Hey Everyone. I've been meaning to write about this for some time, but never quite got around to it. I took the world's longest commercial flight on Singapore Airlines (SQ) recently: the non-stop service from Newark (EWR) to Singapore (SIN). I was connecting in SIN on to another destination and was expecting to be able to use the oh-so-plush SQ Kriss Lounge in SIN. Being a Virgin Gold Card member, I'd read on VirginAtlantic.com that:
"Flying Club Gold members travelling on Singapore Airlines in Economy class, can use the Singapore Airlines Raffles (Business) Class check in counters and relax in either their Premier Lounge or the Raffles Class area of Silver Kris Lounges around the world."
Well, SQ wouldn't let me into the Raffles Lounge (the posh one), only the Premier Lounge (more like a service center up the UK's M1).
Very disappointing.
The other sad thing is that Virgin only credits 100% of the mileage, with no Gold bonus (which is awarded only for Virgin flights). If I'd have given one of my Star Alliance frequent flier numbers, I would have received 100% of the mileage flown, with a 100% gold-member mileage bonus. Hmmm...
And to cap it off, Virgin awards only 2 tier points for this 18.5 hour flight, even though the class of service was SQ's Executive Economy - a Premium Economy like product.
Given SQ owns 49% of Virgin and the two airlines claim to have a special relationship, all the above makes me think otherwise.
"Flying Club Gold members travelling on Singapore Airlines in Economy class, can use the Singapore Airlines Raffles (Business) Class check in counters and relax in either their Premier Lounge or the Raffles Class area of Silver Kris Lounges around the world."
Well, SQ wouldn't let me into the Raffles Lounge (the posh one), only the Premier Lounge (more like a service center up the UK's M1).
Very disappointing.
The other sad thing is that Virgin only credits 100% of the mileage, with no Gold bonus (which is awarded only for Virgin flights). If I'd have given one of my Star Alliance frequent flier numbers, I would have received 100% of the mileage flown, with a 100% gold-member mileage bonus. Hmmm...
And to cap it off, Virgin awards only 2 tier points for this 18.5 hour flight, even though the class of service was SQ's Executive Economy - a Premium Economy like product.
Given SQ owns 49% of Virgin and the two airlines claim to have a special relationship, all the above makes me think otherwise.