The Lounge MEL/BNE - closures in Feb/mar during refurb

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markis10

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Just got an email on the closures of the lounge in MEL and BNE during the refurb:

As a valued Virgin Blue and The Lounge Guest, I'd like to take this opportunity to inform you of some of the changes we'll be making in the next few months.

You may already be aware that Virgin Blue is increasing our commitment to our business, government and frequent flyers, and as a result we are putting more focus on developing the products and services that you value most. As part of this focus, we will be expanding and significantly improving our Lounge facilities in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. The changes will enhance the comfort and space, and incorporate fresh new food options throughout the day, providing you with a more exclusive and refreshing Lounge experience.

To achieve this, a substantial refurbishment programme commences in February 2011 for a two to three month period, during which time we will operate from temporary Lounge facilities in both Melbourne and Brisbane. The Sydney Lounge will continue to operate through the renovation period without major disruption.

The Melbourne Lounge refurbishment commences 04 February 2011 and will be staged, allowing us to continue to operate in the existing facility. The Lounge will close for approximately two weeks during refurbishment to allow for intensive works. During this short period of closure we will offer complimentary food and beverage vouchers for members departing Melbourne. You will receive a subsequent email with closure dates and service information closer to the time.

The Brisbane Lounge refurbishment will commence between the end of February and the beginning of March. The existing Lounge will close for the duration of works, and a separate facility will operate during refurbishment.

While the temporary facilities will be restricted in the range of services available, we will continue to offer bar and barista service and refreshments throughout the day. The temporary Lounges will also provide lounge, dining, and some business facilities for your convenience, together with complimentary WIFI access. Meeting rooms will not be available in Melbourne and Brisbane during the refurbishment programme, but will be available at all other Lounges.

I apologise for the inconvenience that may be caused due to these Lounge works, but assure you that we will do everything we can to ensure a continued enjoyable Lounge experience. I will provide you with further updates on the Lounge development programme and service information over coming months. In the meantime, if you have any questions, please direct them to The Lounge team on [email protected] or 1300 287 202.
 
MEL and BNE Lounge changes for refurbishment

Just got this from DJ:

Dear Mr 777

As a valued Virgin Blue and The Lounge Guest, I'd like to take this opportunity to inform you of some of the changes we'll be making in the next few months.

You may already be aware that Virgin Blue is increasing our commitment to our business, government and frequent flyers, and as a result we are putting more focus on developing the products and services that you value most. As part of this focus, we will be expanding and significantly improving our Lounge facilities in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. The changes will enhance the comfort and space, and incorporate fresh new food options throughout the day, providing you with a more exclusive and refreshing Lounge experience.

To achieve this, a substantial refurbishment programme commences in February 2011 for a two to three month period, during which time we will operate from temporary Lounge facilities in both Melbourne and Brisbane. The Sydney Lounge will continue to operate through the renovation period without major disruption.

The Melbourne Lounge refurbishment commences 04 February 2011 and will be staged, allowing us to continue to operate in the existing facility. The Lounge will close for approximately two weeks during refurbishment to allow for intensive works. During this short period of closure we will offer complimentary food and beverage vouchers for members departing Melbourne. You will receive a subsequent email with closure dates and service information closer to the time.

The Brisbane Lounge refurbishment will commence between the end of February and the beginning of March. The existing Lounge will close for the duration of works, and a separate facility will operate during refurbishment.

While the temporary facilities will be restricted in the range of services available, we will continue to offer bar and barista service and refreshments throughout the day. The temporary Lounges will also provide lounge, dining, and some business facilities for your convenience, together with complimentary WIFI access. Meeting rooms will not be available in Melbourne and Brisbane during the refurbishment programme, but will be available at all other Lounges.

I apologise for the inconvenience that may be caused due to these Lounge works, but assure you that we will do everything we can to ensure a continued enjoyable Lounge experience. I will provide you with further updates on the Lounge development programme and service information over coming months. In the meantime, if you have any questions, please direct them to The Lounge team on [email protected] or 1300 287 202.

