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Fellow SkyTeam alliance members Virgin Atlantic and China Eastern have inked a codeshare agreement. Now, the doors are open to expanded international connectivity beyond London (LHR) and Shanghai (PVG), reciprocal elite benefits, and future mileage redemption opportunities.
Here's all you need to know about the new partnership between Virgin Atlantic and China Eastern.
New Virgin Atlantic and China Eastern Codeshare Agreement
The codeshare partnership launched on January 30, 2024, with the first phase focused on adding Virgin's flight code to a handful of China Eastern's routes out of Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG). With tickets actively on sale, travelers flying from London Heathrow (LHR) to PVG on Virgin Atlantic can now connect onwards to five destinations serviced by China Eastern:
- Chengdu (TFU)
- Changsha (CSX)
- Qingdao (TAO)
- Shenzhen (SZX)
- Xi’an (XIY)
Related: Overlooking Virgin Atlantic Flying Club Can Be Costly
China Eastern passengers also will be able to connect to Virgin Atlantic flights out of London Heathrow (LHR). Assuming the U.K. government gives the go-ahead, ticket sales will commence, and the following destinations will feature the China Eastern code:
- Montego Bay (MBJ)
- Nassau (NAS)
- Lagos (LOS)
- Cape Town (CPT)
- Johannesburg (JNB)
In Virgin Atlantic's press release announcing the agreement, the carrier notes that Flying Club members can earn Virgin points and tier points on China Eastern flights. However, the airline hasn't yet shared what the mileage earning rates on paid flights will look like. Earning points should be followed by redemptions, which Virgin stated should follow in short order.
Both airlines belong to the SkyTeam alliance, which means reciprocal elite benefits are available to travelers flying on either airline. At a minimum, this includes SkyPriority services and an increased checked luggage allowance. Or, if you hold SkyTeam Elite Plus, courtesy of Virgin Atlantic Gold or Eastern Miles Platinum or Gold status, lounge access when traveling internationally.
Final Thoughts
Virgin Atlantic and China Eastern have agreed to a codeshare partnership, increasing international connectivity between and beyond London Heathrow (LHR) and Shanghai–Pudong (PVG). Reciprocal elite benefits are available for Virgin and China Eastern elites, and mileage redemptions with Virgin Atlantic Flying Club are expected to come soon.
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