General VA Lounge Discussion (2021 onwards)

[jase05]

Disgraceful offer really. Would have been better off sticking with the current setup rather than treat their loyal customers like idiots

 

[twinaisle]

Disgraceful offer really. Would have been better off sticking with the current setup rather than treat their loyal customers like idiots

Well I guess it's an extra option of top of the current no lounge access

 

[Saab34]

More brand damaging offering such a deal.

Probably one of the more stranger parts of Virgin 2.0 is this International lounge arrangement (well non existent arrangement). I assume they fork out significant amounts of cash for each passenger per visit. They could throw and extra $40-$50 on top of each J fare Internationally I don’t think it would make them uncompetitive.

 

[Stealthflyer]

More brand damaging offering such a deal.

Probably one of the more stranger parts of Virgin 2.0 is this International lounge arrangement (well non existent arrangement). I assume they fork out significant amounts of cash for each passenger per visit. They could throw and extra $40-$50 on top of each J fare Internationally I don’t think it would make them uncompetitive.

strange is a good word for it. WPs get lounge access travelling domestically with Virgin, and lounge access travelling internationally with Singapore airlines and Etihad and Qatar. But then when we travel in J with VA to any of their international destinations as a WP, there’s no lounge access apart from a domestic transfer home (for us folks who live in a secondary airport). It’s so inconsistent.

 

[Digicola]

After all the « they’re working on it » « its being discussed » this is what we get. Hilarious. Alliance membership never sounded this appealing.

 

[henrus]

Alliance membership never sounded this appealing.

Yes and no...

Let's look at VA's newest partner UA.

They offer lounge access at stations with 3rd party lounges only to those with a confirmed business class ticket (look under other locations):

https://www.united.com/en/us/fly/travel/airport/united-club-and-lounges/locations.html#5QYZu8kNhW

The same rules also apply to *G card holders flying UA. I agree with above from Saab34 that the J tickets should offer it but given VAs partners are already not offering international lounge access to status holders at 3rd party ports I don't see the huge difference.

All that being said, a part of me wonders what it'd cost to do a pop up lounge at BNE, even if it's just pre-packaged drinks/food etc in a fenced off area?

 

[HS-TQE]

VA did use a 'pop-up' lounge at BNE International when they were VA 1.0, they used MyLounge (at the time owned by No1Lounges), and paid a little extra to put their name at the front door of that pop up lounge.

That very 'popup' lounge is now the Aspire Lounge by Swissport.

 

[henrus]

VA did use a 'pop-up' lounge at BNE International when they were VA 1.0, they used MyLounge (at the time owned by No1Lounges), and paid a little extra to put their name at the front door of that pop up lounge.

Was never owned or operated by them, end of the day they'd still have to pay a per person fee which seems to be the issue here.

 

[BAM1748]

Given Virgin passengers generally want cheaper fares unfortunately ‘cheaper’ lounges is the result.

 

[Mattg]

Is it just me, or is the red wine being offered currently in the MEL lounge (and possibly all others?) really cheap and nasty? It seems to be all Hardys brand - I'm guessing VA got a great bulk discount.

 

[djtech]

Is it just me, or is the red wine being offered currently in the MEL lounge (and possibly all others?) really cheap and nasty? It seems to be all Hardys brand - I'm guessing VA got a great bulk discount.

You're not alone! I'm sticking to beer or cider!

 

[Notyourbag]

Is it just me, or is the red wine being offered currently in the MEL lounge (and possibly all others?) really cheap and nasty? It seems to be all Hardys brand - I'm guessing VA got a great bulk discount.

It's been Hardy's since post pandemic. Tastes like a bad cleanskin

 

[Mattg]

You're not alone! I'm sticking to beer or cider!

It's been Hardy's since post pandemic. Tastes like a bad cleanskin

Good to know it's not just me!

I've just submitted feedback to VA as that's likely the only way these kinds of things will change. I'd encourage others to do the same

 

[clifford]

Is it just me, or is the red wine being offered currently in the MEL lounge (and possibly all others?) really cheap and nasty? It seems to be all Hardys brand - I'm guessing VA got a great bulk discount.

It is cheap and nasty. The so called shiraz tastes like lolly water...

 

[ols]

Bring back the Stella on tap

 

[Stealthflyer]

You're not alone! I'm sticking to beer or cider!

Likewise.

 

[serfty]

Is it just me, or is the red wine being offered currently in the MEL lounge (and possibly all others?) really cheap and nasty? It seems to be all Hardys brand - I'm guessing VA got a great bulk discount.

Agreed, last Sunday week I tried each of the Reds and ended up having cider.

Reminded me of QPs in the early 00's (after Ansett's demise) where I would tentatively try each of the red offerings, even attempting blending them ... in the end I'd have an HP which was the beer de rigour beck then.

 

[Digicola]

Well speaking of the House. Apparently EY’s designated lounge has changed to the NZ one in SYD. No problem getting in as VA WP but feels weird coming here flying QR AND EY.

 

[ole nimeton]

You're not alone! I'm sticking to beer or cider!

I note they’ve changed over the beers in the past few months too. Gone are the easy drinking Asahis and in are Pirate Life and Pure Blonde.

Pirate Life - sure. But ditching Asahi for pure blonde - a change for the worse IMHO.

Also, wish they would bring back tap beer, haven’t seen it since before covid.

 

[Mr H]

But ditching Asahi ...

You could just drink a pint of sparkling water instead. And if it is important to have an alcoholic drink, just pop a couple of shots of vodka in it.