Virgin Virtual Network to Europe - Lounges or Premium Economy?

[Carlous Moochous]

I thought I'd see what other Virgin FF's think about choosing an airline within the Virgin virtual network partners into Europe. I'm flying into FRA in March and considering my options as a platinum Virgin. I'd like to fly SQ in the new Premium Economy between SIN and FRA however if I do this I'll have no lounge access in FRA and the rather ordinary KrisFlyer Gold lounge in SIN. Alternatively I can take EY via AUH and have the premium lounge in AUH and the EY First/Business in FRA however would be in economy all the way. I took EY last year and would do it again but thought I'd seek some input from other Virgin Gold/Plat's as to what they would do... and before you ask, no my budget doesn't extend to J just yet so its Y or Y+.

 

[Dylan O'Connor]

I would take Y with the most lounge access. I can't remember the last time I had to wait in a terminal and I shudder to do it again.

 

[antycbr]

One factor to consider is the 3x earning status credits on SQ Y+, very useful for requal compared to discount Y which is what most EY flights will book into. Also points earn will be significantly higher on the SQ Y+

 

[rtyuiop]

I'd take premium econ every time from those options. You'll be spending a lot more time on board than in a lounge, and it's not like SIN is an unpleasant place to wait for a few hours - good showers available for a few dollars, decent food options, and wifi. If you're expecting much more than that from an AUH lounge I would prepare for disappointment, the only difference is you'll have to spend a (little) money in SIN.

If you're really worried about it, take an overnight stopover in Singapore and relax in a hotel - I love the Changi crowne plaza, and you can generally time your departure there so you can walk out of your room and onto the plane... But you could also go into town and probably get a better rate and more entertainment.

 

[mooingchicken]

Honestly the kris gold isnt to bad, although I have never been to the silver. only downside is the no shower, but that can be had by a few $'s or free if u get the 2x $20 changi vouchers

EY econ is also an extra seat then SQ Y so more cramped, Y+ will be even better again. If it was me I would probably go the SQ option and maybe you might run into someone who can guest you into the silver lounge?
For lounge access in FRA, you could always get a CC that has PP attached or another which has lounge access deals attached?

 

[Ausbt]

and wifi. If you're expecting much more than that from an AUH lounge I would prepare for disappointment

Six trips through AUH Diamond Lounge this year for me, and never got my laptop to connect to wi fi once. Resorted to unplugging one of the Apple monitors and using their cable. Same with iPhone - never got it to connect to wi fi at all. My iPad mini got a connection twice. It's very frustrating to sit around watching everyone else merrily using their devices when all three of mine are useless. This has only happened to me at AUH, no dramas at Nero cafes in the UK or in the VA lounges here in Oz. I really can't work out what the issue was, but at least I could ultimately cable in to pick up email.

If you go EY Y, then do it on the A380. I felt that I could handle Y on that plane, certainly more so than a 777.

 

[Carlous Moochous]

Thanks for your suggestions everyone. I've done EY before and the AUH lounge is much better than the SIN lounge (wifi accessed easily). I did go EY via PER to avoid the 777 tho which was quite comfortable and comparable to SQ's seat width. I do like the idea of the more status credits with SQ than EY... there are pros and cons for both.

 

[Jobeki111]

Transfer points to kris flyer and upgrade to j from y if you have enough points? Best of both worlds?

 

[smit0847]

Thanks for your suggestions everyone. I've done EY before and the AUH lounge is much better than the SIN lounge (wifi accessed easily). I did go EY via PER to avoid the 777 tho which was quite comfortable and comparable to SQ's seat width. I do like the idea of the more status credits with SQ than EY... there are pros and cons for both.

I was going to say... if you said you didnt mind EY Y im guessing you werent on a 777!!