Virgin Atlantic / Delta - latest news / Q&A on website 6/13

[Nottingham Nick]

New splash on website June 2013 here - http://www.virgin-atlantic.com/gb/en/tr ... lines.html

Talks about 'within 12 months' as a timescale for the strategic alliance to be approved by the DOT.

Nick

Interesting response to the London Clubhouse access question. Presumably that's saying that Delta elite *status* members would get access to the CH when flying on VS metal in PE or Economy, rather than hordes of Delta business class passengers being trucked between T4 and T3?

I am not exactly over the moon about this. But that could be my prejudice towards American Airlines in general as to me they appear a bit "cheap". Their metallic plans don't inspire much confidence.
I am sceptical but will be watching this space with interest.
Didn't virgin have some kind of alliance with SQ? IMO that would be a better alliance.
Interested to hear others take on this.

I
Didn't virgin have some kind of alliance with SQ? IMO that would be a better alliance.

Yes they did. Until SQ sold their 49% stake to DL !

And I've done a couple of flights on DL and had no issues with them at all - in fact was very impressed.

Did A couple of TRs too - DL 148 and DL 149

Hi Tontybear
Interesting! I know it's prejudice on my part
How do I find your TRs?

DL148 and DL149

Thanks Tontybear
I will have a read.

DL148 and DL149

Thanks for the TRs
Certainly a good read
Still not too sure lol

I am not exactly over the moon about this. But that could be my prejudice towards American Airlines in general as to me they appear a bit "cheap". Their metallic plans don't inspire much confidence.
I am sceptical but will be watching this space with interest.
Didn't virgin have some kind of alliance with SQ? IMO that would be a better alliance.
Interested to hear others take on this.

American Airlines or American airlines?

Delta doesn't have metallic 'planes...

Hi Sealink
I seee. Only AA has metallic planes ? I didn't realise
Not sure what it is, perception I guess.
I flew US Airways once and while to be fair it was no worse than others I have flown on it just didn't feel cool. If that even makes sense. God I sound a bit snotty.
Apologies!
Maybe I should buy the "upper class tastes economy class pocket" luggage tags lol

I know what you mean - I am wary of any US airline... not sure why!

I know what you mean - I am wary of any US airline... not sure why!

That's a relief.
I was beginning to wonder if it was just me lol

I am not exactly over the moon about this. But that could be my prejudice towards American Airlines in general as to me they appear a bit "cheap". Their metallic plans don't inspire much confidence.
I am sceptical but will be watching this space with interest.
Didn't virgin have some kind of alliance with SQ? IMO that would be a better alliance.
Interested to hear others take on this.

American Airlines or American airlines?

Delta doesn't have metallic 'planes...

I am pretty sure they are made from metal !

I am not exactly over the moon about this. But that could be my prejudice towards American Airlines in general as to me they appear a bit "cheap". Their metallic plans don't inspire much confidence.
I am sceptical but will be watching this space with interest.
Didn't virgin have some kind of alliance with SQ? IMO that would be a better alliance.
Interested to hear others take on this.

American Airlines or American airlines?

Delta doesn't have metallic 'planes...

I am pretty sure they are made from metal !

Lol lol
I know but I just meant that the AA planes don't appear painted unless they are meant to look metallic so to me they look like 1950s planes etc

Lol lol
I know but I just meant that the AA planes don't appear painted unless they are meant to look metallic so to me they look like 1950s planes etc

They are painted that way, planes are made from aluminium which goes a dull colour due to a layer of oxide that builds up. The wings aren't painted and so aren't shiny.

Edit: I'm going to correct myself here, wings are painted, apparently dull grey to stop reflections.

Lol lol
I know but I just meant that the AA planes don't appear painted unless they are meant to look metallic so to me they look like 1950s planes etc

They are painted that way, planes are made from aluminium which goes a dull colour due to a layer of oxide that builds up. The wings aren't painted and so aren't shiny.

Edit: I'm going to correct myself here, wings are painted, apparently dull grey to stop reflections.

I seee! I didn't know!
It started my prejudice towards not flying on what I thought were somehow a really old fleet of planes
Ooops

New splash on website June 2013 here - http://www.virgin-atlantic.com/gb/en/tr ... lines.html

Talks about 'within 12 months' as a timescale for the strategic alliance to be approved by the DOT.

Nick

Thanks for posting. It doesn't seem to have much new news on there, as I believe they're still awaiting the OK from the US DOT and the EU?

Unsurprisingly, DL's Gold equivalent passengers travelling in Y/PE on VS metal from T3 will get access to the Clubhouse, which is bound to increase bums on seats. I can't see too many DL customers choosing DL over VS metal particularly in PE unless there are significant frequent flier program benefits of using DL metal (perhaps they can redeem upgrades on DL metal?)

In the medium term, it's a bit of a concern that DL and VS might co-habit at LHR, which means that DL passengers will swamp the Clubhouse as I can't see there being a Clubhouse and Skyclub in the same terminal.

I hope that the VS JFK clubhouse is restricted to people on VS operated flights, as otherwise it'll be jammed.

I hope that the VS JFK clubhouse is restricted to people on VS operated flights, as otherwise it'll be jammed.

Don't bet on it. v(