BNE lounge to double, BNE/MEL to get premium entry or exit

[markis10]

Virgin Australia to upgrade Brisbane Lounge | Australian Aviation

Virgin Australia has announced it will significantly upgrade its Brisbane lounge.

The upgrade will comprise a doubling in size of the Lounge space and the addition of a kerbside ‘Premium Entry’ access.

News in Brief: Monday May 12 | Travel Weekly

Meanwhile, the addition of Premium Exit in Melbourne will provide access to the departure pier from the lounge.

“We are looking forward to introducing new priority services in Brisbane and Melbourne so our guests in these key ports can enjoy more time in the lounge prior to their flight,” chief customer officer Mark Hassell said.

 

[TomVexille]

I thought MEL only gets a Premium Exit? And that the only Premium Entry was to "The Club"?

 

[Dan_]

I thought MEL only gets a Premium Exit? And that the only Premium Entry was to "The Club"?

Its worded poorly, but I don't think there is a premium entry, just an exit. About time as well!

 

[markis10]

I thought MEL only gets a Premium Exit? And that the only Premium Entry was to "The Club"?

One article talks about the Premium Entry at BNE while TW mentioned the exit in MEL, both highlighted in the quotes.

 

[Noob]

I haven't been to BNE in ages, any news on how this is progressing? It sounds like a big expansion.

 

[WethereX]

At brissy, the entry is now built, they cut the back end of the lounge off a few weeks back making it even more smaller! the entry is in a great spot with the Valet drop off right in front.

 

[TomVexille]

Anyone have an update on the MEL Premium Exit?

 

[Deleted member 29185]

I haven't been to BNE in ages, any news on how this is progressing? It sounds like a big expansion.

Hi Noob. Right now it's very chaotic. The lounge is small and packed (but there is the coffee shop to make use of) and the valet parking is also a bit of a shambles. I'm not sure if the premium entry into BNE will also be able to manage checked luggage. I hope so, but it's not the case in SYD so I have my doubts. At the moment, for valet parking you still drive to the same spot for the drop off but you have to trudge over to Level 4 of the new(ish) carpark for the pickup. That will change back so when all this is done, it seems the BNE facilities will equal SYD except for the view of the tarmac.

On another note, I see that the valet park staff are now wearing BAC uniforms. They used to wear VA uniforms so I'm guessing this may be why we can't get VFF points on the parking charges, because it's BAC and not VA as it used to appear like it was.

 

[jaspon]

Anyone have an update on the MEL Premium Exit?

have been told its opening on Sep 15th

 

[ChipChip]

Caught a glimpse of the Premium Exit in MEL whilst they were doing a photoshoot for it last month, so can't be too far off.

 

[TomVexille]

have been told its opening on Sep 15th

Sweet that's in line with what they told me last month.

 

[jneufeld]

AusBT are reporting MEL Premium Exit will be opening next Tuesday 16th September

Virgin Australia's Melbourne Airport lounge Premium Exit to open next week - Flights | hotels | frequent flyer | business class - Australian Business Traveller

 

[TomVexille]

AusBT are reporting MEL Premium Exit will be opening next Tuesday 16th September

Virgin Australia's Melbourne Airport lounge Premium Exit to open next week - Flights | hotels | frequent flyer | business class - Australian Business Traveller

I saw some pictures on fb the other day. Must have been during one of the "trials"

 

[Clivem]

Does anyone have an update on the BNE lounge expansion opening date yet, I understood it was due to occur this month with premium entry to follow later in the year?
An word or even better any actual coal face sightings of any hoarding movement etc. ?

 

[eastwest101]

Does anyone have an update on the BNE lounge expansion opening date yet, I understood it was due to occur this month with premium entry to follow later in the year?
An word or even better any actual coal face sightings of any hoarding movement etc. ?

I haven't been through since Jan but at the rate of progress that appears to be happening I would be comfortable predicting 2017 or even 2018 as the completion date for Brisbane, unless someone else has been through recently?

 

[Pleb Status]

I was there three weeks ago and there was no sign of any action from inside the lounge. Will be in BNE on Sunday so will report anything of interest.

 

[Clivem]

Well there you go, I just saw on the AFF 'sign in' page a velocity teaser ad .... private lounge entry coming to BNE soon- 'soon' was not defined but.

I also found an image ( sketch ) on the BCA web site that seems to indicate an escalator from the valet parking zone up directly up into the new expanded lounge area.

Image on the right is just the 'infilling' of the satellite arm as happened at the QF end a few years back.

 

[Deleted member 29185]

Well there you go, I just saw on the AFF 'sign in' page a velocity teaser ad .... private lounge entry coming to BNE soon- 'soon' was not defined

Last year I was told that they intended to have a luggage check in there too. I have no idea if that was a bit of galley gossip or whether there is just a modicum of truth mixed in, but we can live in hope I guess (plus I'd love to stick to all the coughroaches and Mexicans that BNE has THE premier VA lounge ).

 

[Clivem]

Things sure have changed a bit at that end of the domestic terminal over the years - I spent a few days of my life that I will never get back waiting to catch Flight West Brasilia's from the gate area on the ground floor back in the day.....



Interesting to see VH-XFQ is still operating now with Skippers in W.A. (could be VH-XUE now ??)

 

[Pleb Status]

I was there three weeks ago and there was no sign of any action from inside the lounge. Will be in BNE on Sunday so will report anything of interest.

I have been advised by the VA BNE lounge staff today that a 'small' section of new lounge area will open nominally on 31 March and the full lounge opening, including the premium entry, is scheduled for September/October. It is quite busy at the moment so the more area available the better.