Virgin Atlantic, whose fortunes have been closely linked in recent years with SkyTeam members Delta and AirFrance/KLM, is tightening the connection by joining the SkyTeam alliance in January.
Virgin, which will be the only UK-based member of SkyTeam, has a joint venture agreement with Delta and AirFrance/KLM on trans-Atlantic routes, allowing them to coordinate fares, routes and revenue among themselves. British Air, American Airlines and Iberia share a similar arrangement.
Joining SkyTeam will result in closer cooperation with SkyTeam’s other members through codeshares, promotion, and for loyalty program members, more access to partner flights. Virgin’s Flying Club members will have access to award flights on, among others, Korean Air, Aeromexico, Air Europa and Vietnam Airlines. They will also be able to take advantage of status-based perks on the partner airlines.
Passengers on Virgin Atlantic may also be in line for some other interesting changes: the airline has agreed to end its gendered uniform policies, allowing flight and cabin crew to wear any of its uniforms it feels comfortable with, whether that means slacks for women or skirts for men. It’s a first among airlines, which for years imposed strict rules on dress, make-up and more.
