How are VA lounges at the moment?

[Notyourbag]

Looking to hear from folks who have travelled in the past week on VA and how their lounges have been:

Reduction in staff
Reduction in food offerings
Furniture removed to avoid close seating
Etc

Flying VA569 tonight so will be able to share from Sydney.

 

[mickismick]

I was in BNE domestic Monday - it was BAU. Semi-crowded, but actually able to get a seat for once.

On Wednesday I was in PER and BNE domestic. PER had 3 staff on and about 10 patrons. BNE was BAU with staff, but only about half the patrons that I'm used to.

 

[ozstamps]

Qantas sent an email today listing a pretty vast amount of changes to what was and was not open, and was to close etc.

And who could access what and when and where etc.

Be interesting if Virgin fine tune as well.

 

[mickismick]

Qantas sent an email today listing a pretty vast amount of changes to what was and was not open, and was to close etc.

And who could access what and when and where etc.

Be interesting if Virgin fine tune as well.

Based on the numbers, they'll likely have to fine tune Perth. Brisbane honestly didn't seem too quiet. It's normally over crowded, but was comfortable for once. On Wednesday, only about half of the seats had butts on them.

 

[Notyourbag]

Qantas sent an email today listing a pretty vast amount of changes to what was and was not open, and was to close etc.

And who could access what and when and where etc.

Be interesting if Virgin fine tune as well.

Difference is Qantas has multiple lounges at single airports they can shut and redirect guests into. For Virgin it's a little harder. Maybe they will restrict opening hours or restrict Platinums visiting lounges upon arrival?

 

[ozstamps]

Be a tough call for sure.

 

[stm1sydney]

restrict Platinums visiting lounges upon arrival?

No point doing that as it is not a capacity issue, it is a cost issue, so all they can do is reduce staff and catering. And reduce opening hours. Or close a lounge completely - not a very attractive option.

 

[ozstamps]

Be a very tough call really. And is very fluid seeing a lot of flights have been cut.

 

[jase05]

ADL cafe has been reasonably busy the last couple of mornings. MEL was about 50-60% capacity yesterday and BNE similar today so was nice to get a seat as the last couple of times there was no chance

 

[Mattg]

I can't see VA closing lounges at major Australian airports as long as domestic flights are still operating and Qantas keeps their lounges open.

Lounges at smaller airports with predominantly tourist traffic could be at risk, e.g. CNS, MKY, ASP, DRW.

 

[Must...Fly!]

PER and BNE would be safe because of the charter and heavy regional operations. SYD and MEL I'd expect safe too on the frequency of flights. Others I would not bet on though perhaps CBR would also remain open.

 

[Notyourbag]

Sydney was about 50% capacity last night and of course they didn't open up the upstairs wing to the lounge. Beef brisket and pre made sandwiches were on the menu. Interestingly you could still self serve wine.

 

[AIRwin]

Whilst not operated by VA, LAX lounge has closed temporarily and the House lounge at MEL International has reduced opening hours to after 1 pm:

Travel alerts | Virgin Australia

Border restrictions are changing and we are receiving higher than normal call volumes. We also advise guests check the latest Government advice prior to travel.

www.virginaustralia.com

 

[ozstamps]

Interestingly you could still self serve wine.

With the Social Distancing mantra in place that seems to make perfect sense?

 

[mickismick]

Interestingly you could still self serve wine.

The self serve buffet food at BNE on Wednesday was a major turnoff. I actually went and bought Carl's Jnr.

 

[Fortheloveofflying]

Lounges and clubs closed.

 

[jase05]

Lounges and clubs closed.

Sensible decision.
When pubs and cafes closed around the country it’s only fair that airline lounges follow suit

 

[ja1]

The specific announcement by VA is:

Lounge changes

Virgin Australia-operated lounges (domestic)

• Following the implementation of new social distancing laws and regulations imposed on licenced premises amid COVID-19, the Virgin Australia domestic lounge network will be temporarily closed until further notice.
• Given the current circumstances, we are unable to confirm a date the lounges will reopen, however we are continuing to monitor the situation closely.

 

[ozstamps]

Are Qantas also closing their Domestic lounges, out of interest?

I thought airports were an area exempt from many of the current restrictions?

 

[jase05]

Are Qantas also closing their Domestic lounges, out of interest?

I thought airports were an area exempt from many of the current restrictions?

Yes, all closed yesterday