA codeshare flight number, I get no lounge access in SYD. If I fly on the HA flight number, I get access to the NZ lounge.

VA really needs to get its own lounges at SYD, BNE and possibly MEL International terminals.

 

[dajop]

I know I can book what I want directly via SQ, and if needs be, that's what I will do, but I had hoped I could do it via VA to collect Velocity points and SCs.

If you book directly via SQ , as long as you are on a eligible (read: more expensive/flexible economy, business or first) fare then you will earn both Velocity points and Status Credits. It does NOT need to be on a VA code. An eligible discount economy return to Europe booked via SQ website should net around 140 SC's and around 20,000 Velocity points.

There are two aspects to the SQ arrangement - one covering earn of Velocity pts/SCs and redemptions - which are available on ALL SQ operated flights (with SQ code) - and the second being codeshare arrangements where you can buy a ticket with a VA code on an SQ operated flight that only applies to certain routes (not European ones). This is absolutely no different to QF's arrangements, with AA for example , where you can earn QF points/SCs on all AA operated flights (with AA code) (in eligible fare categories), but you can only book QF code on certain AA flights.

 

[Jude Starr]

If you book directly via SQ , as long as you are on a eligible (read: more expensive/flexible economy, business or first) fare then you will earn both Velocity points and Status Credits. It does NOT need to be on a VA code. An eligible discount economy return to Europe booked via SQ website should net around 140 SC's and around 20,000 Velocity points.

OK, so I can book via SQ and put in my Velocity number insteadt of Krisflyer? Sounds like the plan. Thanx for explaining guys...I think I am getting my head around this, at least a bit! :mrgreen:

 

[dajop]

OK, so I can book via SQ and put in my Velocity number insteadt of Krisflyer? Sounds like the plan. Thanx for explaining guys...I think I am getting my head around this, at least a bit! :mrgreen:

Bear in mind though if the fare type you are booking is in economy and shows

"Earn KrisFlyer Miles (50% from 1Apr12)" or "Earn KrisFlyer Miles (10% from 1Apr12)"
​

these are I am 99% sure not eligible for earning on Velocity. If it shows "

Earn KrisFlyer Miles (100%)" ​

then the fare will earn Velocity miles/SCs.

 

[Deewhy]

Bear in mind though if the fare type you are booking is in economy and shows

"Earn KrisFlyer Miles (50% from 1Apr12)" or "Earn KrisFlyer Miles (10% from 1Apr12)"
​

these are I am 99% sure not eligible for earning on Velocity. If it shows "

Earn KrisFlyer Miles (100%)" ​

then the fare will earn Velocity miles/SCs.

+1 on checking your fare class BEFoRe you proceed with the booking. Click on the terms and conditions of the fare and you should find the code, then cross check that with the fare earning codes on the VFf site. There are a number of SQ flight fares that Don't earn points and credit for krisflyer, and therefore won't earn you velocity points..... Take it from me I learned the hard way!

Singapore earn categories:

Fare type and Points earn rate per mile
Economy (S, Y, B, E, M, H, W, U, L, K)
1*Velocity Point
Business Class (Z, C, J, D)
1.25 Velocity Points
First Class (F, P, A)
1.5 Velocity Points
Suites (R)
1.6 Velocity Points

 

[Deleted member 29185]

If you book directly via SQ , as long as you are on a eligible (read: more expensive/flexible economy, business or first) fare then you will earn both Velocity points and Status Credits. It does NOT need to be on a VA code. An eligible discount economy return to Europe booked via SQ website should net around 140 SC's and around 20,000 Velocity points.

So this is confirmed then? Everyone agrees that all SQ flts booked with SQ will receive Velocity SCs and points (provided it's an earning fare bucket), regardless of whether the flt is a DJ codeshare or not? Will the Velocity status bonuses be also awarded?

 

[Fruitcake]

So this is confirmed then? Everyone agrees that all SQ flts booked with SQ will receive Velocity SCs and points (provided it's an earning fare bucket), regardless of whether the flt is a DJ codeshare or not? Will the Velocity status bonuses be also awarded?

From the Velocity terms and conditions:

Earning Points with Virgin Australia and Airline Partners

6.8 Points will be earned for eligible travel on regular scheduled domestic and international flights marketed by Virgin Australia and Airline Partners.

There's also a vague caveat about codeshare flights:

6.15 Points and Status Credits may not be earned or may be earned at different rates for Codeshare Flights. Please see the Velocity Website for full details.

But we know from posts on here by the VFF and VA reps that codeshare flights by partners generally don't earn (with the exception of Delta Connection), although VA codeshares do.


Points earn on SQ is in accordance with this table:
https://www.velocityrewards.com.au/content/Earn/Airlines/PointsEarn/index.htm#singaporeairlines

There is no status bonus. As the other tables on that page show status bonus only applies to DJ, VA and EY flights.

