VS Gold can no longer use Delta One dedicated check in @JFK

It seems Virgin Gold flyers can no longer use the dedicated Delta /Virgin priority check-in and security channel at JFK, unless actually flying Upper Class.

A real shame as this was one of the perks of being AU -bring able to use it regardless if if you were Premium or whatever that trip.

The people at the entrance told me it changed in October..? I'm a Lifer on Virgin and would love for that perk to be reinstated.

(Can Delta's elite Platinum flyers use the dedicated virgin channel at LHR, regardless of ticket class?)

I am not surprised, the last couple of times I was there is was very busy getting though and I guess with it dropping you straight into the delta one lounge they dont want to many people up there.

Delta Sky Miles Diamond and Platinum can use the Virgin Wing.

I am not surprised, the last couple of times I was there is was very busy getting though and I guess with it dropping you straight into the delta one lounge they dont want to many people up there.

Delta Sky Miles Diamond and Platinum can use the Virgin Wing.

Umm, it doesn't actually drop you directly into the Delta One lounge. Yes it's a very close/easy connection but you still have to qualify for entry to that, quite separately from the private check in/ security lane.

My question was on LHR dedicated Virgin security channel. If Delta elites are able to use that private channel, regardless of ticket class (?) then why isn't it reciprocal for Virgin Gold flyers in NYC to use the Delta channel?

I personally don't love the Delta One lounge. It's too big and far too full of domestic Delta flyers for me. I know I'm in the minority, but... I actually prefer the Virgin lounge at JFK!

[mitchja]

This does sound a bit counterintuitive as one of the benefits of VS Gold is 'Upper Class check in at all other airports for everyone on your booking when flying in any cabin'. It's mentioned here.

My first question would be where are VS Gold FC members who are not flying Upper Class supposed to check-in then at JFK (if this is indeed a new policy) because as far as I'm aware VS have no other Upper Class check-in at JFK do they? I know they did whilst the DL One check-in Wing was being improved/renovated but I think that was only a temporary measure?

You really need to raise this with VS as to me this just sounds like an overzealous DL agent not knowing partner airline policies - which happens at lot with DL unfortunately.

Thanks James,

Unfortunately not an 'over zealous' agent - Virgin Au's are denied entry to that channel unless flying UC.

There is a single Upper Class check in desk in the general VS area, that I imagine they are redirecting pax to. Flying again tomorrow night, family of 3 with miles Economy seats, so will double check, but the rebuffal last time was very firm. I'm lifetime Au, but don't think it changes anything. (have loyally been in FC for 30 years now!)

My question remains as to whether this is reciprocal or not? Can a Delta Platinum flying Economy/PE from LHR>USA check in at a LHR UC desk and use Virgin's private security channel, or not? If they can, then the reciprocal really should be allowed, for sure. Or does Delta not believe in a fair and equal playing field?

Ps: is there a good VS email to enquire on this?
The online chat portal is useless to get to a human being.

My question remains as to whether this is reciprocal or not? Can a Delta Platinum flying Economy/PE from LHR>USA check in at a LHR UC desk and use Virgin's private security channel, or not? If they can, then the reciprocal really should be allowed, for sure. Or does Delta not believe in a fair and equal playing field?

Based on my experience earlier this year in MCO, it is "one rule for Delta passengers" and whatever they want for non-Delta passengers.

Tried to get into the MCO Sky Club as a VS UC passenger & FC Gold. There were lots of delayed DL internal flights - mostly to ATL. Delta had deployed a "lounge dragon" at terminal ground level to restrict entrance to the lounge. The queue she was manning had two lanes - general lounge entry & Delta One priority.

I tried to join the Delta One priority lane on the basis that VS UC = Delta One & I am FC Gold. The "little old bag" Delta had deployed [most polite, albeit accurate description I can come up with] asked to see my boarding pass. She took one glance and said "you're not on a Delta operated flight, normal line". Took over 30mins to get into the lounge via the normal line - and when in there were a LOT of unoccupied seats - many in groups of two or more.

