Velocity Plat using the First Class Lounge in Abu Dhabi

[asbindia]

Hey Guys!

So I am going to get my Velocity Plat status soon and will be flying with Etihad after getting it so I am extremely excited about using their First Class Lounge! In fact this will be the First time I will be in a First Lounge usually its Business.


So I was wondering if anyone has visited the First Class lounge with their FF and with a J ticket as I have a few questions.

1. Their website states that the Spa is for their guests travelling in F but can you pay for a Massage?


2. Their wording on their website is a bit confusing in regards to their cigar club they state For cigar aficionados, we have the First Class Cigar Lounge, with nine best-in-class varieties of cigars paired with a large selection of single malt whiskies and Cognac. Does that mean their Cigar Lounge is First Class or only open to First Class passengers and Plat FF are not welcome?

3. Do you have any suggestions for the lounge? Ie. Sometimes there are facilities/items not advertised but rather just done by word of mouth please share if there are any.

4. I also wont have my card by then but in the past I have just logged onto my account at a SilverKris Lounge and they gave me access. Does you status come up on the EY Boarding Passes like it does with SQ?


Thank you for your time and help!

 

[esseeeayeenn]

Does you status come up on the EY Boarding Passes like it does with SQ?

Yes it does.

 

[scwappy]

You can pay for a massage and/or haircut etc. Prices are not too bad and it's worth doing to kill some time IMHO. I'm unsure re the cigar lounge, but assume you should be able to use it.

 

[Denali]

The only thing I can add is please shower/change clothes after smoking your cigars and before your flight.

Otherwise, enjoy all the perks you can.

 

[im.daniel]

1. You can get a free massage - I've always received a free 15 min treatment, when traveling in Y/J with EY - YMMV
2. Cigar lounge is open to all who have access to the EY F lounge - they don't discriminate once you go inside
3. I like asking for the bar and formal a la carte dining menu at the same time, gives you more variety should you choose
4. 'VA Platinum' should be printed onto your boarding pass, I have yet to show my actual VA plat card at an EY lounge in AUH.

It's a very nice lounge, and a few steps above their old lounge - enjoy!

 

[cssaus]

......
4. 'VA Platinum' should be printed onto your boarding pass, I have yet to show my actual VA plat card at an EY lounge in AUH.

It's a very nice lounge, and a few steps above their old lounge - enjoy!

Taking a look at my AUH-LHR BP that was issued by VA in Sydney, "VA Platinum" is not printed, it just shows my VA FF number. However, my VA issued BP for the SYD-AUH flight on VA 29 did show "Velocity Platinum" printed on it.

 

[esseeeayeenn]

Taking a look at my AUH-LHR BP that was issued by VA in Sydney, "VA Platinum" is not printed, it just shows my VA FF number. However, my VA issued BP for the SYD-AUH flight on VA 29 did show "Velocity Platinum" printed on it.

It is printed on EY issued boarding passes.

 

[cssaus]

It is printed on EY issued boarding passes.

That's good to know, I'm flying back to Sydney next week with EY.

 

[Cryptarcadian]

Just got back from the F lounge while flying J... even though VA Platinum was printed on my EY-issued boarding pass they asked to see my physical VA card.

Incidentally it was passed the review date on the front, and my new card was waiting for me back home, so my current card appeared "expired" to the lounge agent. I had to ask them to turn the card over and read the sentence that says VA considers the cards valid for another month after review date. No problem after that! (I really wish VA would just print the cards like they're valid for 13 months to keep it simple!)

You can also try showing them the digital card on your phone, via the VA app, but you may need to connect to free Wi-Fi at the airport to get it to display properly.

There's a luggage storage/locker area at the foyer upstairs that's not particularly obvious, so you might miss it if there's no staff member waiting there... but of course feel free to ask!

I suggest booking a timeslot for your massage/spa treatment as soon as you first arrive for the greatest choice, then go and dine/drink/relax. Note that the free 15-minute ones are only available for yourself -- if you have a guest, they will need to pay (as will you if you choose one of the longer ones, of course).

The lounge itself is not that big in total space, but it's well divided into different areas inside, so it's well worth a quick walk around at the beginning to see what's on offer. I never saw anyone use the cigar lounge while I was there, but it's a room next to the dining area anyone can access, so just waltz in and check it out!

They're pretty quick with the a-la-carte dishes, but will happily chat to you about what's a good idea if you let them know how long you have until your next flight. If you go for the Emirates Palace dining menu, consider substituting a different dessert instead as the "batheatha" is too heavy IMHO.

It's really a great lounge, with wonderfully attentive staff... enjoy your visit asbindia!

 

[cssaus]

I traveled through AUH last week as I mentioned in my previous post and yes, my BP did indicate on it VA PLATINUM. No issues on entering the lounge and was able to guest-in my wife

I agree with all the previous comments about the lounge and it is a less busier that the Business Class lounge. First thing I did on entering the lounge was head for the showers and was able to get one straight away.

No problem in locating the lounge, just follow the signs. My AUH-SYD flight was departing from Gate 32 so the walk from the lounge to the gate did not take all that long.

Now, I just wish Etihad would do something about their lounge in T4 at LHR, certainly doesn't quite come up to the standards of their other lounges I've visited.

 

[CPMaverick]

It is printed on EY issued boarding passes.

Just FYI, I had a similar experience and on a EY issued BP.

My MEL-AUH boarding pass had 'VA Platinum' on it. My AUH-BAH boarding pass did not. Both were issued by EY at MEL and both had my VA number on them.

I didn't have my physical card yet as I was only 2 weeks Platinum. I saved my MEL-AUH boarding pass to show the lounge, and they were grudgingly OK with it. It was curious...