If you do not wish to receive further updates regarding The Lounge refurbishments, please email [email protected] with unsubscribe in the subject line.

Yours sincerely


Martin Daley
Group Executive, Product and Guest Services

Will be interesting to see what they come up with after all this. But i think they are serious about upgrading the services.

I have no BNE trips planned for a bit am based in MEL. So hopefully the two weeks closed isn't going to overlap a busy period for me.

777.
 
I could imagine the logistical nightmares of trying to obtain temporary space at Australian domestic airports in the DJ terminals. I am surprised they managed to do it at all.

I'm pleased to see that DJ are spending serious money on their facilities. I really like the MEL lounge. Will be interesting to see how much the vouchers are for.

A suggestion though - please replace the grey carpet while you're at it - for some reason it just looks cheap.
 
Received the same message at 8:31pm.

signed:
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I’m sure most got the email, looking forward to what they can do with the BNE lounge. Perhaps they’ll even make it a little bigger? I know I certainly found it a little drab late last year, so am very keen to see what happens.
 
I’m sure most got the email, looking forward to what they can do with the BNE lounge. Perhaps they’ll even make it a little bigger? I know I certainly found it a little drab late last year, so am very keen to see what happens.


I think that most of the DJ lounges are not particularly efficient in the use of space - this is something that QF, through necessity, have perfected. I was in the Perth QP and it's amazing how efficiently they use the space. Unfortunately five relatively out of control kids made it rather unpleasant for a 7 hour stopover!
 
I wonder which outlets the vouchers will be valid for and how much we will be given?
 
I wonder which outlets the vouchers will be valid for and how much we will be given?

Nothing short of $50 should suffice… which is what I got in New Zealand as a QP member when I couldn’t use the Air NZ lounge one year.
 
Nothing short of $50 should suffice… which is what I got in New Zealand as a QP member when I couldn’t use the Air NZ lounge one year.
I would hope so. If I am catching a Friday arvo or evening flight I dolike to have a few beers. Nothong outrageous, but four Crownies isn't unheard of, plus some nuts of some of that mixed bag as they call it. The equivalent at PJ O'Briens at MEL airport would be $40.
 
Wonder if Virgin are looking at adding any new domestic lounges in the near future?

Cairns would be the next one I suspect, simply because there is room, maybe OOL as well if QF return which is the rumor!
 
Cairns would be the next one I suspect, simply because there is room, maybe OOL as well if QF return which is the rumor!

I think OOL makes sense, even if QF don't return - DJ has stacks of flights (25 departures tomorrow) through OOL and it would help them get a lock on business travel through that port as part of the relaunch. Ex Canberra we always send people either on the direct flight of an evening, or through SYD, as the other options involve either a drive down from BNE or a QF->JQ terminal change with bags and the risk of misconnect. Another benefit of opening an OOL lounge is to provide lounge access for Air NZ flights to AKL and CHC as part of the alliance.

OOL also has a large and growing conference trade - a lot of IT conferences are in the Gold Coast and not all conference speakers/delegates are on BFOD.
 
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Yep antycbr, being an OOL local, I was sort of hinting at that when I asked the question ;). Having family in CBR, and planning to travel frequently to SYD and MEL in the near future, a lounge at OOL would be great. Also agree with your comments on ANZ alliance and increasing levels of business happening in OOL, which would lock DJ/VA as the airline of choice for corporates.
 
I didn't want to complain with my 1st post, but what about a lounge at OOL. With about 25 daily departures I thought DJ would open a lounge there rather than have another go at the old Golden Wings lounge at BNE.
Does anyone know if there are any plans for a lounge at OOL ?
 
I didn't want to complain with my 1st post, but what about a lounge at OOL. With about 25 daily departures I thought DJ would open a lounge there rather than have another go at the old Golden Wings lounge at BNE.
Does anyone know if there are any plans for a lounge at OOL ?
Major,

Welcome top AFF. :D

Maybe we could look for an answer from one of the DJ reps on the board. :cool:
 
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