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

[VulpesVulpes]

Going to give this a try tomorrow morning - I might even report back if I feel like it.... or I could leave you all hanging

First photos: Virgin Australia

 

[Ausbt]

Tomorrow morning for me too. Although I did wander in there late on Sunday night for a quick look around - it had only opened that day. I'd say it has more than doubled the size. Nice space. One thing I'm starting to notice now, with the recent crackdown on thongs in the QP, is dress standards in VA lounges. Just dreadfull really. A full calf of tatts and thongs is a common sight ...and some of the males look even worse. C'mon VA, copy Q and clean this up please.

 

[Ausbt]

Real issues with overly loud music and announcements in the new section - they have to tone that down. Ear-piercing. Otherwise good, a pleasant place to sit over in the corner near the windows. Needs a second coffee machine, second toaster maker and more toilets. Get rid of the 'seasonal fruit machine' - I've never seen that working.

 

[Deleted member 29185]

By the sounds of the ABT story, the premium entry is not going to have a luggage conveyor, which is disappointing and short sighted of VA. If that was there, it'd genuinely make them the premier lounge in Australia, not just Brisbane, but would also entice many more people to use the VA valet parking. Oh well, story of VAs life really, good ideas not fully implemented or implemented poorly. JB has certainly been a boon for VA, but he (or his trusted underlings) do not have implementation skills.

I'll be there Saturday for a look.

 

[notzac]

Real issues with overly loud music and announcements in the new section - they have to tone that down. Ear-piercing.

I was in the lounge yesterday afternoon and I thought that the music selection and volume was just right - certainly nowhere near ear piercing volumes.

The natural light makes a dramatic difference - it's very nice. Looking forward to seeing the final stage completed!

 

[Demon_fan]

Will be checking this out on Friday.

Every time I'm in Brisbane it's always over crowded, so should make for a good change.

 

[VulpesVulpes]

Checked it out today - was still in zombie mode and the sun wasn't up yet so can't comment on the natural light.

The new area is nice - it is just another airport lounge. Pretty good though! Getting towards a MEL level (I mean, think of the poor kids in ADL)

they have closed the area that was accessed behind the lounge angel pen (aka the welcome / check in desk if you like) so we did loose a bit of space and it was still pretty busy pre-dawn this morning. The Virgin lounge cafe was also closed.

THE BIG NEWS is that they now serve coffee in take-away cups. I don't know if this is new or not but I only noticed it this morning. Screw the new lounge section, this is what the AUSBT article should have covered. They were also a little overwhelmed by the volume of coffee orders at the time, even with 2 baristas. Must of been the influx of zombie walkers on the first flights out. (hehe there was one old dude that walked around as slow as a zombie... Yes I am going to hell I am well aware.)

 

[pablo1]

Dropped by on Sunday - a lot more space.. finally!!!! Very nice to sit with natural light near the windows at the back of the lounge.

Although a long walk, balancing coffee in hand, from front to rear of the area.

 

[bullerdude]

I'd love it if they served coffee in take-away cups in the Melbourne lounge!

 

[notzac]

I'd love it if they served coffee in take-away cups in the Melbourne lounge!

ISTR there's a problem with hot beverages and security checkpoints, which may explain why they don't offer this..

 

[Deleted member 29185]

I'd love it if they served coffee in take-away cups in the Melbourne lounge!

ISTR there's a problem with hot beverages and security checkpoints, which may explain why they don't offer this..

Am I reading the inference here that you're thinking that a take-a-way cup = take on board?

I thought that was not an option in Australia and if it isn't an option, then I'd prefer not having a paper cup.....especially if the option of a normal coffee cup (ceramic??) is removed totally!