Originally Posted by
MSPeconomist
If the Virgin lounges are all in domestic terminals, what happens to DL elites flying the DL SYD-LAX flight or any of the international Virgin flights to LAX exAustralia?
On DL metal: access to Air New Zealand lounge (the contracted lounge).
On VA metal: no lounge access (if in coach).
(I can confirm this from personal experience at LAX T3 -- though at least you have the SkyClub in T5 there -- and the wording on
VA's web site is pretty clear for Australian international terminals: DL Gold+ get access to "the Virgin Australia lounge network", which means VA owned and operated lounges.)
Note that Virgin Australia and Etihad are allegedly looking for the right space to construct their own joint lounge at the Sydney international terminal. This would presumably be part of "the Virgin Australia lounge network" (ie Virgin owned and operated) and thus allow partner elites access. However, though it was in the news again a few weeks ago, they still haven't found the right space, let alone started construction.
Edit: To be complete, the Etihad lounge is now open. It is not a joint VA/EY lounge, so not part of the VA lounge network and thus no access for DL elites.