How does the Flying Club system actually work?

[mitchja]

I've often wondered about Flying Club (and other frequent flyer programs) on how they actually work [?]

Is it a fully-automated system or does someone have to manually add each transaction to your account when you earn or spend miles?

I've only ever had 1 VS PE flight that didn't appear on my account for earning but after a phone call to FC the miles/tier points were added with no problems.

When I made my last reward booking on-line the miles where decucted instantly from my account.

I have also noticed that BD and AW flight earnings are now appearing on my account a lot quicker than they used to.

Regards

James

I'd imagine it's fully automated with the provision for manual overrides/additions and mileage partner systems having a gateway to "speak" to VS.

Deductions for miles upgrades have been made immediately from my account too.

Flights on VS metal have been fine for automatic crediting with one or two exceptions when I've used miles to upgrade (oh, and I do wish they'd make clear that Retail Therapy miles credit in the month following the flight). Partner mileage programs have been sloooow to credit but have come through eventually, and IMHO that's been down to the sending end.

The most problems I've had have been with getting miles credited automatically has been with DL flights - usually involves a manual claim. Judging from the experience I had in the US recently, I'm wondering how much of that is down to the check-in agents not being aware of VS as a mileage partner and possibly entering the FC details incorrectly? [?]

Cheers

Michael

[Nottingham Nick]

I echo Michael's comments.

The whole system seems to be a WHOLE lot faster and more efficient than it was a few years back.

Virgin flights, credit card points and deductions seem to appear almost immediately and must be fully computerised.

Partner points are still a bit hit and miss, but agian, a lot better than they used to be.

Nick

[mitchja]

I have to say - as of today all my partner airline earnings (BMI and A/West - even my Starwood points transfer) have been credited to my FC for my recent trip to SFO/LAS. Just my retail Therapy spend to come now (which I know wont be for a few weeks yet)

How's that for great service

Regards