Some questions about The Lounge

[openseat]

Now that we have a firmly entrenched BFOD policy and DJ are cheaper than QF nearly every time (even including a 'fudge' factor as someone mentioned here before, $15 in this case), I find myself more and more on DJ, making the ol' QP a dim distant memory - though the evening crushes are something I am glad to forego. The only lights on the horizon of this increased travel on DJ are the possibility to post to VS in 2008 (though one will have to wait and see how this works out) and possible membership of the Lounge.

My travel is not enough to get Gold in Velocity (and hence Lounge entrance), so I would have to join. We now have a corporate membership deal with the Lounge, but it has to be justified in some measure before the company will pay. The Lounge seems to provide a much less crowded environment, according to some colleagues, as well as a better quality larder.

My questions are:

Is there any possibility or rumour that membership of the Lounge will start to include reciprocal rights with other airline lounges, such as VS?

Is there going to be any further lounge construction like in PER and AKL?

Is there enough food in the lounge to tie one over for an evening meal (this is disputed among my colleagues who have been in the Lounge)?

Does the Lounge membership change seat availability or selection when checking-in?

I realise the first two questions are speculative, but any help is appreciated.

 

[StevePER]

Is there going to be any further lounge construction like in PER and AKL?

I ask about a lounge in PER at every opportunity I get, and I have never heard anything positive.

Is there enough food in the lounge to tie one over for an evening meal (this is disputed among my colleagues who have been in the Lounge)?

No. Buy food outside and bring it in.

Does the Lounge membership change seat availability or selection when checking-in?

No.

 

[Yada Yada]

I take a different view on a few of these issues...

Is there any possibility or rumour that membership of the Lounge will start to include reciprocal rights with other airline lounges, such as VS?

I've heard no rumour but would bet that it certainly is possible. Given that Velocity and Virgin Flying Club will be linked next year I'd guess it's a high probability.

Is there going to be any further lounge construction like in PER and AKL?

There certainly will be more Lounges. I don't know where next but I would guess that PER is quite high on the list now that CBR is open. It makes sense to cover as many capital city ports as possible. The fleet is about to be expanded so I would bet more services to PER are on the cards and that would make a Lounge even more desirable.

Is there enough food in the lounge to tie one over for an evening meal (this is disputed among my colleagues who have been in the Lounge)?

Yes! There is always soup, foccacia, a range of deli-style condiments including meats, along with snack foods and fruit. More than enough for a light meal. I usually eat breakfast in the SYD Lounge and an early dinner in the MEL Lounge and find both very good. As well as this, they are quieter, the coffee is real, the bar is good and the service great.

Does the Lounge membership change seat availability or selection when checking-in?

Not that I am aware of. However at the desk in the Lounge you can easily change your seat allocation. I always check-in on-line but have found it quite easy on a number of occasions to move to a blue-zone seat for no cost if available. The nice thing is that the staff are so helpful and happy to help, not at all like the dragons behind the desks in the QPs.

 

[openseat]

Thanks for the comments guys. Just tossing this around a bit. The other possibility is Priority Pass, though the company probably won't pony up for it. When flying international, it is always through OneWorld where I have existing lounge access.

 

[oz_mark]

I ask about a lounge in PER at every opportunity I get, and I have never heard anything positive.

I've heard otherwise, but not sure how much space there is, given that Alliance have taken over most of the old Ansett space.