General VA Lounge Discussion (2021 onwards)

[mel-world]

Not hoping for much tbh. Their other international routes out of SYD, BNE and MEL don't get lounge access even though contract options are available - so clearly unwilling to pay. As mentioned, OOL gets more traffic than CNS and even that doesn't make it. Plus, Bain is planning to sell soon so I doubt such CapEx heavy investment would come into the picture until a new owner emerges.

OOL has a VA lounge, or it did a few weeks ago when I was last there.

 

[jase05]

OOL has a VA lounge, or it did a few weeks ago when I was last there.

Yep and just like ADL it’s handy for International departures

 

[Digicola]

Sorry, my comparison between OOL and CNS was due to OOL being one of the « smaller » ports (in terms of number of VA arrival/departures), the only lounge currently located in a non capital city and that has a similar passenger profile (mostly leisure).

That being said after CNS, no other port really comes close in terms of daily flights hence why I reckon it’ll be next if they do reopen. When the decision de axe the lounge was made traffic numbers had not recovered yet and weren’t expected to do so for a while so theres definitely an opportunity *one day*, not suggesting its imminent.

 

[djtech]

OOL has a VA lounge, or it did a few weeks ago when I was last there.

Yep! Big brain fart moment. Nonetheless, CNS lounge does not seem likely!

 

[dk4]

... due to OOL being one of the « smaller » ports,,,

And, by "smaller ports", you mean Australia's 6th largest city? (Population by Significant Urban Area - #6: G.C./Tweed)

 

[ozstamps]

I recall Plats used to be able to access lounges even if not on same day flight? And with guests if they were flying Virgin.

In ADL soon and driving 2 colleagues out flying Virgin same day, and ideally would like to be able to guest them in for a beer. 2pm flight so will not be a busy time in ADL.

So 'no go' these days technically? - my own flight home is next day.

 

[MooTime]

Your can guest in as entry after landing is fine.

From what I understand from your post, little unclear, you will be fine to guest mate in.

 

[henrus]

I recall Plats used to be able to access lounges even if not on same day flight?

Some quick googling reveals this ended on 15 Aug 2012, prior to that you're spot on Plat/Gold could access any time they wanted with no flight needed.

So 'no go' these days technically? - my flight home is next day.

Next to zero chance you'll get in with a flight the next day.

 

[jase05]

Some quick googling reveals this ended on 15 Aug 2012, prior to that you're spot on Plat/Gold could access any time they wanted with no flight needed.


Next to zero chance you'll get in with a flight the next day.

Yep, agree on both points.
If you are really desperate you could purchase a flex fare, enter the lounge and then cancel it

 

[ozstamps]

Was certainly possible for Plats until recent years, way after 2012, as I used it a few times, maybe as an 'exception' who knows - just around COVID hitting as I recall was when it was tightened, along with lounge visits on Arrival for same stated reason. Then it was canned 'due to social distancing ratios' if I remember, and that part never came back it seems.

Buying a Flex fare and cancelling seems to incur a $99 fee sadly, so not prudent.

And Biz cabins late afternoon are full, with paid pax and upgrade bidders generally. But seems like they can be cancelled close to flight for a full cash refund?

Oh well, was just checking the actual rules. Will head to a pub somewhere.

 

[jase05]

Buying a Flex fare and cancelling seems to incur a $99 fee sadly, so not prudent.

$99 if you want a refund.
Otherwise free is you want travel credit

 

[ChrisFlyer]

Was certainly possible for Plats until recent years, way after 2012, as I used it a few times, maybe as an 'exception' who knows - just around COVID hitting as I recall was when it was tightened, along with lounge visits on Arrival for same stated reason. Then it was canned 'due to social distancing ratios' if I remember, and that part never came back it seems.

Buying a Flex fare and cancelling seems to incur a $99 fee sadly, so not prudent.

And Biz cabins late afternoon are full, with paid pax and upgrade bidders generally. But seems like they can be cancelled close to flight for a full cash refund?

Oh well, was just checking the actual rules. Will head to a pub somewhere.

There was definitely an unwritten rule for a fair while after 'anytime access' was removed. The rule was technically that a Gold or Plat had to present a same-day boarding pass for access. The part left unsaid was that this didn't necessarily have to be the member's own boarding pass - it could be their guest (handy if dropping people at the airport, etc)...

That's entirely separate to the fact that for a long while, those self-serve entry screens into the lounge weren't actually hooked up to the reservation system to check whether there was a booking that day, which meant 'anytime' access really continued for a fair while after its official end. Oh, the good old days...

(Now, not even Beyond members can just turn up - they need a same day boarding pass of their own.)

 

[twinaisle]

Any intel on if/when Virgin will open its lounge again in Cairns (CNS). Given they are kicking off international flights to Japan soon, I hope they are going to consider this. Any insights appreciated.

Nope.

 

[CorporateFlyerMEL]

First visit to VA lounge for sometime (as company policy is now to fly with QF). Mid week breakfast at MEL, have to say a bit disappointed. The coffee from the barista was not up to standard - taste was weak and you have to do your own saucer and spoon. B/f selection very limited, no more boiled eggs, just the rubbery scramble and no salad/cold selection at all (other than muesli and yoghurt). Everything was quite messy and it was a task to find a plate or knife...

 

[Must...Fly!]

Probably should've posted news about a new auto coffee machine at MEL here instead of the other thread - see here

A good spread of food though, usual muesli and cereal. Plus yogurt, fresh fruit, toast, apple/orange juice and scrambled eggs/baked beans for hot food. I left just before 0700 and everything was still on offer.

Felt surprisingly quiet for what I thought would be busy on a Monday morning.

 

[Must...Fly!]

The upper level at SYD is open (seating only) due to all the disruptions this morning creating quite the squeeze on capacity. First time for me in the post-COVID era - nice to see some flexibility to account for the excess traffic.

 

[twinaisle]

Next Monday VFF Beyond/WP/SG and their guests on the same PRN can access the Aspire/ House lounges for a discounted entry price on ISH flying VA. Same day access.

$50 for BNE per guest
$65 for SYD/MEL per guest

Grab a voucher from the priority check in desk if this is something that you're interested in, show it at the lounge and pay for entry.

No announcements in the lounge - it's your responsibility as an adult travelling to ensure you board your flight on-time.

 

[Mattg]

Next Monday VFF Beyond/WP/SG and their guests on the same PRN can access the Aspire/ House lounges for a discounted entry price on ISH flying VA. Same day access.

$50 for BNE per guest
$65 for SYD/MEL per guest

Grab a voucher from the priority check in desk if this is something that you're interested in, show it at the lounge and pay for entry.

No announcements in the lounge - it's your responsibility as an adult travelling to ensure you board your flight on-time.

That effectively works out to be a ~$10 discount compared to purchasing access directly from the lounge.

Honestly, I don't think many Velocity Platinum or Gold members will be thrilled about being asked to cough up $65 to use a lounge when flying VA international. I wonder why VA can't/won't provide free access to its frequent flyers?

 

[MooTime]

A rather embarrassing offer.

~$10 discount and still to fork out a bit for something that is an expected perk for those with status.

If this is VA's best idea they can come up with in the VA HQ confines for it's frequent flyers on international routes then I just sigh....

 

[henrus]

Given one can sign up for a free dragon pass account (mine is via Regus) which gives access to either BNE/SYD/MEL for 24 GBP (currently AU$46) it’s a really poor offer.