MEL Lounge air-side entrance?

[smit0847]

Ok, I'll start us off with a question that shouldn't be too controversial:

I am a huge fan of the MEL Lounge but it is frustrating how the entrance and exits are air-side meaning that you have to leave the Lounge earlier to pass through Security after leaving the Lounge and boarding your flight. I understand the current extensions to the MEL Lounge will bring parts of it past the security check-points (at least in the main pier) - are there any plans to have an entrance air-side once the renovations are complete?

 

[markis10]

The current expansion will include a priority screening point that can only be accessed from the lounge.

 

[EuroFlyer]

The current expansion will include a priority screening point that can only be accessed from the lounge.

Nice one, will help with my many flights each week out of Melbourne. Mrs EuroFlyer gets nervous about queue's at security and always has to leave ages before we need to, this will alleviate this at least

 

[smit0847]

The current expansion will include a priority screening point that can only be accessed from the lounge.

Thanks, will this include an air-side entrance to the lounge though? I would rather go through normal security before entering the lounge and then be able to go straight to the gate than go straight to the lounge but have to go through a (priority) screening once my flight is called.

 

[markis10]

Thanks, will this include an air-side entrance to the lounge though? I would rather go through normal security before entering the lounge and then be able to go straight to the gate than go straight to the lounge but have to go through a (priority) screening once my flight is called.

There wont be any clean zone access to the lounge, otherwise you would need to:

1. Have two entrance desks at each end.
2. Move the security back towards the shops reducing retail rental (not happening)
or
3. Move the lounge more southerly and lose two gates.

Unless the terminal expands and gets a second floor like QF did, where a common security point can be put, there is no easy solution.

 

[moa999]

Will their be a priority screening point on both piers, or just on the main pier (gates 1-10 from memory)...

on markis10's comment,
you could put a lounge security access at the current lounge entrance, thus the entire lounge is airside, then have secure passageways to both piers

 

[markis10]

on markis10's comment,
you could put a lounge security access at the current lounge entrance, thus the entire lounge is airside, then have secure passageways to both piers

Not really, as that would still require the general screening point to be moved back, reducing retail space, or a portion of the lounge use which defeats the reason why its being expanded.

 

[Tuddy]

Why not do something slightly radical and have the Lounge go upstairs. You could then have an entry to the side of the Virgin checkin (or even entry from the drop-off, going behind the REX counters). Somewhere in or around this entry, you could have security (a la SYD) and then direct entry into an upper level of Lounge. It would solve any crowding issues that could be faced in the long-term, effectively doubling the space of any Lounge extensions presently underway. This would then allow direct access into secure areas. Furthermore, security could easily be brought forward for gates 11-14 (no retail would be affected) and thus Virgin spillage out that way. It would also mean the current entry would be removed, and smaller entries set up for transferring passengers from gates 1-10 and 11-14. VFF and AFF community - is this viable?

 

[Deleted member 29185]

is this viable?

May depend on how big the piggy bank is.

 

[markis10]

Why not do something slightly radical and have the Lounge go upstairs. You could then have an entry to the side of the Virgin checkin (or even entry from the drop-off, going behind the REX counters). Somewhere in or around this entry, you could have security (a la SYD) and then direct entry into an upper level of Lounge. It would solve any crowding issues that could be faced in the long-term, effectively doubling the space of any Lounge extensions presently underway. This would then allow direct access into secure areas. Furthermore, security could easily be brought forward for gates 11-14 (no retail would be affected) and thus Virgin spillage out that way. It would also mean the current entry would be removed, and smaller entries set up for transferring passengers from gates 1-10 and 11-14. VFF and AFF community - is this viable?

Its not viable simply because its a multiuser terminal, so Melbourne airport are the landlords VS QF who have a master lease making changes difficult. When they do expand the upper level a la QF, you can expect changes, but until that happens we have the same issues that have been there since Ansett days.

 

[Tuddy]

Its not viable simply because its a multiuser terminal, so Melbourne airport are the landlords VS QF who have a master lease making changes difficult. When they do expand the upper level a la QF, you can expect changes, but until that happens we have the same issues that have been there since Ansett days.

Not where checkin is or in any way impeding any current setup. Rather, I'm suggesting putting a second level on the current VA Lounge. Then, much like SYD, people could be directed outside and go through security (I'm suggesting this could be constructed behind the current REX checkin) and into the Lounge such that it is now within a sterile area and thus security is not required afterwards. The security for gates 11-14 can be brought forward (I'd imagine this wouldn't cause too many headaches) and allow entry directly into sterile area at this end, and, easily enough, into the gates 1-10 area. Wouldn't change any of the existing layout, merely add on to it.

 

[serfty]

Getting there, just got of the sky bus ...

 

[Deleted member 29185]

Getting there, just got of the sky bus ..

Stylish design is obviously not a priority.

It looks like a shipping container that's taken a tumble and wedged between ship and wharf :shock:

 

[777]

Getting there, just got of the sky bus ...

A few questions spring to mind:

1. Will this be a gold/ plat/ Club entrance or just a club one? (i.e. Is that space in the box "The Club"?)

2. How would this physically connect into the lounge? If it does i assume there is a bridge above the terminal corridor and a stair and elevator of some sort that drop into the lounge?

3. WTF didn't Melbourne airport take advantage of this whole development to move the security point to a point behind the two piers so the whole of the lounge area can be sterile? Seems a whole lot more efficient than the rabbit warren it is now?

 

[DGW]

A few questions spring to mind:

1. Will this be a gold/ plat/ Club entrance or just a club one? (i.e. Is that space in the box "The Club"?)

2. How would this physically connect into the lounge? If it does i assume there is a bridge above the terminal corridor and a stair and elevator of some sort that drop into the lounge?

3. WTF didn't Melbourne airport take advantage of this whole development to move the security point to a point behind the two piers so the whole of the lounge area can be sterile? Seems a whole lot more efficient than the rabbit warren it is now?

I've never been much good at reading plans but I found some info on the Melbourne Airport website that might shed some light (or lead us to speculate wildly..).

I take it the Virgin Lounge and the Premium Entry are the two structures in white ("Phase 2 Infill"):




And this seems to show a security screening point between the roadway and the Virgin Lounge which I hope is part of the Premium Entry. Although if this is the point where T3 connects to the airside area of T4, does it indicate the T3 area behind it is still landside?



See the plans here: http://melbourneairport.com.au/docs/appendix-j--detailed-plans-and-description.pdf

 

[Tuddy]

Ooh now this looks promising! So, as I thought could happen months and months ago has happened with a link directly from behind REX checkin into the Lounge. For the record, I've heard along the grapevine that this will be accessible to top-tier VFFers and the Club will be elsewhere in the expansion (I heard behind the current entry reception...). Will be good to see it when it's all finished!

Also - agree on the comments RE: security. Why Melbourne Airport don't make all mezzanine levels sterile is beyond me.