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Virgin Velocity Gold and Platinum members will finally receive lounge access in Hong Kong when flying with Virgin Atlantic to London. In even more welcome news, Velocity Platinum members will also receive arrivals lounge access at London’s Heathrow Airport after arriving on a Virgin Atlantic flight.
The new Virgin Atlantic lounge access arrangements for Velocity Frequent Flyer members take effect from Monday 17 December, 2018.
Virgin Australia began codesharing on Virgin Atlantic flights between Hong Kong and London back in May this year. At the time, the new partnership was touted as an alternative to Etihad and Singapore Airlines for Australians travelling to London. Velocity members could fly Virgin Australia from Sydney or Melbourne to Hong Kong, and continue the journey on Virgin Atlantic – while earning Velocity points and status credits for the entire trip.
Yet, until now, Velocity Gold and Platinum members flying in Economy have not been entitled to Virgin Atlantic lounge access in Hong Kong. This really annoyed one Velocity member on a recent trip to London, who posted on AFF that they felt “let down” by the partnership.
Plaza Premium First Lounge in Hong Kong
Velocity Gold and Platinum members can now use the Plaza Premium First Lounge in Hong Kong when flying on Virgin Atlantic. This is a very decent lounge and a welcome addition to existing reciprocal lounge agreement between Velocity Frequent Flyer and Virgin Atlantic. The same lounge is also offered to Virgin Atlantic Upper Class passengers.
Access is available up to 4 hours prior to the departure of the Virgin Atlantic service from Hong Kong to London. One guest is also permitted, including children.
Unfortunately, the time limit means that passengers connecting from Sydney or Melbourne on Virgin Australia will be without lounge access for the first 2-3 hours of their Hong Kong stopover. The Virgin flight from Sydney arrives in Hong Kong at 4.35pm, but the Virgin Atlantic flight to London does not depart until 11.55pm. So you won’t be able to enter the lounge prior to 7.55pm without paying an extra fee!
Virgin Atlantic Revivals Lounge in London
Platinum Velocity members flying Virgin Atlantic in Economy will now have access to the Virgin Atlantic Revivals Lounge upon arrival. With Virgin Atlantic’s Hong Kong-London flight arriving in Heathrow at 4.55am, this will be a welcome opportunity for passengers to freshen up and grab a bite to eat. Platinum members arriving in London-Heathrow on Virgin Atlantic services from other destinations will also have access.
This lounge is located near the exit to Heathrow’s Terminal 3 and is open daily from 5am to 1.30pm. Arrivals lounge access is not extended to guests.
Additional benefits for Virgin Atlantic Flying Club Gold members on Virgin Australia
From 17 December 2018, Virgin Atlantic Flying Club Gold members (and up to one guest) will enjoy access to the Hong Kong Airlines Club Autus lounge when flying Virgin Australia from Hong Kong to Australia.
In addition, Virgin Australia has announced that it will offer Flying Club Gold members access to Virgin Australia lounges on arrival. The benefit is available for the Flying Club Gold member and up to one guest when travelling on a domestic flight operated by Virgin Australia.
The range of domestic lounges available to Virgin Atlantic Flying Club members has also been expanded, and now includes all domestic lounges operated by Virgin Australia. Previously, Flying Club Gold members had access only to specific Virgin Australia lounges at major Australian airports.
Join the discussion on the Australian Frequent Flyer forum: Not Flying VA / VS through HKG Again to LHR
