Lounge Access in Melbourne

[ozavanti]

One negative of living in a country area is that airline choices from MEL to ABX (Albury-Wodonga) are limited to a grand total of 1 - being REX.

I am going to be in MEL for work (which is incredibly rare) and given that im not flying QF my Gold Status means squat in accessing the QP.

What are my options, other than sitting at the gate for 2-3 hours?

[anat0l]

Unless someone is flying the same day, no joy on the QP.

Apart from that, no other options for lounge. IIRC REX operate their own lounge, but that requires you to pay a yearly subscription. DJ status I believe will get you no where, nor can you buy entry passes to the lounge.

All else - enjoy the terminal facilities

[serfty]

... What are my options, other than sitting at the gate for 2-3 hours?

Fly QF via SYD?

Perhaps investigate Priority Pass options and use the Virgin Blue Lounge.

https://www.prioritypass.com/Join/What-it-costs.cfm

[ozavanti]

Fly QF via SYD?

Thanks Serfty,

I'll look at PP and see if its of value.

Also looked at flying via SYD, but alas the timetable (and date being a Friday) means that i would be cutting it fine for the last connection back to ABX.

Wouldn't normally worry me, but given this is on the back of a 3 week trip to the UK, I'm keen to make it to my own bed.

[dajop]

OWhat are my options, other than sitting at the gate for 2-3 hours?

Hanging around one of the bars at the airport, or at the airport Hilton. Or alternatively finding somewhere in Melbourne to hang out before you head to the airport. Lastly, purchase a fully refundable QF fare to somewhere and once inside the Qantas Club, cancel it .... Bearing in mind, you will have to wait a few weeks for a refund.

[nlagalle]

I have walked into the QP in MEL when I haven't flown. well i had gotten off a flight and walked up, flashed my card and walked through. you could try that and plead ignorance if you got pulled up, but everytime I have gone out of MEL i've only ever shown my card and kept on walking through.

[ozavanti]

I have walked into the QP in MEL when I haven't flown. well i had gotten off a flight and walked up, flashed my card and walked through. you could try that and plead ignorance if you got pulled up, but everytime I have gone out of MEL i've only ever shown my card and kept on walking through.

I hadn't really given the direct approach much consideration - thanks nlagelle