If a flight from SEA to CDG is listed by 3 airlines but is only truly on 1 plane serviced by 1 of the 3, is there any reason to book through 1 of the other airlines? We recently flew Virgin Atlantic and were impressed by their service but the flight we are now looking at is provided by Delta even though it’s listed by VA. Would there be any upside to booking through VA rather than directly with Delta? TIA for any insight.
Posted by
San Diego, California
7247 posts
You may have issues with seat selection if you don't book directly with the carrier running the flight. Perhaps some more experienced folks can chime in.
Posted by
Virginia, USA
6771 posts
I almost always book with the airline operating the flight. One exception is when I am using frequent flyer miles and need to book with the airline that I have miles with. Another is when I have a connecting flight where multiple airlines are involved; then I usually choose the airline operating the longer leg.
Usually it is easier to do things like select seats, change flights, etc. when you book with the operating airline. Also Delta will have a lot more options to get you to CDG if something goes awry. Delta also has a very flexible change policy (unless you are flying Basic Economy).
Posted by
Bay Area SF & Uppsala Sweden 🇸🇪
2005 posts
Just checking if you've looked at Virgin's cancellation policy? I ALWAYS book with UA I can. The advantage is that UA will put the flight price back onto your account good for a year if you need to cancel. I've not heard of that with non-US carriers. So you can book your ticket through Delta, fly on Virgin. You will get a separate confirmation code from Virgin & be able to book your seat. I've personally never had a problem booking a seat on an alliance airline. But my experience is on UA, not Delta / Virgin. Good luck!
Posted by
Republic of Texas / U.S.A. / Magyarország / Budapest
27175 posts
Sandancisco
You mean when I fly basic economy they will let me cancel and credit my account? Excellent.
But I just looked at booking a $760 Basic Economy Flight and it says:
Non-refundable
No changes
Choose your seat for a fee1
No upgrades
Checked bag fees
No carry-on bags
I have to upgrade the $1,045 Flight to get anything that says refundable
Fully refundable
No change fees
Choose your seat
Upgrades availablefor a fee
Checked bag fees
1 carry-on bag included
Maybe you are telling me there is a difference between refundable and crediting me the cost? But even though it says "No Changes"?
I am missing something??
Posted by
Lynnwood, Washington
10577 posts
One factor can be how frequent flyer miles are earned between alliance partners. I don’t fly Skyteam often so I can’t tell you if booking through one is more advantageous than booking through another. You may want to check this out if you collect frequent flier miles .
Posted by
Virginia, USA
6771 posts
You mean when I fly basic economy they will let me cancel and credit my account?
No. United will issue a credit for regular economy, not basic economy. It doesn’t have to be the fully refundable fare. It can be the less expensive regular economy fare.