Hi Everyone
Myself and my partner have just spent 2 weeks in the USA flying VA to LAX, Delta to Orlando, Virgin America to Chicago and LAX and then VA back to Sydney. Overall the experience was ok, but there were a few issues we had, given that I had gold status that we found disappointing.
Our flight from Sydney to LAX was booked requiring a transfer though Melbourne. Unfortunately the flight was delayed 45 mins because of fog, which meant we missed our checkin in melbourne for the international leg (missed it by 5 mins). Although this wasnt VA's fault, I think the system should have booked the connecting flight with more than 90 mins lay over. Consequently we were put on a flight the next day via brisbane instead.
In Brisbane, we were abused at the Koru lounge because we werent given a lounge invitation at checkin. We were then made to go back out and get one. When going through the priority lane when boarding, my partner was barked at for not having status, despite being right next me (it was clear we were together) and then had to wait whilst I boarded. I have never had an issue with this before until now, as we have always gone through the priority lane before together with no issues.
On landing in LAX, I was pleased that the cabin manager took the time to come to me and ask about the flight and then gave us passes to get through immigration quickly... however we were unable to use them and had to hand them back. Surprisingly , we had no issues getting into the Delta Skyclub and the attendant there was very friendly.
On the way home back at LAX, we again had troubles at the lounge. At checkin i was given an invitation to the lounge, but when we tried to get in my partner was refused entry because we only had one invitation.... FFS... I was told that being gold and flying economy meant I couldnt have a guest which I know is total cough. We had to go out, back to checkin and get a second invitation. Pluses though, the attendant blocked out the seat between us, and we appreciated the glass of wine given to us when we took our seats. We were also offered exit seats when the plane was in the air.
I fo feel that these couple of issues, however minor, should not have happened. I spent a fair deal of my own money getting to gold and am a bit disappointed with the whole experience TBH now that I think about it. Comments welcome!
Myself and my partner have just spent 2 weeks in the USA flying VA to LAX, Delta to Orlando, Virgin America to Chicago and LAX and then VA back to Sydney. Overall the experience was ok, but there were a few issues we had, given that I had gold status that we found disappointing.
Our flight from Sydney to LAX was booked requiring a transfer though Melbourne. Unfortunately the flight was delayed 45 mins because of fog, which meant we missed our checkin in melbourne for the international leg (missed it by 5 mins). Although this wasnt VA's fault, I think the system should have booked the connecting flight with more than 90 mins lay over. Consequently we were put on a flight the next day via brisbane instead.
In Brisbane, we were abused at the Koru lounge because we werent given a lounge invitation at checkin. We were then made to go back out and get one. When going through the priority lane when boarding, my partner was barked at for not having status, despite being right next me (it was clear we were together) and then had to wait whilst I boarded. I have never had an issue with this before until now, as we have always gone through the priority lane before together with no issues.
On landing in LAX, I was pleased that the cabin manager took the time to come to me and ask about the flight and then gave us passes to get through immigration quickly... however we were unable to use them and had to hand them back. Surprisingly , we had no issues getting into the Delta Skyclub and the attendant there was very friendly.
On the way home back at LAX, we again had troubles at the lounge. At checkin i was given an invitation to the lounge, but when we tried to get in my partner was refused entry because we only had one invitation.... FFS... I was told that being gold and flying economy meant I couldnt have a guest which I know is total cough. We had to go out, back to checkin and get a second invitation. Pluses though, the attendant blocked out the seat between us, and we appreciated the glass of wine given to us when we took our seats. We were also offered exit seats when the plane was in the air.
I fo feel that these couple of issues, however minor, should not have happened. I spent a fair deal of my own money getting to gold and am a bit disappointed with the whole experience TBH now that I think about it. Comments welcome!
