General VA Lounge Discussion (2021 onwards)

FoodA selection of about 4-5 pre-plated items like Salads/Pasta/wraps - all cold
Fruit/Packet chips and cookies.
Chicken kaarage was later brought out as a hot dish in the CBR lounge around 5 pm just before boarding for my flight was due to commence...
 
Chicken kaarage was later brought out as a hot dish in the CBR lounge around 5 pm just before boarding for my flight was due to commence...
This was also offered in the BNE lounge (with coleslaw) last Thursday
 
What's the MEL lounge like for breakfast these days ? I can't find recent photos/trip reports

I'm switching to VA as QF have lost the plot and since SQ redemptions are back too :)
Have passed through MEL lounge for breakfast a few times in the last couple of weeks. They've had a hybrid of self-serve and counter service....but all from the same counter.

As an example, on Sunday, enter the line from the end closest to reception. First up is a chilled cabinet with the usual yoghurts, cereals, fruit etc. all requiring a server to hand you your selection. Next up was an open platter of pastries to self serve. Then on this occasion the server has dishing out smashed avo, followed by bacon which was self-serve. Whereas it had been the other way around when I passed through a couple of weeks ago: bacon served, avo self-serve. So I'm not really sure what the deciding factor is on whether something can be self-serve or not.

Have also seen baked beans and potato rosti on high rotation for breakfast in MEL. And the pancake machine has made a return, self-serve.
 
Have passed through MEL lounge for breakfast a few times in the last couple of weeks. They've had a hybrid of self-serve and counter service....but all from the same counter.

As an example, on Sunday, enter the line from the end closest to reception. First up is a chilled cabinet with the usual yoghurts, cereals, fruit etc. all requiring a server to hand you your selection. Next up was an open platter of pastries to self serve. Then on this occasion the server has dishing out smashed avo, followed by bacon which was self-serve. Whereas it had been the other way around when I passed through a couple of weeks ago: bacon served, avo self-serve. So I'm not really sure what the deciding factor is on whether something can be self-serve or not.

Have also seen baked beans and potato rosti on high rotation for breakfast in MEL. And the pancake machine has made a return, self-serve.
Must admit it's a mess and doesn't make sense.

You can sometimes have self service soup, rolls etc. but then you have to ask for a water.

It's really time for it to go back to pre-covid and be self service, maybe with extra covering over food or more things on pre-made plates.
 
Definitely a good point as the premium exit from the lounge seems not functional yet.
Twice I was in the MEL lounge several times last month and they opened the premium security during peak boarding periods during a couple of those visits.
 
I recently visited the BNE lounge as it switched to a lunch service. The falafel sandwich was delicious (but not very photogenic). I really liked the Balter XPA on offer too. In terms of mass-market beers, it’s not bad.

I wish they’d re-open the self-service fizzy water tap. It was irritating to have to wait in the alcoholic beverage queue just for some water.

I got there pretty early because I was worried about queues but I just sailed through security. I made the mistake of heading to the premium entry, and then having to double back to the regular security because it looked more worksite than premium entry. Maybe they could cover up the premium entry signs until they reopen.
 
Only 3 of us currently in CBR lounge.
BBQ pork buns are delicious and plentiful.
Self serve for snacks and soft drink returned on Thursday but dinner items still require staff assistance
Oh that's awesome news, hope it extends elsewhere. I grew very tired, very quickly at having to queue at the bar for a glass of water or tea.

Now....about those toasted sandwiches... :)
 
Showers coming back would be welcome as well. Only used once in VA domestic lounges but still nice to have the option.
 
Just checking, there are still no access to lounges for VA international flights as VA Gold or Platinum, right?
 
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