Virgin Australia codeshares with Virgin Atlantic for London flights
By David Flynn, May 1 2018
Virgin Australia travellers to Hong Kong and Los Angeles will now have the option to continue to London with Virgin Atlantic under a codeshare partnership between the two Branson-backed airlines.
Those flights on Virgin Atlantic will also see passengers pick up Velocity frequent flyer points and status credits, and enjoy perks such as Clubhouse lounge access at London and LAX if they hold Velocity Gold or Platinum status.
However, lounge options at Hong Kong before you head to London or Los Angeles are limited to business class passengers, who can access the airport's Plaza Premium Lounge.
There's nothing for Velocity Gold and Platinum members – which is another instance where an American Express Platinum Charge Card, Business Platinum Card or Corporate Platinum Card issued directly by AMEX will come in handy, because it opens the doors at Hong Kong's excellent Centurion Lounge.
Shai Weiss, Chief Commercial Officer at Virgin Atlantic, says the codeshare arrangement "will streamline the travel experience by providing a single check-in and baggage drop for the entire journey."
Virgin Atlantic currently has a daily service from Hong Kong to London and up to three daily services from Los Angeles, all flying its Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner with 'Upper Class' business class and an inflight bar.
What's it like to fly Virgin Atlantic business class from Hong Kong to London? Read our review
The Hong Kong-London connection is expected to prove especially popular on the back of Virgin Australia's Melbourne-Hong Kong and, starting July 2, Sydney-Hong Kong flights.
AusBT reader contest: Win a business class trip to Hong Kong with Virgin Australia
There'll be quite a stopover on the Virgin-branded Kangaroo Route, with Virgin Australia's flights to Hong Kong arriving 5.40pm from Sydney and, under a revised schedule, at 8.10am from Melbourne – while Virgin Atlantic's flight VS207 is wheels-up from Hong Kong at almost midnight.
However, there are far worse places in the world to have such a long transit break, with this vibrant city barely a half-hour away on the fast Airport Express rail service.
David Flynn is the Editor-in-Chief of Executive Traveller and a bit of a travel tragic with a weakness for good coffee, shopping and lychee martinis.
25 Feb 2013
Total posts 61
Great! What an option. My only suggestion is to pack an extra set of clothes. I did a long layover in HK once in June, and was so sweaty when I got back that I had to buy a whole new outfit in Zara for getting back on the plane.
24 Oct 2010
Total posts 2563
Sage advice, although an excuse to shop at Zara is never a bad thing. But yes, if I've got a day in Hong Kong most times of the year (or Singapore any time of the year) I'll make sure my carry-on bag has a change of clothes and get to the airport lounge in ample time for a shower.
Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards
20 Jan 2016
Total posts 59
Any indication of what lounge Velocity FF will access in HK if flying onto LHR? Velocity site has not been updated to include this at this time.
Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards
14 Mar 2017
Total posts 152
One assumes it's the same one used by the Melbourne flights... https://www.executivetraveller.com/photos-virgin-australia-gets-new-hong-kong-airport-lounge
08 Feb 2018
Total posts 165
The HKG airport hotel is also a great way to spend 8-12 hours on a long layover. A swim, gym, some food and a little rest really help make the journey comfortable.
Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards
23 Apr 2018
Total posts 1
this is welcome news for VA. i just did a search for a trip i already have booked with BA, and its close to $600 cheaper on V Atlantic...
24 Aug 2011
Total posts 1224
This is good news for VA and VS. I assume the politics in sorting this has been pretty fraught with approvals required from Branson, Delta (who basically control VS and fortunately really likes VA), SQ and EY, the latter two being VA shareholders who until now were the only ones using VA codes into Europe.
United Airlines - Mileage Plus
29 Jan 2011
Total posts 157
When is the SYD-HKG-LHR code share arrangement between VA & VS going to start?
23 May 2014
Total posts 118
Great news - really like that there is both the HKG and the LAX option (and assume this can be done as a mini RTW on one ticket too). No worries re the length of stopover in HKG - enough time and right timing for a quick trip in to the city for dinner. The Virgin Clubhouse in London is a fantastic way to start the trip back.
04 May 2018
Total posts 43
When they sell through tickets in all classes from OZ-UK& v.v. life will be so much easier!
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
06 Jun 2017
Total posts 1
You can already buy through tickets through travel agents fyi
24 Apr 2014
Total posts 269
Can't understand why this was not done as soon as VA planes stopped flying to Sydney.
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