This post contains references to products from one or more of our advertisers. We may receive compensation when you click on links to those products. For an explanation of our Advertising Disclosure, visit this page.
Virgin Atlantic is now part of the SkyTeam airline alliance, providing international travelers more options to earn miles and elite status. Becoming a full-fledged SkyTeam partner builds on the carrier’s ongoing partnership with Delta Air Lines and Air France-KLM. Here are some of the coming fruits this relationship will bear.
Virgin Atlantic Joins SkyTeam: More Ways to Earn Virgin Points
In addition to being able to reach over 1,000 destinations on the same ticket, it’s now possible to earn Virgin Points when flying with the various SkyTeam alliance members:
- Aerolineas Argentinas
- Aeromexico
- Air Europa
- Air France
- China Airlines
- China Eastern
- Czech Airlines
- Delta
- Garuda Indonesia
- ITA Airways
- Kenya Airways
- KLM
- Korean Air
- Middle East Airlines
- Saudia
- TAROM
- Vietnam Airlines
- Xiamen Air
You can read more about using miles and gaining exclusive perks in the best airline miles credit cards review.
Distance-Based Award Charts
There’s another factor to consider regarding Virgin Atlantic joining SkyTeam news. You can book SkyTeam award flights using a distance-based award chart. For example, a flight between 501 and 1,000 miles can only require 7,000 points to fly in economy.
Another option is a one-way flight for 15,000 points on Delta Air Lines in the main cabin from New York to London (additional fees and surcharges apply).
You can also redeem the miles you earn by flying on SkyTeam partners for Virgin-operated flights as well. However, you should pay attention to fuel surcharges on long-haul flights as they may bring your costs up quite drastically.
Depending on the partner airline, you can book flights online but may need to make a phone call to secure your slot. The online-booking partners include Air France-KLM, Delta, China Airlines, Korean Air, Middle East Airlines, and Xiamen Air. More details are available here.
SkyTeam Elite Status Match
Virgin Atlantic elite status members have similar SkyTeam loyalty status for additional benefits like preferred seats, additional checked bags, SkyPriority, and lounge access on international flights. Silver Flying Elites automatically qualify for SkyTeam Elite. Gold Elites receive SkyTeam Elite Plus.
Related: Rewards Cards With Airport Lounge Access and Travel Benefits
Summary
Virgin Atlantic is a popular airline to fly between the United States and the United Kingdom for a trip to London or as a stopover during a European tour. If you’re loyal to the SkyTeam brands, this partnership adds another tool to your travel kit.