I do wish Virgin would reciprocate this treatment to Delta Elites at Heathrow - there would be complaints galore.

Was checking in at LHR Gold line yesterday, and they confirmed that Delta eiites can use the Virgin Gold check in and private security channel, whatever class they are flying. So this really needs to be reciprocated at JFK.
Does anyone from vs pay attention to this forum or are we just an echo chamber?!

(Understand that you should not use your virgin gold status to access that channel and then check into a Delta economy flight, but that is not what is happening here: you cannot use that check-in/security as a gold flyer in PE/Ec on Virgin metal)

[mitchja]

I suspect this comes down to the differing FF status tiers as VS Gold is really only equivalent to DL Gold which in reality doesn't get you very much. DL have 2 extra advertised tiers above Gold; Platinum and Dimond. VS don't have those tier levels, however, VS are including those 2 DL tier levels in their entry criteria for the Upper Class Wing but don't allow access to DL Gold card holders.

I'm guessing DL also don't allow access to any other ST Elite+ status flyers either?

Just to update this:

Apparently some VS Gold's were using the channel to check in for Delta's Domestic flights, of whatever ticket class, That annoyed Delta agents there, hence the rule change. Technically that was allowed then, but: no more.

I get that, but surely just allow VS Golds to use the channel when travelling on a VS flight, regardless of class, as Au benefits clearly state?

Then simply: no entry for VS Gold's when travelling on a Delta domestic flight (unless 'Delta One' of course)

Delta Elite's can use Virgin's LHR private channel when flying in PE or Ec, so there needs to be reciprocity here. Or clamp down at Heathrow... though that seems petty.

[mitchja]

Thanks for the update. Do we know if these rules are actually published anywhere?

I’m flying VS Upper Class / Delta First next week LHR>JFK>FLL so wondering if I’ll be able to use the DL wing to connect? The downstairs connection entrance is always closed at JFK T4 so you end up having to use standard security. I will have luggage but that gets dropped off downstairs at the DL transfer desk but would still like to use the DL Wing security if possible.

Hey James,

By 'Delta First' you mean Delta One? If so, I think yes you should be able to use that dedicated check in line, as that front-of-plane Delta One pax is precisely who it's for. Plus of course use the Delta One lounge. Be interested to hear what you think of that (big, often crowded, good food, tho' a bit souless for my taste. Ymmv!)

Virgin Au's are indeed supposed to be able to use Gold check-in regarless of travel class: here
Delta's argument would be that they can use the one single Gold counter in regular check in area, not the Delta One/VS Upper area, which is splitting hairs, and... not what Delta flyers can do at LHR - they can use the VS dedicated Upper Class elevator/channel/ security, regardless of class of travel. So its unbalanced.

Just make it so Virgin Golds can use the dedicated Delta One/ Virgin channel if flying Virgin! (i.e. not Delta domestic)

[mitchja]

It's just standard Delta First Class though all booked on VS 932 ticket stock as a return 'Upper Class' revenue booking (Z outbound, I inbound). LHR>JFK>FLL return.

So I'm totally confused now?

This whole Delta One / Delta First Class marketing difference (though sold on the same fare codes) is an utter mess that DL really need to get to grips with. This was my whole issue with my recent HNL return flight getting the correct tier points out of VS as it was Delta One outbound and Delta First Class on the return on DL's domestic LAX>HNL and HNL>SEA routes even though the fare codes where the same in both directions on the same booking/ticket stock. VS initially only award me 100 TP's one way and 40 TP's the other After a fare amount of pushing back, VS finally caved in and awarded me 100TP's each way.

Yes, I can use the Delta lounge as DL publish entry requirements and connecting to or from a VS Upper Class flight does gain entry. The Delta One Lounge of JFK is 'OK'. Crowded but has much better showers than the VS Clubhouse.

