Virgin Airlines Enhance FFP Options

Sir Richard Branson this week announced at the National Business Travel Association International Convention and Exposition that the Virgin airlines – Virgin Atlantic Airways, Virgin America and V Australia / Virgin Blue are teaming up to offer each airline’s loyalty program members the opportunity to earn miles or points when taking flights on their sister-branded airlines.

Passengers on Virgin Atlantic, Virgin America, and V Australia / Virgin Blue are now all eligible to earn miles or points for their flights that can later be redeemed under any of the carrier’s frequent flyer programs. The reciprocal agreements enable Virgin Atlantic’s Flying Club members to earn Flying Club miles/status points; Virgin America’s Elevate members to earn Elevate points; and V Australia / Virgin Blue Velocity members to earn Velocity points – wherever they are flying on a Virgin-branded carrier around the world.

Virgin Atlantic Flying Club members and V Australia / Virgin Blue Velocity members can now also redeem their miles on either of the airlines. V Australia / Virgin Blue Velocity members and Virgin America Elevate members will be eligible to spend their miles or points to fly on either airline as of the fourth quarter of 2010. Virgin Atlantic Flying Club members and Virgin America Elevate members will be eligible to spend their miles or points on either airline as of the second quarter of 2011.

To celebrate, each Virgin airline is offering members who fly with at least two of the four Virgin branded airlines between now and 31 December 2011, the chance to win a week holiday in the British Virgin Islands on Sir Richard Branson’s private island Necker.

"We always strive to offer Virgin Atlantic’s Flying Club members easier ways to earn miles and better rewards. I am sure that earning and redeeming on all Virgin airlines worldwide will be highly valued by our members. This new frequent flyer program further allows us to reward travelers who prefer to fly with, and remain loyal to, the Virgin branded airlines and we hope this offers an added incentive to do so," said Steve Ridgway, Chief Executive of Virgin Atlantic.

This new opportunity gives added value to the already existing program that was launched in June of 2009 allowing V Australia guests to earn Elevate points for the Virgin America leg of their journey and offering Virgin Atlantic and V Australia passengers to earn on each other. This followed Virgin Atlantic and Virgin Blue‘s similar arrangement that began in 2008.

In addition, Virgin America and Virgin Atlantic have negotiated and signed an international one-way interline agreement offering seamless travel on the networks of each carrier. For bookings and travel beginning in September 2010, guests will be able to book a single ticket and check their bags through to their final Virgin destination when traveling on both carriers if they book through Virgin Atlantic (via call center) or travel agent. Virgin America launched a U.S.-Australia interline arrangement with V Australia / Virgin Blue in June 2009. Virgin Atlantic and V Australia / Virgin Blue also have an interline agreement in place.

See other recent news regarding: Airlines, Airports, Awards, Flights, Codeshare, Lounges, First Class, Business Class, MICE, GDS, Rewards, Miles, Hotels, Apartments, Promotions, Spas, Yoga, Retreat, New Hotels, Traffic, Visitor Arrivals, Cruises, Free Deals, Videos, Virgin, FFP