Disappointing lounge access, Etihad departing Sydney

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lewyVA

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Had a disappointing experience last week departing Sydney for AUH on the circa 9.30pm EY service. As a velocity SG I had been looking forward to the new EY lounge and arrived early to ensure that it wouldn't be too busy etc. on arrival I was 'politely' informed that I was welcome to use the 'refurbished' air NZ lounge, which certainly doesn't live up to the reviews of the new EY lounge. Am I missing something here in terms of access, my reading of the lounge access guidelines may be incorrect I guess, has any body else experience this one?
 
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Had a disappointing experience last week departing Sydney for AUH on the circa 9.30pm EY service. As a velocity SG I had been looking forward to the new EY lounge and arrived early to ensure that it wouldn't be too busy etc. on arrival I was 'politely' informed that I was welcome to use the 'refurbished' air NZ lounge, which certainly doesn't live up to the reviews of the new EY lounge. Am I missing something here in terms of access, my reading of the lounge access guidelines may be incorrect I guess, has any body else experience this one?

You were entitled to entry, according to the rules. Velocity Gold, departing on an EY flight (class of service would be irrelevant).

https://www.virginaustralia.com/au/en/experience/at-the-airport/international-lounge-access/

They might recommend you go somewhere else based on capacity controls, but that would seem unlikely to me.

Did they tell you the reason why you could not access the Etihad Lounge even if you wanted to?
 
To be honest I'm not so great at asking questions and had a long day at work so just wandered away from the EY lounge with my tail between my legs. It was a very brief exchange along the lines of 'velocity members can use the Air NZ lounge only'. Interestingly the guy in front of me was turned away as well, not sure what the reason was there.
 
Sounds like something worth reporting into VA, they may need to take it up with EY if there is a knowledge gap there.
 
Sounds like something worth reporting into VA, they may need to take it up with EY if there is a knowledge gap there.

I agree. There has been no notice from VA that EY lounge access arrangements have changed for Velocity Gold and Platinum at SYD.
 
The web site has not changed:

https://www.virginaustralia.com/au/en/experience/at-the-airport/international-lounge-access/
Travel on Etihad Airways said:
CityLounge NameEligibilityGuests
Sydney, AustraliaEtihad First & Business Class LoungeVelocity Platinum membership
When travelling on Virgin Australia or Etihad Airways flights to Abu Dhabi
1
... of course, there is this disclaimer:
Note: While every effort is made to maintain the accuracy of these details, access to the listed lounges cannot be guaranteed due to changes made by our partners or the third parties operating the lounges. ...
 
Do WP no longer get access to the First lounge at Abu Dhabi? On my recent trip through I was directed to the business lounge near the gates when I tried to enter :/
 
I agree. There has been no notice from VA that EY lounge access arrangements have changed for Velocity Gold and Platinum at SYD.

Wasn't the use of the EY lounge, for Velocity members only temporary while NZ was rebuilding there lounge and was always planned to revert back?
 
Do WP no longer get access to the First lounge at Abu Dhabi? On my recent trip through I was directed to the business lounge near the gates when I tried to enter :/

The first lounge is currently closed so everyone directed to business lounge
 
If you are flying Y and are Velocity Gold or Plat you will be redirected to the airNZ lounge. This is because with the J and F capacity of the new a380 (70 J plus F) the EY lounge is too small to accommodate J and F passengers and status passengers. It gets very crowded in there even without any status pax.

As for AUH, the first class lounge is under renovation, Velocity plat have access to the EY premium lounge and are allowed access to the 'roped off' first class section down the back left. No real benefit, just more chance of getting a seat in what is becoming a very crowded lounge.
 
If you are flying Y and are Velocity Gold or Plat you will be redirected to the airNZ lounge. This is because with the J and F capacity of the new a380 (70 J plus F) the EY lounge is too small to accommodate J and F passengers and status passengers. It gets very crowded in there even without any status pax.

As for AUH, the first class lounge is under renovation, Velocity plat have access to the EY premium lounge and are allowed access to the 'roped off' first class section down the back left. No real benefit, just more chance of getting a seat in what is becoming a very crowded lounge.

So EY are basically invoking capacity controls on their lounge in SYD. Alright then - just be straight up and a communication to that effect would be nice too.
 
Why did EY build a lounge that was too small?!

I suppose they only planned to support their own premium members, i.e. EY First and Business Class passengers, and a handful of their elites. They didn't really budget for Velocity elite members. Agreeably, must be pretty small if they are struggling to support even their own members.

All said and done, it is... ahem... "lucky" that they have a "get out" that Velocity elites can use the NZ lounge, otherwise the latter would be forced out with no alternative, and then EY would definitely be on the hook.

Actually, come to think of it, are the VA lounge access rules this fluid, i.e. VA members can access, amongst other lounges, Etihad lounges, Singapore lounges and Air New Zealand lounges. However, it was my understanding that access to each of those types of lounges was contingent on flying a particular carrier.
 
Dear lewis.d.chris,

Please be advised that the VeloCity members are invited to use Al Reem lounge while transit in Abu Dhabi. Guests travelled with Etihad flights on Business and First will be entitled to use the Premium Lounge in T3. Thanks. *JS
 
Good to see VeloCity members being looked after. Good to also see that Ethiad have a strong understanding of their partner members programs (including important aspects like capital letters)
 
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Wasn't the use of the EY lounge, for Velocity members only temporary while NZ was rebuilding there lounge and was always planned to revert back?

Sort of. Velocity elites were supposed to use the EY lounge for AUH flights and the NZ one for other VA international flights. But if one was flying EY, you might think that they would be able to use the EY lounge.
 
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