Having used them all now (apart from BOS) Delta One lounges just feel like semi-formal restaurants to me as opposed to relaxing airline lounges.

Having used them all now (apart from BOS) Delta One lounges just feel like semi-formal restaurants to me as opposed to relaxing airline lounges.

Good description! Tallies with my feeling exactly.

#1 is still Virgin at LHR - it sets the bar, despite its age.
It was so groundbreaking that it kicked off the whole 'Lounge Wars' currently ongoing in USA w Amex/Delta/Capital One/United/Chase slugging it out)

I remember going into Delta's old JFK lounge just a few years ago and laughing at the sad food offering and plastic shrink wrapped apples.
They had to step it up to keep in the game.

It's just standard Delta First Class though all booked on VS 932 ticket stock as a return 'Upper Class' revenue booking (Z outbound, I inbound). LHR>JFK>FLL return.

So I'm totally confused now?

This whole Delta One / Delta First Class marketing difference (though sold on the same fare codes) is an utter mess that DL really need to get to grips with. This was my whole issue with my recent HNL return flight getting the correct tier points out of VS as it was Delta One outbound and Delta First Class on the return on DL's domestic LAX>HNL and HNL>SEA routes even though the fare codes where the same in both directions on the same booking/ticket stock. VS initially only award me 100 TP's one way and 40 TP's the other After a fare amount of pushing back, VS finally caved in and awarded me 100TP's each way.

Yes, I can use the Delta lounge as DL publish entry requirements and connecting to or from a VS Upper Class flight does gain entry. The Delta One Lounge of JFK is 'OK'. Crowded but has much better showers than the VS Clubhouse.

Having used them all now (apart from BOS) Delta One lounges just feel like semi-formal restaurants to me as opposed to relaxing airline lounges.

I did LHR-JFK-RIc in upper and then first without any problems and the same on the way back, was able to use the channel and then the delta one lounge without a problem,

[mitchja]

Thanks. Fingers crossed on Sunday when I fly.

[mitchja]

No issues what so ever using the Delta One Wing today after an insanely quick VS3 flight which landed over 90mins early! Currently sat in the Delta One lounge which is pretty calm and not too busy today for a change.

Both boarding passes were needed for entry to both though.

I did LHR-JFK-RIc in upper and then first without any problems and the same on the way back, was able to use the channel and then the delta one lounge without a problem,

Be interested to hear from a VS Gold flyer being able to use the Delta One JFK channel when flying on a VS PE or Economy ticket? That's the rub here!

Never was any problem using this when flying UC on VS - otherwise why even bother to have any Virgin check-in desks there?!!

I did LHR-JFK-RIc in upper and then first without any problems and the same on the way back, was able to use the channel and then the delta one lounge without a problem,

Be interested to hear from a VS Gold flyer being able to use the Delta One JFK channel when flying on a VS PE or Economy ticket? That's the rub here!

Never was any problem using this when flying UC on VS - otherwise why even bother to have any Virgin check-in desks there?!!

Hey Guys, was meant to reply to this at the weekend but its been a busy week, I did the US last week, in on Monday and out on Friday, coming in on Monday was a nightmare, Global entry closed and the delta one dedicated check in closed completly, was sent down to the normal lines and nearly missed the connection,

Coming back Friday and i left JFK we i landed to meet a friend for lunch, when i went back i thought it would still be the same problems but Delta one check in was open, the security lane was closed but as you get down to the door for it a member of delta takes you to the front of the normal TSA lines so its not to bad, only took about 15 minutes,

Thanks for the various updates. Good to know its coming back on stream.

No worries about any replies here, but to be clear this thread was outlining how you can not use Delta One dedicated check in at JFK as a VS Gold flyer **if not in Upper** UC ticket holders can use, but the rule is/was that Au's flying Premium or Economy could use it, but Delta are not honoring to that anymore. All very one-sided, as they can use LHR check-in & dedicated security for equivalent Delta status. Sigh.

(and no Delta One lounge, that was always off the table)