Emirates

Hello all

I'm not sure if this is a silly question, but:

I'm flying to Colombo from LHR with Emirates via Dubai. I understand there is a link between Virgin and Emirates? Can I use my Virgin airmiles to upgrade my ticket? And can I collect Virgin airmiles?

If the answer to the above questions is no, can I 'buy' entry to the Virgin clubhouse at LHR using my miles even though I'm flying Emirates?

All advice appreciated!

Thanks

R

I believe the answer to both your questions is "no".

No to all questions. There is no 'link' between Emirates and VS.

EK only has a very limited range of partner airlines:

Japan Airlines
Jet Airways
Kingfisher Airlines
Korean Air
South African Airways

If you sign up for EK's own FFP 'Skywards', they give you some bonus points depending on the cabin of your first flight - e.g. an economy return earns you a bonus 2500 miles, and more for business or first.

I did that route many times last year. The EK lounge is quite good at LHR... more than passable food on the buffet and a self service bar with nice wines etc.
The lounge in DXB is akin to a dentist's waiting room. At a busy dentist. Albeit one with a free buffet and bar and so on.
And the lounge in CMB is a shared lounge with a paltry selection of food and beverage, but still beats the terminal.
As for the flights - try and pick flights between LHR and DXB that take you on the A380. For the DXB to CMB sectors you'll most likely be on a 777, and then your mileage will vary in J... some a/c don't even have an F, but I think Y is pretty much the same on most a/c. (10 abreast, sadly - which is why the A380 is better if you can get on that).
The IFE has pretty much the same content between "ICE" and "ICE Widescreen", in spite of them giving the widescreen version the big-up.
Of course - you've probably got your flights booked already, so this is likely irrelevant information for you

& exit row seating is available with no additional charge in Y - subject to availability.

Thanks for the info Mr T and Scally - very helpful. It's a night flight on the way out too, so may have to dig deep I guess!