Virgin blue launches australia’s first lounge premium entry and premium valet at sydn

[LiamR]

Re: Virgin blue launches australia’s first lounge premium entry and premium valet at

No need to go near the zoo feedlot in T2.

Glad to see I'm not the only one that sees it like this, mostly JQ pax trying to save $10 by taking all of their stuff onboard as possible.

watch this space

That would be a BIG leap forward for Virgin's MEL terminal, bringing it into line with QF MEL.

 

[LiamR]

Re: Virgin blue launches australia’s first lounge premium entry and premium valet at

All you have to do now is make sure I am the winner of the Velocity Update promotion, and I will happily become your new spokesperson and face of the rebranded Virgin Blue ad campaign....I'll even do it for mate's rates ... or increased velocity points and SCs

I thought it was agreed that I was the winner?

After all *plug* at a conference at AUH in november, I'm managing a booth promoting tourism to Australia.... Guess who I've got lined up as the airline of choice... AUH direct to Australia anyone...?

 

[crazydave98]

Re: Virgin blue launches australia’s first lounge premium entry and premium valet at

So have any AFF members actually tried the kerbside entry yet? Keen to get feedback please!
cheers
CrazyDave98

 

[Zeitgeist]

Re: Virgin blue launches australia’s first lounge premium entry and premium valet at

Hi CrazyDave,

I am flying SYD-CNS tomorrow evening so will probably use the kerbside entry then. Will report back.

Can you please confirm if there is any benefit in using the kerbside entry if I have checked baggage. I know the original post makes reference to being welcome to use it, but then having to go into the main hall to check baggage in. Once my baggage is checked in can I then go back through the private security lane and straight into the lounge?

I guess what I'm asking is, what is the benefit of using this feature when you have checked baggage?

Thanks,

Zeit

 

[Misha]

Re: Virgin blue launches australia’s first lounge premium entry and premium valet at

Good question. I usually come in a rental car, so after drop off I usually sit outside having a few smokes before I head through security. It will be nice to go straight into lounge from the kerb. I will be there on Friday so I will post feedback too.

I do wonder though, as a smoker - will it be a simple matter of going out to kerb to have a puff, and then just coming back in (hope so). I know most people won't look kindly on my asking these questions - but come on - us smokers are still humans (kind of!)...


Ahh... to only go back to days of smoking in airports (...and dare I say it - on aeroplanes!) :mrgreen:

 

[crazydave98]

Re: Virgin blue launches australia’s first lounge premium entry and premium valet at

I do wonder though, as a smoker - will it be a simple matter of going out to kerb to have a puff, and then just coming back in (hope so).

Yes it will be simple to just pop out for a coffin nail. Of course you will have to be re-screened but the Lounge angels should remember who you are and not have to re-check you.

 

[crazydave98]

Re: Virgin blue launches australia’s first lounge premium entry and premium valet at

I guess what I'm asking is, what is the benefit of using this feature when you have checked baggage?

Hi Zeit, the official answer is probably "not much". You can use the priority valet parking feature but will be directed into the main departures hall (and the priority queue of course). But my tip is if, after check-in, the security line through to the zoo looks a bit too feral, pop outside and walk along to the kerbside entry where the queue will be non-existant and just tell the Lounge angels you have already checked in - flash your boarding pass or card.
cheers
CrazyDave98

 

[Misha]

Re: Virgin blue launches australia’s first lounge premium entry and premium valet at

Thanks Crazy Dave,

You have no idea how much hassle that will save us coffin dodgers

The idea of checking in baggage and then going back through kerbside entry really is a great benefit to anyone who has been stuck in those queues at Sydney security.

Nice.

 

[crazydave98]

Re: Virgin blue launches australia’s first lounge premium entry and premium valet at

The idea of checking in baggage and then going back through kerbside entry really is a great benefit to anyone who has been stuck in those queues at Sydney security.

Believe me I have spent more time in those queues than anyone - weekly trip to Brisbane for 8 years (less the few months after I joined that we were in the old Domestic Express Terminal).

