The Lounge Thread
Feb 19, 2014, 7:42 pm
#62
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: WLG / WAS
Programs: DL PM, QF, UA, HH Gold, SPG
Posts: 135
Trans-Tasman policy?
The access policy for trans-Tasman flights confuses me.
In AKL, when flying to SYD to connect to a long-haul, I have no problem accessing the Koru lounge as a "partner" Gold (DL Platinum = VA Gold, apparently... "Gold" is always printed on my boarding passes, and I am always thanked for being a Velocity Gold when I call.)
In SYD, when connecting to a long-haul VA flight, I have no problem accessing the Koru lounge.
But in SYD, when returning to AKL, I'm turned away at the Koru lounge, even when I'm flying PE. I'm told that trans-Tasman VA pax are not eligible for lounge access. This has happened three times in the past year, with at least two different lounge agents.
If it's a trans-Tasman policy, then why am I able to access the Koru lounge in AKL when flying to SYD? Is it strictly a SYD issue? Any other experiences?
In AKL, when flying to SYD to connect to a long-haul, I have no problem accessing the Koru lounge as a "partner" Gold (DL Platinum = VA Gold, apparently... "Gold" is always printed on my boarding passes, and I am always thanked for being a Velocity Gold when I call.)
In SYD, when connecting to a long-haul VA flight, I have no problem accessing the Koru lounge.
But in SYD, when returning to AKL, I'm turned away at the Koru lounge, even when I'm flying PE. I'm told that trans-Tasman VA pax are not eligible for lounge access. This has happened three times in the past year, with at least two different lounge agents.
If it's a trans-Tasman policy, then why am I able to access the Koru lounge in AKL when flying to SYD? Is it strictly a SYD issue? Any other experiences?
Feb 19, 2014, 8:12 pm
#63
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: PER
Programs: BA Gold, QF Gold, VA Gold, IC Diamond Amb., HH Diamond
Posts: 777
The Lounge Thread
I got told at the LAX DL Sky Club today that contrary to what VA publish on their website you're allowed to bring one guest in with you.
Also, flying VA8 this coming Saturday night (the 22nd) and I have a guest spot for the *A F lounge if anyone is interested
Also, flying VA8 this coming Saturday night (the 22nd) and I have a guest spot for the *A F lounge if anyone is interested
Feb 19, 2014, 9:40 pm
#64
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Melbourne
Programs: ►QFWP/LTG►VA WP►HyattExpl.►HiltonGold►ALL Silver
Posts: 21,991
The access policy for trans-Tasman flights confuses me.
In AKL, when flying to SYD to connect to a long-haul, I have no problem accessing the Koru lounge as a "partner" Gold (DL Platinum = VA Gold, apparently... "Gold" is always printed on my boarding passes, and I am always thanked for being a Velocity Gold when I call.)
In SYD, when connecting to a long-haul VA flight, I have no problem accessing the Koru lounge.
But in SYD, when returning to AKL, I'm turned away at the Koru lounge, even when I'm flying PE. I'm told that trans-Tasman VA pax are not eligible for lounge access. This has happened three times in the past year, with at least two different lounge agents.
If it's a trans-Tasman policy, then why am I able to access the Koru lounge in AKL when flying to SYD? Is it strictly a SYD issue? Any other experiences?
In AKL, when flying to SYD to connect to a long-haul, I have no problem accessing the Koru lounge as a "partner" Gold (DL Platinum = VA Gold, apparently... "Gold" is always printed on my boarding passes, and I am always thanked for being a Velocity Gold when I call.)
In SYD, when connecting to a long-haul VA flight, I have no problem accessing the Koru lounge.
But in SYD, when returning to AKL, I'm turned away at the Koru lounge, even when I'm flying PE. I'm told that trans-Tasman VA pax are not eligible for lounge access. This has happened three times in the past year, with at least two different lounge agents.
If it's a trans-Tasman policy, then why am I able to access the Koru lounge in AKL when flying to SYD? Is it strictly a SYD issue? Any other experiences?
