Whats the point of Platinum?

[NZflygirl]

Is access to F lounge in AUH guaranteed for Virgin Plats?

We flew paid Biz Class last year to Europe and neither direction was it offered.

Have same flights booked soon so would like to know for sure if it is a published benefit?

I assume F Lounge in that home hub will be pretty neat.

I flew EY Y to AUH but because onward flight was AZ was denied even J lounge access. Weird as VA partner both and EY codeshare onwards. On return via AUH onward flight was EY, went to F lounge and let in. Unfortunately I had eaten AZs onboard meals so wasn't hungry. Just had a couple of drinks at the bar, given nuts. Also went to Spa, asked for a haircut but told cuts were only for guys (I guess that just involves the clippers) and only free if flying F. Paid for my mop to be washed and blow dried. They did a good job! I thought bar staff had a nice relaxed vibe so you could chit chat which I appreciated. Wasn't crowded at all, might be due to timing of flights.

Flying through in Feb again. Might try the gym if transit time allows. I don't see myself ever setting foot in the cigar lounge. Used the loo and found the stalls a bit small but I was lugging a couple of carry on bags incl day back pack but most airport loos I've been in allow for that.

I quite like the lounge space. 2 bars to sit at. Large dining area for the lounge size and a couple of smaller areas out the back with some sleepy chairs I think. I didn't do a whole walk through. It's not glitzy or huge but well I've seen you tube videos of DXB first and it looks so big it feels like it would lose its charm to me so I prefer EY lounge. It's not the QF F lounge but I still quite like it. Not a massive fan of AUH airport though. That ranks 3rd for me out of the ME. Still need to try EK and QR F one day though!

Follow the signs to it........then the signs stop! But keep following the corridor. When you get to duty free it is next to a Fendi shop. Ask along the way.

 

[Ausbt]

New WP card design looks great, IMHO

 

[Pleb Status]

New WP card design looks great, IMHO
View attachment 86267

At least the VA logo is now prominent for partner airlines to see (Who is Velocity?). I will get the new non Global Wallet version in Feburary.

 

[deepblerg]

That is a sexy looking card deisgn!

New WP card design looks great, IMHO
View attachment 86267

 

[sausagefingers]

going to admit, I ordered a new card two weeks ago just so I can get the new design

 

[Jack_OC]

Is access to F lounge in AUH guaranteed for Virgin Plats?

We flew paid Biz Class last year to Europe and neither direction was it offered.

Have same flights booked soon so would like to know for sure if it is a published benefit?

I assume F Lounge in that home hub will be pretty neat.

It is now a published benefit - clearly stated on both the Velocity and Etihad websites. I think it was only extended to Velocity Platinums at some point this year.

I flew EY rtn to Europe in J in September and got F Lounge access both ways with no questions asked. And your Velocity Platinum status is even printed on your boarding pass, so you don't even need your card (although I would still bring it just in case). And yes, it's pretty awesome - enjoy!

 

[Denali]

going to admit, I ordered a new card two weeks ago just so I can get the new design

I was just wondering if I can order a new card for our next set of fights (using OS lounges)

 

[malmacdowall]

Don't forget to tell them that your existing baggage tags are damaged and ask for some new ones....
i asked for and received 3 sets .... Much more robust than previous, with front black section made from a heavier metallic material to protect the back card.

 

[bean]

While its great people are getting so excited about new cards...wouldn't it be great if we could get excited about new benefits......:shock:

 

[Quickstatus]

Benefits other than a new card would be much appreciated like better access to reward seats and a non convoluted lounge access scheme

 

[bean]

Benefits other than a new card would be much appreciated like better access to reward seats and a non convoluted lounge access scheme

lol Id trade the fancy new cards for a crummy bit of paper in return for any tangible benefit upgrade!

 

[Dannyism]

Yesterday a flight from BNE-MEL got cancelled, so the next one was full.

I(platinum) was in the lounge and got called to the desk for an upgrade, my girlfriend (red) who was on the same itinerary got upgraded too.

After that a few rounds of people got called, I assume they were golds, then silver. We all got upgraded, no catering though.

That was the only time I've been upgraded in all the flights I've taken with VA though.

The point of the story is that upgrades are a perk of being platinum?

 

[frequentflyer]

Yesterday a flight from BNE-MEL got cancelled, so the next one was full.

I(platinum) was in the lounge and got called to the desk for an upgrade, my girlfriend (red) who was on the same itinerary got upgraded too.

After that a few rounds of people got called, I assume they were golds, then silver. We all got upgraded, no catering though.

That was the only time I've been upgraded in all the flights I've taken with VA though.

The point of the story is that upgrades are a perk of being platinum?

Were you and your girlfriend on the same ticket? Interesting that they upgraded her as well, given she is Red

 

[Deleted member 29185]

The point of the story is that upgrades are a perk of being platinum?

Err, slight correction. The upgrade was due to flight cancellation. The platinum perk was to be offered it first!

Interesting that they upgraded her as well, given she is Red

Par for course when on the same PNR.

 

[im.daniel]

The point of the story is that upgrades are a perk of being platinum?

I too got upgraded on a BNE-PER (A330) flight two days ago. As far as I know, Y wasn't overly full, and there were only 7 in J (including myself).

Definitely feeling the love. First ever upgrade on VA, and on a reward Y ticket too.