Virgin Lounge Access Sydney International flight + Waiving sign up fee????

[Skimum]

Hi I'm doing some research and trying to decide if it is worth getting a Virgin Lounge membership for an upcoming US trip. From what I can tell- Virgin LOunge members can use the Air New Zealand Koru lounge ONLY if flying to NZ.. does anyone know if this is correct????? OR can it be used when flying to LAX too????
My other question is if anyone knows a way to have the sign up fee waived or discounted??? I'd love to know anyone's tips for making thiis a worthwile sign up as I don't have any status with Virgin Australia.

Thanks so much

 

[Jurahn]

Hi Skimum and welcome to the forum.

The info you have is correct - Virgin Lounge members can only access the Koru lounges if flying between Australia and New Zealand. The only way you can access those lounges for Virgin Australia international flights (to LAX for example) is if you are flying Business Class or you are a Velocity Platinum or Gold member. I think I recall someone mentioning in a thread a while ago that you could buy a day pass to the Koru lounges if you didn't otherwise have access, depending on space availability in the lounge, but not sure if Air New Zealand still offers this - I'm sure someone here will be able to advise on that.

 

[nickykim]

The Air NZ site suggests that you can buy ad hoc access if the lounge is not too full.

International Lounges - Lounge Information - Koru - Airpoints - Air New Zealand - Australia Site

Will be trying this in Auckland in a month. Wil report back.