Gold access with VS.

[Dee Thom]

Just completed a DBX/LHR and return in P.E. Flying VS. Being VA Gold, asked for lounge access in Dubai, and received a resounding NO! After talking with their Lounge Manager, I was informed it was a shared lounge, and there were no reciprocal rightes for VA, fair enough. Then on return at Heathrow, was once again refused access to their own VS Lounge. After half an hour and much verble back and forth's, a Senior Manager arrived on the scene and sorted it out in one second flat with many apologies and a few choice words to the Lounge Lizards who didn't bother to consult their manuals.
I really don't need these hassles when travelling, may I suggest the various Virgin Groups let each other know the exact rights a gold member has across the board, and have an easy accessible policy on all Ports serviced by these Airlines, and their Partners.

cheers,
Dee.

 

[TomVexille]

Unfortunately a common issue within the network of partners VA has

 

[Formal Hall]

Amazing that this happened at the Clubhouse at Heathow. It is VS' hub and they surely must see VA cards regularly.
I think part of the problem with VA's partners is the Global Wallet design, inexperienced staff at partner airlines take one glance and think you are a wally trying to get lounge access on the strength of your prepaid debit card!

 

[cssaus]

Amazing that this happened at the Clubhouse at Heathow. It is VS' hub and they surely must see VA cards regularly.
I think part of the problem with VA's partners is the Global Wallet design, inexperienced staff at partner airlines take one glance and think you are a wally trying to get lounge access on the strength of your prepaid debit card!

It's for reasons just like this that I travel with a printout of my account summary.

My Platinum Velocity Card expires on Aug 20 and as yet I don't have my new Platinum card and I'm travelling to the US on Tuesday so the printout will re-confirm my VA status.