Virgin and Etihad Are Forming a New Lounge Network

The lounge routine is getting shaken up for travelers flying with Virgin Australia and Etihad Airways. The two airlines are entering a new lounge agreement that will bring some changes for customers. Unfortunately, the changes might not come as great news for everyone.

Economy Passengers Are Coming

The big thing that passengers are going to have to get used to is the fact that guests at Etihad lounges will now have to rub shoulders with economy passengers and travelers from other airlines in some cases.

Who can access the lounges that are part of the international network being created by Virgin and Etihad? Travelers flying in Virgin’s business class are in. In addition, gold and platinum members of the Velocity Frequent Flyer program are in. Access is also open to Virgin Australia lounge members.

Travelers with access to lounges also get the perk of being able to bring along one guest and two children per visit. Etihad is opening up the door even more by introducing some new rules regarding entry. All economy passengers flying with Etihad and travelers using other airlines can access No1 lounges by paying a per-visit fee of $72.

Air New Zealand Lounges Are Out

Virgin Australia is partnering with Etihad just as it ends its relationship with Air New Zealand. That means that Virgin passengers will no longer enjoy the perk of being able to access Air New Zealand lounges when traveling.

New Lounge Operators

Several of Etihad’s lounges will now be operated by a British lounge operator called No1 Lounges. This includes the lounges in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. The lounges in Sydney and Melbourne are being put under a label called The House. This label does promise to offer some pretty decent options for dining and drinking.

Guests will get self-service food options and a fair menu of cocktails. Anyone who is a fan of Australian wines will probably be pretty happy with the menu.

Plans are also in place to create private VIP areas for guests flying with luxury fares from Etihad. The capacity at the Sydney lounge will be increased by about 50 percent when all is said and done. Some passengers may like this fact. Others may lament the loss of exclusivity at the lounge.

Passengers landing in Brisbane will experience a new lounge called My Lounge. This space is being designed to recreate the style of a trendy loft apartment. It’s going to have a game room and a bar. In addition, a menu full of what are being touted as healthy options and barista-created coffee options will be available.

This lounge will have room for up to 100 people. Passengers landing in Queenstown and Christchurch will be able to visit the Manaia Lounge. Travelers headed to Australia and island destinations in the Pacific from Auckland will be given access to the Strata Lounge.

[Image: Queenstown Airport]