VIRGIN Atlantic has joined SkyTeam. That means VS, a smaller airline that has always punched above its weight, is swimming among some of the biggest fishes in a big pond.
SkyTeam (like oneworld and Star Alliance) is an alliance of like-minded airlines, working together to power a seamless travel experience across the globe.
SkyTeam opens up a network of over 1000 destinations and clients who are members of Flying Club will be able to earn and redeem Virgin points when they fly with any airline in the SkyTeam family.
SkyTeam’s membership is anchored by the giant carriers Delta Air Lines, Air France, KLM and Korean Air, plus China Airlines (Taipei) and China Eastern. Other carriers in the alliance are AeroMexico, Aerolineas Argentinas, Air Europa, Czech Airlines, Garuda Indonesia, ITA Airways, Kenya Airways, Middle Eastern Airlines, Saudia, Tarom, Vietnam Airlines and Xiamen Air.
One advantage of Virgin’s membership is that agents can book their passengers’ entire trip on member airlines on one ticket, with baggage checked through all the way to the final destination. Other benefits are priority boarding, extra baggage allowance and lounge access. Flying Club Gold members and members travelling in first and business class on SkyTeam airlines can access more than 750 lounges worldwide.
Tier benefits
Flying Club Gold members will enjoy Elite Plus status when flying with any SkyTeam airline. Flying Club Silver members will have access to Elite benefits.
SkyPriority
As part of SkyTeam, Virgin can now offer Flying Club members in business or first on a SkyTeam member, access to the time-saving service SkyPriority at more than 970 airports worldwide. It’s also available for Gold members in any cabin. “Customers simply need to keep an eye out for the red SkyPriority signs that guide them through airports with speed and ease. From priority check-in, boarding and baggage handling, to priority lanes at ticket offices, transfer desks, security and immigration – it’s all seamless,” says VS.
“For Red and Silver Flying Club members, where SkyPriority benefits are not part of SkyTeam Elite benefits, they can enjoy them if they fly in business class or first class with a SkyTeam airline.”
