Although announced in December, Delta and Virgin Atlantic will begin code sharing flights in July. Delta recently bought a 49% stake in Virgin Atlantic, owned by Sir Richard Branson, to open the possibility for more revenue for both companies.

The Department of Transportation should give them approval by the end of 2013 and shared flights will begin in January of 2014. The main drive for this merge was to rival American Airlines' partnership with British Airways and their overwhelming stake of transatlantic flights into London-Heathrow. Since Heathrow is such a large business hub, the profits are sure to be awaiting them. 

As a customer of either airline, you will reap rewards from both companies. They will be opening up their lounge areas to customers of both airlines as well as allowing you to earn reward miles on either carrier. For those who travel frequently on either airline, this opportunity opens doors.