Virgin Australia/Atlantic open up Melbourne ( MEL ) to London ( LHR ) via Los Angeles ( LAX )

Recently got an email advertising the new Virgin Australia Code Share with Virgin Atlantic

Melbourne to London

$1,219 economy return via Los Angeles. Conditions apply*Earn from 6,699 Velocity Points and from 80 Status Credits.

Example Schedule

Rough costs and times

Monday 15th October 

MEL > SIN > LHR : Duration: 24h 35m and $641.58AUD

MEL > LAX > LHRDuration: 31h 30m : $528.25AUD

Sunday 21st October 

LHR > LAX > MEL :Duration: 29h 20m $690.20

LHR >  SIN > MEL : Duration: 26h 45m $908.90AUD

Looks like for the cheapest ( not via BNE! ) Melbourne Flights they are using the current Virgin Atlantic Planes

• VA 5351\VA 5352\VA 5353\VA 5354\VA 5355\VA 5356

Virgin will fly the Dreamliner and Singapore the A380

Conclusion

Going via Singapore is still the shortest route and duration, however, there are definite cost savings to be had going with the Virgin Alliance if you are willing to sacrifice 4 hours each leg