We knew this would happen: Virgin Atlantic and Singapore Airlines discontinue frequent flyer partnership

Virgin Atlantic and Singapore Airlines announced the end of their partnership for frequent flyer programs. As of April 24, 2025, members of the programs. Flying Club e KrisFlyer can no longer accumulate or redeem points on flights operated by the other company.

Let's just say that this was long overdue news, and the reason is simple, we're talking about a Skyteam carrier and a Star Alliance carrier.. This collaboration was really "out of place," but it stemmed from the fact that Singapore Airlines until 2012 was a partner of VS, but then the Asian carrier had sold its share of the 49% to Delta Airlines. For a few years the partnership continued solidly, and then began to slowly fade until today.

Then last year when the company founded by Branson is entry into Skyteam had surprised me by the permanence of the partnership, but now about 12 months later the curtain has come down on a collaboation that for us Europeans was very interesting since the Gold Krisflyer status was a key to open the doors of the Clubhouse around the world, not the one in London that was already ruled out in 2023.

Here is a summary of the main changes and what it means for frequent travelers.

What's changing for Virgin Atlantic's Flying Club members

1. Accumulation of Points and Tier Points
   • It will no longer be possible to earn Virgin Points or Tier Points on Singapore Airlines flights departing April 24, 2025.
   • For flights until April 23, 2025, you must add your Flying Club number to your reservation to receive points.
2. Request for retroactive points
   • Those who flew with Singapore Airlines before April 23, 2025 can claim the points up to six months after the flight.
   • Points cannot be claimed for flights departing on or after April 24, 2025.
3. Award reservations with Virgin Points
   • Award flights already booked departing after April 23, 2025 remain valid.
   • It will only be possible to book new award flights for departure dates by April 23, 2025.
   • For flights departing on or after April 24, 2025, award reservations cannot be changed, only canceled with refund of points, taxes and surcharges.
4. Flying Club benefits on Singapore Airlines flights
   • Flying Club benefits (such as extra baggage, lounge access, Business Class check-in, baggage priority and boarding) will no longer be available on Singapore Airlines flights from April 24, 2025.
5. Impact on other partnerships
   • The partnership termination affects only Singapore Airlines and has no effect on Virgin Atlantic's other partnerships, including those with SkyTeam airlines.

What's changing for Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer members

1. KrisFlyer Mileage Accumulation
   • After April 23, 2025, it will no longer be possible to earn KrisFlyer miles on Virgin Atlantic flights.
   • Miles can only be earned on Virgin Atlantic flights made until April 23, 2025, provided the KrisFlyer number has been added to the reservation.
2. Retroactive mileage request
   • Members may submit retroactive mileage claims for Virgin Atlantic flights made through April 23, 2025, within six months of the date of the flight.
   • Miles cannot be claimed for flights departing on or after April 24, 2025.
3. Award reservations with KrisFlyer miles
   • Award tickets already issued for Virgin Atlantic flights departing after April 23, 2025 remain valid, but cannot be changed.
   • Those who wish to cancel an award reservation for a flight after April 23, 2025 can do so by contacting Singapore Airlines customer service for a refund.
   • KrisFlyer miles can no longer be redeemed for Virgin Atlantic flights after April 23, 2025.
4. PPS Club Benefits and KrisFlyer Elite Gold
   • After April 23, 2025, PPS Club and KrisFlyer Elite Gold members will no longer receive any benefits on Virgin Atlantic flights.

Final considerations

This decision marks the end of a long partnership between two of the world's most valued airlines. Frequent travelers taking advantage of this partnership will now need to review their strategies for accumulating and using points. For those who travel frequently with either company, it is advisable to explore the other partnerships available in their respective loyalty programs.

• flying club
• krisflyer