Delta, Virgin Atlantic to Launch Code-Sharing on July 3

Delta Air Lines and Virgin Atlantic Airways will begin code-sharing on 17 Virgin Atlantic flights and 91 Delta flights, including both transatlantic and domestic U.S. routes, on July 3.

The partnership will offer 30 peak-day flights from North America to the U.K., including 23 to London’s Heathrow airport.

The announcement followed Delta’s acquisition of a 49% stake in the U.K. carrier after the deal cleared final regulatory hurdles.

Frequent flyer perks
Delta’s BusinessElite passengers and its SkyMiles Diamond, Platinum and Gold Medallion members will have access to priority check-in, boarding, baggage handling and additional baggage allowance on all flights operated by Delta and Virgin Atlantic worldwide, not just those that are part of the code-share agreement.

The same is true for Virgin’s Upper Class passengers and Flying Club Gold members.

The partnership also will offer reciprocal airport lounge access.

Awaiting DOT review
Delta, Virgin Atlantic, Air France-KLM and Alitalia filed an application with the U.S. Department of Transportation for antitrust immunity that would allow a closer relationship and the ability to cooperate on the parties’ operations on routes between North America and the U.K.

The application is currently under review by the DOT. The carriers anticipate a decision during the third quarter of this year.

Delta said the ultimate goal is to provide joint customer contracting.

Virgin Atlantic has avoided joining any of the three major airline alliances, but in recent days various executives have said it may make sense to join SkyTeam in the future.