Virgin Australia and Singapore Airlines sharing lounges from today

The marriage of Singapore Airlines and Virgin Australia has been consummated today, with customers given access to both airlines' lounges, and both airlines able to issue tickets for each other's flights.

From today, Singapore Airlines customers are able to connect to Virgin Australia's destinations on one ticket, including coordinated terminal transfers and inflight entertainment and meals at no cost.

Reciprocal lounge access for eligible Singapore Airlines and Virgin Australia customers is also being offered from today.

Singapore Airlines’ KrisFlyer Elite Gold and PPS Club members will have access to Virgin Australia’s six domestic lounges when travelling on Virgin Australia flights.

Virgin Australia’s Velocity Gold members will also have access to Singapore Airlines-operated lounges in 14 cities when travelling with Singapore Airlines.

It's a huge boost in value to the Velocity Rewards program against Qantas Frequent Flyer, which is particularly strong due to its combination of local and international benefits.

The alliance still has to get formal sign-off by the ACCC and Singapore's regulator, which will unlock other benefits such as codeshared flights, coordinated schedules, and joint sales and marketing. A decision is expected by the end of the year.

danwarne