Virgin Atlantic and EL AL are launching a codeshare partnership. From a points perspective, the most exciting development here is the opportunity to redeem another rewards currency on EL AL.
Flying Club adding EL AL awards on June 19, 2024
Virgin Atlantic and EL AL are launching a codeshare partnership, whereby the airlines will place their “code” on flights operated by the other carrier between London (LHR) and Tel Aviv (TLV). EL AL has been operating this route continuously in recent months, while Virgin Atlantic is planning on resuming it as of September 2024, a little under a year after cutting it.
Not only will this open up reciprocal points earning opportunities, but it’ll also open up reciprocal points redemption opportunities. As flagged by Head for Points, as of June 19, 2024, it’ll be possible to redeem Virgin Atlantic Flying Club points for travel on EL AL.
It’s expected that it will be possible to redeem Flying Club points throughout EL AL’s network. We’ll just have to stay tuned to see what redemption rates are like.
Virgin Atlantic Flying Club points are easy to come by, as the program is transfer partners with Amex Membership Rewards, Bilt Rewards, Capital One, Chase Ultimate Rewards, and Citi ThankYou. On top of that, we often see transfer bonuses, so there’s value in making a speculative transfer.
Virgin Atlantic Flying Club really has become an increasingly useful frequent flyer program in recent years. Not only does it allow redemptions on all SkyTeam airlines, but the program also partners with some other unique airlines, like Star Alliance’s All Nippon Airways.
Could this be a good value EL AL redemption?
EL AL doesn’t belong to any of the major global airline alliances, and unfortunately redemption opportunities on the airline are fairly limited.
Currently the best program for booking EL AL awards is Alaska Mileage Plan, as the program has attractive pricing.
While Delta and EL AL have a close partnership, as you’d expect, Delta SkyMiles doesn’t actually offer good value for EL AL redemptions. The same business class award that costs 70,000 Alaska Mileage Plan miles will set you back 320,000 Delta SkyMiles — nice!
While Qantas Frequent Flyer also allows redemptions on EL AL, I find the program doesn’t have access to all award space, especially to and from the United States.
Perhaps the biggest issue with redeeming on EL AL is just how little award space there is, especially in premium cabins. The problem isn’t necessarily the pricing or lack of partners, but rather the lack of award availability.
Bottom line
Virgin Atlantic and EL AL are launching a partnership as of June 19, 2024. In addition to codesharing between London and Tel Aviv, it’ll also be possible to redeem Flying Club points on EL AL. More redemption opportunities are always a good thing, so I look forward to seeing what the pricing is like.
What do you make of the new Virgin Atlantic and EL AL partnership?
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