Etihad teams up with Virgin Blue

by Kay O'Sullivan

Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, and Virgin Blue have signed an interline agreement that will result in easier connections for passengers who live outside Sydney and Brisbane, the two ports that Etihad services.

The agreement means travellers can now check in luggage on Virgin Blue at their home base and it will go straight through to their final destination on Etihad. Previously bags had to be rechecked at either Sydney or Brisbane.

Also, on arrival in Australia, passengers and their baggage are transported to the domestic terminals, and in Sydney they will have access to Virgin's transit lounge.

Bookings can be made only through travel agents or Etihad, not on the Virgin Blue website.

Etihad launched its daily Abu Dhabi-Sydney service in March and followed up with three flights a week servicing Brisbane in September.