Have you check on the DL forum in relation to this - there may be more experience on such matters there.
Apr 29, 2014, 5:31 am
#65
Join Date: Apr 2014
Posts: 2
Hi Guys,
I am a VA Gold member flying from Sydney to LAX via Auckland with Air New Zealand. The information on the VA website suggests that I will not have access to the lounge in Auckland, however the Air New Zealand site suggests that I might.
Does anyone have any experience with this that they could share? Trying to avoid being disappointed on arrival!
Bonus question: will I have access to the Koru Lounge in Sydney (since that is trans tasman) or does it count as long haul so no access. Thanks!
Cheers
Big Dog
I am a VA Gold member flying from Sydney to LAX via Auckland with Air New Zealand. The information on the VA website suggests that I will not have access to the lounge in Auckland, however the Air New Zealand site suggests that I might.
Does anyone have any experience with this that they could share? Trying to avoid being disappointed on arrival!
Bonus question: will I have access to the Koru Lounge in Sydney (since that is trans tasman) or does it count as long haul so no access. Thanks!
Cheers
Big Dog
Apr 29, 2014, 5:37 am
#66
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Melbourne, Mostly
Programs: VA Plat, TK E, HH Dia, IHG Gold
Posts: 487
Hi Guys,
I am a VA Gold member flying from Sydney to LAX via Auckland with Air New Zealand. The information on the VA website suggests that I will not have access to the lounge in Auckland, however the Air New Zealand site suggests that I might.
Does anyone have any experience with this that they could share? Trying to avoid being disappointed on arrival!
Cheers
Big Dog
I am a VA Gold member flying from Sydney to LAX via Auckland with Air New Zealand. The information on the VA website suggests that I will not have access to the lounge in Auckland, however the Air New Zealand site suggests that I might.
Does anyone have any experience with this that they could share? Trying to avoid being disappointed on arrival!
Cheers
Big Dog
https://www.velocityfrequentflyer.co...cess/index.htm
Apr 29, 2014, 3:52 pm
#67
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Melbourne
Programs: ►QFWP/LTG►VA WP►HyattExpl.►HiltonGold►ALL Silver
Posts: 21,991
Yes you do. The VA web site seems to be pretty clear that you get access to Air NZ operated lounges when flying ANZ.
https://www.velocityfrequentflyer.co...cess/index.htm
https://www.velocityfrequentflyer.co...cess/index.htm
Apr 30, 2014, 2:30 am
#68
Join Date: Apr 2014
Posts: 2
Yes you do. The VA web site seems to be pretty clear that you get access to Air NZ operated lounges when flying ANZ.
https://www.velocityfrequentflyer.co...cess/index.htm
https://www.velocityfrequentflyer.co...cess/index.htm
https://www.virginaustralia.com/au/e...lounge-access/
In Auckland, it indicates that I have access only for "Air New Zealand operated flights to Australia only"
I'm happy to take the first answer, though
Jun 9, 2014, 12:36 am
#69
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: bne
Programs: Velocity Gold, AIRNZ Elite, Qantas Silver ,Hilton Diamond
Posts: 1,320
Access to Domestic Virgin Lounge on arrive ex AIRNZ TT
Do NZ Elite have Access to Domestic Virgin Lounge on arrive ex international AIRNZ TT and if so can we take in a guest ?
Jun 11, 2014, 12:09 am
#70
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Melbourne
Programs: ►QFWP/LTG►VA WP►HyattExpl.►HiltonGold►ALL Silver
Posts: 21,991
Jun 12, 2014, 2:29 pm
#71
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Welcome to Boston. Expect stupid.
Programs: Foodland Maika'i Plastic Card, DL GM when it meant something
Posts: 300
kids?
I am flying LAX-BNE-SYD in J. I *think* I'll have domestic lounge access in BNE based on the segment to Sydney, but it's unclear to me as to whether or not I'll be able to take the kids in with me. (They are sitting in the back the whole way.)
Any guesses?
The nice lady behind the reception desk let all of us in. I don't know if it was because we were entitled to or because she had pity on us.
