Virgin Australia Lifetime Lounge Membership now available

[Oneworldplus2]

Re: Lifetime Lounge Membership

Hopefully lifetime status aren't too far behind as well. Maybe then lifetime Silver members could then have discounted lifetime Lounge membership

+1 on above comment. Lifetime SC earn would be a nice feature.

Back to VA Lifetime Membership, l'll echo everyone else - "WOW, that's expensive..."

 

[smit0847]

I can't imagine a situation where one would fly enough to make this investment worthwhile, but not fly enough to maintain VG or VP and get access anyway.

As a Silver member, and someone who will probably fly enough to maintain Silver on a regular basis, I would have definitely considered LTVL as it's the missing piece in what I'm offered. But not at that price.

You took the words right out of my mouth. Who's to say VA don't go back to the budget model (i.e. get rid of lounges) in 5 years time if this new play for corporates ultimately doesnt work?

It's kinda like why people don't buy lifetime gym memberships.

Would it be fair to say this is the first initiative VA have introduced this year that hasn't received approval from this forum?

 

[BAM1748]

You could buy a lot of meals from the airport, and even the odd beer or two, even at inflated airport prices for near on $10k... Plus one or two RTW trips as well...

That's some pretty pricey 'me time' away from the rabble and so-so speed internet...

It's the price of a whole holiday itself. :shock:

 

[dsotm]

If it was for Virgin lounges worldwide, I'd have my credit card out now, thinking about it...

 

[dfcatch]

VA - thanks for the reply.

Your offer is fine - its just not for me.

If you don't sell any - you don't lose anything.

Any that you sell are a bonus.

And you're right - its important not to devalue the lounge either.

Best of luck - I hope your modeling is correct.

 

[aurora]

Would it be fair to say this is the first initiative VA have introduced this year that hasn't received approval from this forum?

Interesting thought - is it the initiative that hasn't received approval, or just the pricing? Certainly does make my $300 Silver lounge annual membership look good!

 

[haydensydney]

I am just speechless. Whoever designed this product must have been pissed at the pub at lunch one Friday afternoon to think that this would actually be worthwhile taking to market. Was there even any market research done on this?

My assumption is that: 1) corporate high flyers probably get enough miles to get free lounge access anyway, 2) HNW individuals are likely to only fly Business/First Class anyway, so wouldn't need to actually buy lounge membership and 3) Everyone else is likely to baulk at the $10k pricetag. So who is actually going to buy this?

Anyway, I admire your enthusiasm VA but really this is a FAIL

 

[markis10]

Would it be fair to say this is the first initiative VA have introduced this year that hasn't received approval from this forum?

No, the menu changes were not appreciated earlier this year (especially the spirits being removed).

 

[dfcatch]

No, the menu changes were not appreciated earlier this year (especially the spirits being removed).

Another cross against the Lounge.

And I say this in the mindset of trying very hard to be positive about VA.

 

[lovestotravel]

Adding up international and domestic lounges

Qantas - 28 lounges in Australia
VA - 9 lounges in Australia

 

[Jack Melon]

Whoever buys this, no offence has no life. Spend it on something better.

 

[kamchatsky]

Well at least VA provides an option ..... better than QF right now?!

I am sure they will adjust the price say after 3 months to see if there are any significant feedback ......

 

[nlagalle]

Whoever buys this, no offence has no life. Spend it on something better.

Why do they have no life? if someone in the twenties were to purchase it, by the time they hit their forties, it would be paid for (based on yearly rates). so they may not travel enough to make Gold, but they will get lounge access along with using the T2 priority entry.

Sure they may change their lounges in 10 years, but that is a risk with any life membership.

 

[dsotm]

Maybe a discount for gold and plats VA?

 

[casanovawa]

You wouldn't want to take it out on the premise that you expected your job would require quite a bit of flying and then get reassigned or transferred or change jobs or something shortly after would you...

 

[markis10]

Its probably tax deductible, a similar amount spent on weekends in the pub is not, net cost of around 5K in the top tax bracket spread over 10 years at 2011 dollars???

 

[kpc]

IIRC, I paid around $1800-$2000 for QC life membership in the early 90's. Tax deducted it as well. Can't say I will partake in DJs offer announced above:shock:

 

[VOZZY]

As the world gets busier and busier, it’s more important than ever to make the business of travelling as relaxing as possible.
We are now offering corporate and leisure travellers the opportunity to invest in a Lifetime membership to the Virgin Australia lounge, securing access for life.

Benefits include:

• Luke Mangan designed menu
• Premium wine and beer selection after 11am
• All-day barista coffee and snacks
• Business services, complimentary WiFi, private meeting rooms available for hire at competitive rates, communal spaces and quiet areas
• News and entertainment
• Professional, personalised and friendly service
• Complimentary guest allowance of one adult and two children (aged 2–12yrs)
• Reciprocal access to Air New Zealand lounges in Australia and New Zealand when flying Trans Tasman and within New Zealand.

You will also receive:
- Direct kerbside access, private security screening and check-in at Sydney lounge Premium Entry
Note: This is an exclusive benefit, not available to other lounge members, it is a Status benefit otherwise reserved for Platinum
and Gold Members, Business and Premium Economy Guests
- Exclusive member pack (issued in Jan 12) – Lifetime lounge membership card, GROWN & Luke Mangan products.

Price and packaging:
- $9,750 lifetime membership, $6,750 senior lifetime member (aged 60yrs+ at purchase)
- This is a once off fee, with no discounts, rebates, or refunds
More information can be found at our website

With Sydney lounge Premium Entry, new Melbourne and Brisbane lounges, product and service enhancements and an expanding lounge network, there has never been a better time to become a member of the Virgin Australia lounge.

To purchase Lifetime Membership please contact the Virgin Australia lounge team on 1300 287 202 during business hours, or email

Sweet Freaking Jesus !. Lets all get together and chip in a few dollars to get the bean counters at VA a new calculator....Theirs is randomly trippling numbers...

 

[simongr]

Sweet Freaking Jesus !. Lets all get together and chip in a few dollars to get the bean counters at VA a new calculator....Theirs is randomly trippling numbers...

If you indexed the QF price when it was last offered they have only doubled the price.

 

[BAM1748]

Some of the things on offer will come and go over time, chef's come and go, lounge access regimes change over time. Benefits offered now will change.

For some people $9K will not be much and good luck to those people. But it's not for me as Virgin don't have the "full service" runs on the board just yet and a change of management at the top could easily see it all reversed.

Matt