 

[LiamR]

Re: Virgin blue launches australia’s first lounge premium entry and premium valet at

The idea of checking in baggage and then going back through kerbside entry really is a great benefit to anyone who has been stuck in those queues at Sydney security.

Nice.

+1 Avoiding that que is a fantastic benefit. Now just do find a way to get from the lounge to aircraft without going through to zoo!

On a seperate note... I hope someone will post some photos! I'll be there on Sunday, but sadly, it won't be open.

 

[Misha]

Re: Virgin blue launches australia’s first lounge premium entry and premium valet at

Liam:

I'm there on Friday - but could be cutting it too close to be able to get out phone and take happy snaps. If no one else has done by then, I am back flying out of Syd on Monday afternoon so will try then - if it is open on Public Holidays?? *Looks over and makes puppy eyes at CrazyDave*

CrazyDave: 8 Years of queues gets some sympathy, 8 years of regular commuting to Brisbane gets bucket-loads. :mrgreen: I will light a candle for the suffering you have endured!

 

[medhead]

Virgin blue launches australia’s first lounge premium entry and premium valet at sydn

On a seperate note... I hope someone will post some photos! I'll be there on Sunday, but sadly, it won't be open.

I'm there on Thursday and will try to get some happy snaps, subject to time and not upsetting security or anything.

 

[crazydave98]

Re: Virgin blue launches australia’s first lounge premium entry and premium valet at

Liam:

I'm there on Friday - but could be cutting it too close to be able to get out phone and take happy snaps. If no one else has done by then, I am back flying out of Syd on Monday afternoon so will try then - if it is open on Public Holidays?? *Looks over and makes puppy eyes at CrazyDave*

Did someone tell you I have two boxers and can't resist puppy eyes? Yes, Lounge Premium Entry and Premium Valet are open on Public Holidays!

 

[LiamR]

Virgin blue launches australia’s first lounge premium entry and premium valet at sydn

http://www.ausbt.com.au/tested-virgin-blue-s-new-fast-track-check-in-security-channel-and-lounge-access-at-sydney-airport

Looks like someone has already got photos! Including a quite from crazydave

 

[Saab34]

Re: Virgin blue launches australia’s first lounge premium entry and premium valet at

So are ground crew wearing new uniforms now too?

 

[docjames]

Re: Virgin blue launches australia’s first lounge premium entry and premium valet at

:?: Have I misunderstood something? Premium entry open on public holidays but not on weekends?

 

[allitsab]

Re: Virgin blue launches australia’s first lounge premium entry and premium valet at

:?: Have I misunderstood something? Premium entry open on public holidays but not on weekends?

I agree - seems very strange.

What happens, for instance, if I am planning a trip to melbourne leaving Friday morning, returning Friday evening, but for whatever reason I'm delayed till Sat morning - how the heck do I get my car back??

Not opening weekends is a major hassle (in addition to my previous comments around my particular travel patterns)

 

[DSFlyer]

Re: Virgin blue launches australia’s first lounge premium entry and premium valet at

:?: Have I misunderstood something? Premium entry open on public holidays but not on weekends?

Entry is open at all times - valet does not operate on weekends

 

[crazydave98]

Re: Virgin blue launches australia’s first lounge premium entry and premium valet at

What happens, for instance, if I am planning a trip to melbourne leaving Friday morning, returning Friday evening, but for whatever reason I'm delayed till Sat morning - how the heck do I get my car back??

The collection point for Valet is the same as the present drop-off point in the departures hall. Only the drop-off point outside the Lounge kerbside entrance is different.

Not opening weekends is a major hassle (in addition to my previous comments around my particular travel patterns)

Sorry, just not the demand to justify the expense on weekends - but then the main departures hall is also a lot less crowded and security lines less backed up too.

 

[crazydave98]

Re: Virgin blue launches australia’s first lounge premium entry and premium valet at

:?: Have I misunderstood something? Premium entry open on public holidays but not on weekends?

No you haven't misunderstood. I haven't seen the stats but would not surprise me if there is more demand for the Lounge on public hols than regular weekends - plenty of people getting away for long weekends.