Any guesses?
The nice lady behind the reception desk let all of us in. I don't know if it was because we were entitled to or because she had pity on us.
Last edited by timstravel; Aug 18, 2014 at 3:40 pm Reason: updated with the answer to my question
Jul 4, 2014, 4:27 am
#72
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: WLG/BKK
Programs: TG*G, NZ*GE, QF G, Accor Gold
Posts: 10,190
Confirmation whether VA Premium Economy pax BNE-DUD has VA Lounge Access at BNE
Hi all, despite reading the VA website, and trawling through here a bit, I'm still not sure if a VA PE fare (purchased and operated by VA) allows access to the VA Lounge at BNE. There is no J on this sector.
One part of the VA website says a clear yes to this query:
http://www.virginaustralia.com/us/en...emium-economy/
However, another part of the website says PE can only access the Air NZ KC, which sound very odd:
https://www.virginaustralia.com/au/e...lounge-access/
My sons are returning from Australia to DUD and the final sector ended up being in PE. Lounge access at BNE would be a useful benefit.
Grateful if anybody can shed light on this.
Cheers, TK
One part of the VA website says a clear yes to this query:
Lounge Access
Guests travelling in Premium Economy on Virgin Australia Trans Tasman flights and applicable connecting flights are invited to use Air New Zealand Koru or the Virgin Australia lounge.
Note: Lounge access is not permitted in conjunction with flights to the Pacific Islands, Bali, Phuket or Port Moresby.
Premium Economy | Virgin Australia
Guests travelling in Premium Economy on Virgin Australia Trans Tasman flights and applicable connecting flights are invited to use Air New Zealand Koru or the Virgin Australia lounge.
Note: Lounge access is not permitted in conjunction with flights to the Pacific Islands, Bali, Phuket or Port Moresby.
Premium Economy | Virgin Australia
However, another part of the website says PE can only access the Air NZ KC, which sound very odd:
Virgin Australia guests travelling in Premium Economy to and from New Zealand can access Air New Zealand lounges.
For a list of available lounges, please click on the tab marked Virgin Australia below.
For a list of available lounges, please click on the tab marked Virgin Australia below.
My sons are returning from Australia to DUD and the final sector ended up being in PE. Lounge access at BNE would be a useful benefit.
Grateful if anybody can shed light on this.
Cheers, TK
Last edited by Thai-Kiwi; Jul 4, 2014 at 4:47 am
Jul 4, 2014, 6:52 pm
#73
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Melbourne
Programs: ►QFWP/LTG►VA WP►HyattExpl.►HiltonGold►ALL Silver
Posts: 21,991
FWIW, PE PAX used to get lounge access before Business class was implemented Domestically. You may suggest they try, but IMHO hardly worth it - better off going strait to International.
If on the one booking the get free transfers: http://www.virginaustralia.com/au/en...alia/brisbane/
If on the one booking the get free transfers: http://www.virginaustralia.com/au/en...alia/brisbane/
Jul 4, 2014, 7:39 pm
#74
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: WLG/BKK
Programs: TG*G, NZ*GE, QF G, Accor Gold
Posts: 10,190
FWIW, PE PAX used to get lounge access before Business class was implemented Domestically. You may suggest they try, but IMHO hardly worth it - better off going strait to International.
If on the one booking the get free transfers: http://www.virginaustralia.com/au/en...alia/brisbane/
If on the one booking the get free transfers: http://www.virginaustralia.com/au/en...alia/brisbane/
They'll just go straight to the NZ Koru Club.
Cheers, TK
Jul 12, 2014, 5:17 am
#75
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: MEL
Programs: VA - Platinum
Posts: 24
Quick question about the Canberra virgin lounge - there is a fairly discrete door off the entry to the main lounge - I am wondering if its a VIP only lounge or something? it seems to have a similar card access point to the main lounge.
It may well be an access point for staff, but it doesn't look like that would be it. Anyone know?
It may well be an access point for staff, but it doesn't look like that would be it. Anyone know?