VA Melbourne Lounge & Flight Report

[Travel Guru]

I thought since the lounge only opened on Monday (23 May) I'd write a short trip report on that and some thoughts on my flight on a separate thread to the VA New Lounge thread.

I have to say I'm really impressed with this lounge, while the food really isn't all that more enticing than the offerings (or lack thereof) at the Qantas Club, the drink menu is far superior with 8 different beers on offer (including my favorite - list below) and a reasonable drop of bubbly (I had to try a glass in honour of QF009 :mrgreen.

The lounge could definitely do with a bit of a splash of colour as it could be seen as a bit bland, but it's modern, funky and everything to QP isn't (and more).

I'm not a coffee drinker, but can see how all day Barista service would be a great plus for those of you who are, and it seemed to be quite popular.

The lounge staff seemed proud and out to impress and was nice to feel warmly welcomed.

My only suggestions with the lounge would be a slightly more appealing food offering (especially for those with special meal requirements - Vegetarian, Gluten Free etc), and would love to see the end to paid single lounge entry so that it maintains a bit of exclusivity and doesn't become like the QP (as a friend suggested), a bus terminal.
Other than that I can't fault it.

Beer List:
- Beez Neez
- Asahi (YES!)
- Corona
- Crown
- Carlton Draught
- Cascade Light
- Fat Yak

Other:
- Strongbow

Bubbly:
- Seppelt's Fleur de Ryhs

(sorry I didnt get a chance to note down the Bubbly Red or Wines)



My flight on the other hand was anything but inspiring, and was disappointed to find some of the same old Virgin Blue attitude and jokes (care of the Cabin Attendant Elliott DJ745) which I'd hoped would be dropped when Virgin Australia launched a far more classy level of service.

It would be great to see some more special attention given to Gold Frequent Flyers, instead of being treated like any other passenger; if they can provide meal service to Flexi fare passengers (as well as Y+), how hard would it be to offer a free bottle of water or something else just to make their most frequent flyers appreciated.

Will be great to see how VA evolve and can't wait to see a Lounge at OOL later in the year so I can stop waiting in the "food hall" before my flights.

TG

 

[Homer]

I was going to write “You had me at Asahi” but then I noted your comments regarding the FA attitude on the flight. This is still one of the biggest challenges they face IMHO. There’s only so much young, overly-familiar-bordering-on-coughy attitude that you can take as a premium fare paying pax before you look longingly out the window and dream of QF (at least domestically).

Thanks for the report though TG.

 

[Travel Guru]

I was going to write “You had me at Asahi” but then I noted your comments regarding the FA attitude on the flight. This is still one of the biggest challenges they face IMHO. There’s only so much young, overly-familiar-bordering-on-coughy attitude that you can take as a premium fare paying pax before you look longingly out the window and dream of QF (at least domestically).

Thanks for the report though TG.

Absolutely, the "if you fall down the stairs please ensure you roll all the way to the bottom before proceeding to the terminal" jokes are so 2001, it's time for their FA's to grow up and accept that the public (especially those who fly regularly) want a more grown up attitude from VA and their staff.

TG

 

[Homer]

Yep. Except I don’t think it’s the FA’s fault. The company hired these people. They selected them for their “flair” and “attitude” but now the business has moved beyond where they started but they are still stuck with a lot of the original crew. That’s the culture of the business they created and changing culture is, well, pretty damn tough.

 

[Travel Guru]

Yep. Except I don’t think it’s the FA’s fault. The company hired these people. They selected them for their “flair” and “attitude” but now the business has moved beyond where they started but they are still stuck with a lot of the original crew. That’s the culture of the business they created and changing culture is, well, pretty damn tough.

Absolutely, it all starts from the top in any business.

My other big gripe which I didnt mention in the trip report as I dont want to come across as a snob or a DYKWIA'er (as anyone who knows me will tell you im very laid back and humble), but when you're seated in Row 3 (Y+ seat being used for Y) and they've closed the Row 3 baggage lockers so that Y+ pax have room for their carry-on luggage, as a Gold FF, would be nice to have the cabin manager who spoke to me assist me rather than treating me like any other Virgin Blue flyer.

Will be great to see how they go changing crew attitude at the rollout continues.

TG

 

[Keith009]

Thanks for the report TG. I hope the bubbly was nice.

Disappointing to hear that the silly and try hard style of service is still around. I love the progressive and hip feel of the Virgin brand, but don't want a wannabe comedian on the PA! Let's hope this changes as the rollout continues. I'd hope they retain the fresh and funky Virgin flair, with a good touch of irreverently professional Aussie service (which Qantas cabin crew are fab at, at least internationally - alas domestic crew tend to be more often than not ho hum and surly) but not the silly jokes.