Virgin Atlantic to restrict SkyTeam Elite Plus entry to Heathrow Clubhouse

Virgin Atlantic has formally joined SkyTeam right now, changing into the alliance’s first UK member service.

Virgin first introduced plans to affix SkyTeam in September final yr, and was formally inaugurated at a signing ceremony in London this morning (March 2).

As a part of the transfer SkyTeam has despatched out a launch detailing what advantages may be anticipated because of Virgin’s inauguration, and one paragraph particularly stands out.

When the information was first introduced final yr, SkyTeam’s CEO Kristin Colvile was requested whether or not Virgin Atlantic’s Heathrow Clubhouse can be made out there to elite SkyTeam members. Her reply on the time was:

“We’re working intently with Virgin Atlantic relating to entry to the Clubhouses. Our ambition is that every one Elite Plus members could have entry to each one of many Clubhouses. We all know that they’re world well-known and can carry important new advantages to the related SkyTeam members.”

Enterprise Traveller had already reported that eligible members of Aeromexico’s Membership Premier loyalty programme can now entry Virgin’s Heathrow Clubhouse, however it appears that evidently there will probably be restricted entry for different elite prospects. SkyTeam confirms that:

“SkyTeam Elite Plus members travelling on Virgin Atlantic, Delta or Aeromexico could have entry to Virgin Atlantic’s famend Clubhouse at London Heathrow, while different SkyTeam Elite Plus members can benefit from their airline-designated lounge at Terminal 3. Elite Plus members may also take pleasure in a community of 750 worldwide airport lounges to select from.”

Be aware additionally that “As per present agreements, Delta Gold Medallion members is not going to have entry to Virgin Atlantic’s Heathrow Clubhouse, until travelling in Virgin Atlantic Higher Class or Delta One”.

In higher information, from right now Virgin Atlantic Flying Membership Gold members obtain SkyPriority airport companies the place out there, and Flying Membership members can now earn and redeem factors on SkyTeam member airways.

Be aware that China Japanese accrual and redemption will probably be out there in July 2023, whereas ITA Airways redemption will probably be out there “later in 2023”.

Commenting on the inauguration Shai Weiss, CEO Virgin Atlantic, mentioned:

“SkyTeam shares a buyer first ethos that mirrors our personal and our entry into the alliance right now marks an vital milestone in reaching our imaginative and prescient to grow to be the most-loved journey firm.

“We need to reward those that select to fly with Virgin Atlantic and our Flying Membership members deserve the perfect loyalty proposition. Our SkyTeam membership affords this by means of a world community of maximised reward alternatives, alongside enhanced companies on the bottom and within the skies.”

In the meantime Patrick Roux, SkyTeam CEO and Managing Director, mentioned:

“We’re delighted to welcome Virgin Atlantic into SkyTeam, taking an already shut relationship to new heights and elevating our buyer providing with extra routes to thrilling locations and entry to aspirational airport lounges – to not point out the airline’s world-famous aptitude.

“The UK is a key marketplace for SkyTeam and with Virgin Atlantic on board, prospects can look ahead to extra alternatives to earn and redeem miles as they fly, having fun with the long-lasting journey expertise that makes our latest member a globally cherished airline.”

skyteam.com, virginatlantic.com