SC earn is in accordance with this table:
https://www.velocityrewards.com.au/content/Earn/StatusCredits/index.htm

 

[chrisjrn]

There's also a vague caveat about codeshare flights:


But we know from posts on here by the VFF and VA reps that codeshare flights by partners generally don't earn (with the exception of Delta Connection), although VA codeshares do.

Basically, as far as I can tell, the rules are as follows:

1) You can earn if Virgin Australia or a partner airline are the operator of the flight.
2) You can earn if Virgin Australia or a partner airline are the primary marketing carrier of the flight (basically wet-lease flights, e.g. Skywest ATR flights operated on behalf of Virgin, with Skywest not selling tickets; Delta Connection flights)
3) You earn at Virgin Australia rates if you book on a VA or DJ flight code.
4) Otherwise, you do not earn if you book a code-share flight, operated by a carrier that is not a VA partner airline, regardless of who the marketing carrier is.

Simple

 

[medhead]

Slight modification is required.

Basically, as far as I can tell, the rules are as follows:

1) You can earn if Virgin Australia or a partner airline are the operator of the flight booked in an earning fare class.
2) You can earn if Virgin Australia or a partner airline are the primary marketing carrier of the flight (basically wet-lease flights, e.g. Skywest ATR flights operated on behalf of Virgin, with Skywest not selling tickets; Delta Connection flights)
3) You earn at Virgin Australia rates if you book on a VA or DJ flight code.
4) Otherwise, you do not earn if you book a code-share flight, operated by a carrier that is not a VA partner airline, regardless of who the marketing carrier is.

Sent from the Throne

 

[Jama]

In my opinion it should be more obvious what you're getting or not getting at the time of booking. I wouldn't call it completely fair when sometimes the benefits apply, sometimes they don't and the details are hidden and difficult to find until the points/SC's just don't turn up when you thought they would.

 

[loobloke]

Do you guys know if we can earn on VA coded silk air service, I know silkair by itself doesn't? EG: DRW/SIN

 

[PlutekPlutek]

So I am booked on SQ Sydney-Sin-Beijing. I have been told the flight is fully flexible the booking does not specify the class except to say it is Economy. I have logged into SQ website and check my booking doesn't show anything further. This was booked through a corporate travel agent. They have assured me it is fully flex, but when I check the miles that will accrue per flight they are less than 2000 per sector which seems like 50%. The agent also said it is the lowest upgradeable bucket - E class. Can anyone confirm the information is consistent and if I will be able to get DJ points and SC for this booking ?

 

[morrisjub]

Yep, Full Fare Economy Earn Rate for E Class.

If you manage your booking on the SQ site or Give SQ a call they can add your Velocity Member number onto the booking.

Just did 4 flights on SQ and one posted to my account about 2 days after the flight. The rest I have had to claim for.

My Partners flights all got posted 2 days after each flight even when the flight was taken on a Public Holiday.

Earn table off the Velocity Site.

Full Fare Economy:​

• Virgin Australia (Domestic and International Short Haul): Y, N, B, M
• Virgin Australia (International Long Haul): Y, B
• Etihad Airways : Y, B, H, K, M, Q, L, V, U, E
• Singapore Airlines: S, Y, B, E, M, H, W, U, L, K
• Air New Zealand - Trans Tasman: Y, B
• Air New Zealand - Long Haul: Y, B
• Air New Zealand - Domestic New Zealand: Y, B
• Delta Air Lines: Y, B, M
• Virgin America: Y, Z, Q, O, W
• Virgin Atlantic: Y, B

You should earn about 200SC and 13402 Velocity points for this return trip.

 

[Sunburnt]

So this is confirmed then? Everyone agrees that all SQ flts booked with SQ will receive Velocity SCs and points (provided it's an earning fare bucket), regardless of whether the flt is a DJ codeshare or not? Will the Velocity status bonuses be also awarded?

In my experience: yes. We flew on SQ to Europe a few days after the deal came through (on Christmas Day actually) and received both Velocity SCs and FF points. Our tickets were in Economy, not very cheap and netted 140 SCs one way. Keep your boarding passes as we also experienced some issues with delayed crediting (and lost one flight @60 SC and 3,500 points altogether because travel agent had not completely removed TG frequent flyer numbers).

I recently flew to Asia on SQ, and received Velocity SCs and points without problems.

+1 about flying on an eligible fare though. In my case that meant paying AUD140 extra to do so to Asia.

 

[maninblack]

Another example - I'm soon flying SYD-HNL (on HA metal, obviously, in J). I'm a VA Gold, but if I fly on the VA codeshare flight number, I get no lounge access in SYD. If I fly on the HA flight number, I get access to the NZ lounge.

That's absurd. Fancy having the cheek to sell someone an international J ticket but not have any lounge access attached to it. Unfortunately the more closely I look at Virgin the more hollow their offerings appear.

Giving this further thought you are saying that a VA Gold or Platinum member travelling on a VA flight number in Business class has no lounge access at Sydney International. That is a flat out FAIL Virgin.