Originally Posted by
capjessop
My fiancee and I just bought tickets to New Zealand for our honeymoon this fall. We found premium economy tickets on VA metal marketed by Delta which were very affordable (cheaper than directly from VA). My question now is, being completely foreign to the airline, how do I maximize my experience?
I'm a delta PM, and were flying delta metal to LAX, staying the night, flying VA to Brisbane, staying the night, then flying VA to Christchurch. The return is via SYD and all in one shot. What benefits do I garner from VA? Are there lounge opportunities at LAX, BNE, or SYD? I know there's something about domestic vs international terminal, bit I couldn't find a clear answer.
I'm pretty sure we'll have to pick up bags at LAX and BNE, any tricks of the trade to not lug them for a short stopover? Finally, looking for suggestions for an evening in Brisbane. Thanks!
The access policy is less than clear on DL's website, but when I was there they allowed us in the VA lounge in SYD by showing my DM card (STE+). It is an awesome lounge, BTW. It looks like there is a ST lounge now as well.
In BNE we were flying home so we could not access VA lounge (different terminal) but had access to the Air New Zealand lounge which was terrible.
It's been a couple years so I am sure others will have better/more recent info.
Honestly, not much to see in BNE, but you can take the boat down the river, and we took the bus up to Kangaroo Point which has a great view of the city. Lots of good day trips from there but it sounds like you might not have enough time. Gold Coast is fabulous and about an hour by train.
You will have to claim bags in LAX and then recheck. Don't know about BNE, you might be able to get them to check them through...?