Virgin Not Joining SkyTeam for Now

Reported here. So, if we get reciprocity on status with DL as well as miles and TPs that's OK for me, if not then it really is disappointing.

It is a bit disappointing. I was hoping that the shifting of the qualification goal posts was to align a bit more with the Skyteam FFPs and give status recognition on other carriers.

Interesting... I wonder how long not for now is?

My guess is once the JV is approved we will see the focus shift from that to Skyteam. IMHO its a matter of when, not if.

Meh, for now...

Can't do everything at once now can we. All in due time I say, it is a smart move for VS to combat the rising competition after all and they have to see that.

I've noticed a few blogs / articles recently questioning what airlines get out of alliances. Maybe more aviation changes afoot.

My take is that the JV with DL is crucial.

The need to get the airline set up to offer connections in a painless manner for the customer. At the moment if I want to fly LON - New Orleans for example, this involves a very lengthy and sometimes painful phone call to an agent who often has to ask other airlines such as JetBlue to 'release seats' etc. I've had to wait 24 hours for a call back from reservations before because they can't issue the ticket there and then.

Compare this to the BA online experience. Connecting options via Dallas with AA online, bookable in a few clicks.

If VS can get this experience up and running and also offer Little Red domestic connections e.g. EDI-LHR-JFK-TPA on a seamless connection, this will help massively.

I've noticed a few blogs / articles recently questioning what airlines get out of alliances. Maybe more aviation changes afoot.

Wouldn't the simple one stop shop be enough of an enticement as opposed to having to draw up a ton of route/code/FF sharing agreements?

If VS can get this experience up and running and also offer Little Red domestic connections e.g. EDI-LHR-JFK-TPA on a seamless connection, this will help massively.

VS IT and website can't seem to manage anything other than the most basic booking, you think that this will happen in our lifetime?? It took them weeks to change a line of text for example!!!

Ever the optimist 8D

I think this decision is prudent.

This year Virgin Atlantic is:
-launching Little Red
-starting up the Delta JV
-restructuring some operations to return to profitability

That's quite a lot that needs careful planning, and the loss is a problem that requires much time to fix. Joining alliances are known to be very time and money consuming: changing the FFP, liveries, branding, IT systems, transfer facilities, lounges, etc., etc. Quite a headache!

It is therefore wise to focus on those other events this year before investing in an alliance in a year or two, so that profitability can be attained as soon as possible, and the benefits reaped. The Delta JV and domestic ops both need time to mature.

But staying unaligned doesn't rule out other deals (I'm still pining for Etihad! lol).