Koru versus Virgin Lounge membership

[scottmac99]

I've been a paid Virgin Lounge member for ever, and it's good. But for all the money I pay for this, it still doesn't get me into the Virgin Priority check-in queue, and I have to stand in line for ages with all the others. This has never made sense to me, given that Qantas Club (I am also a member) provides specific priority check-in for members, as does Koru (for AirNZ flights).

I am thinking of dumping my Virgin Lounge membership and instead joining Koru, where the priority check-in facilities (at least in Auckland) are absolutely fantastic.

I know my current Virgin Lounge membership gives access to Priority check-in with AirNZ. but does Koru give me access to priority check-in with Virgin domestically in Australia ? The Koru desk in their Auckland lounge didn't seem to know when I asked them last week.

 

[scottmac99]

Must be a tough question .... or a boring one

 

[mella2007]

I think the key is if you're travelling more internationally or domestic and where you're travelling.
Obviously most of your travel must be in economy and you're not Gold or Plat with VA (and then you'd get priority check in and Koru club access). I would work towards gaining status with VA to get the best out of all scenarios, inc lounge access, priority boarding etc regardless of what class of travel you are flying.

 

[Princess Fiona]

I don't think it will provide priority check-in. The NZ website makes no mention of priority check-in for Koru Club on the VA alliance pages except for Airpoints Gold and Gold Elite. I agree with mella2007 that gaining status on VA if you are based mainly here would likely be better for you.

 

[scottmac99]

Thanks Mella. Here is the answer I got from AirNZ. Might be of interest to others.

"You would only get access to priority check in if you are a current Air NZ Koru member and you have booked your travel through Air New Zealand."

It's much cheaper to stay with Virgin Lounge membership, than to start again with Koru, so that's what I'll do.

 

[fersea]

Sound advice for anyone.