Update on VA Lounges? [BNE/SYD/MEL/PER/OOL/ADL/CBR now open]

[bernardblack]

Anyone heard whispers of opening dates? I'm booked MEL-SYD 04/12 and SYD-MEL 06/12. Am I likely to find one or other lounge open?

 

[footy99]

I think both opened today.

 

[Harthagan]

From what I understand only Brisbane lounge opened today

 

[Jousams]

do we have any idea when Sydney lounge will be open?

 

[footy99]

Oh I see. I read it as all the lounges opening today, but it says "from" today. In that case I have no idea.

 

[henrus]

This video shows enough people in the lounge yesterday.

No shots of the food but they've obviously got barista coffee back. Would be interesting to see what the good look like.

 

[33kft]

With that sort of charisma they should probably leave the CEO out of marketing videos in future

For some reason, the words "block of dry ice" kept coming to mind the more I watched it

 

[AIRwin]

This video shows enough people in the lounge yesterday.

My friend in Ireland watched the video and she immediately noticed not many wearing masks...

 

[antycbr]

My friend in Ireland watched the video and she immediately noticed not many wearing masks...

It's Queensland. Covid doesnt exist in Queensland.

 

[BNEFlyer]

My friend in Ireland watched the video and she immediately noticed not many wearing masks...

I’m in Brisbane and have worn a mask once, maybe three months ago in a Bunnings. Didn’t wear one flying to/from CNS a few weeks ago. They’re only a suggestion here.

 

[jase05]

I’m in Brisbane and have worn a mask once, maybe three months ago in a Bunnings. Didn’t wear one flying to/from CNS a few weeks ago. They’re only a suggestion here.

Having just got back from QLD I can say I hardly saw a mask in my time there. They were excellent with their QR code’s at restaurants but saw little to no SD measures or mask wearing.
Signs on lifts said 2 pax max but often 4 or more others would jump in with us despite the strange looks we have them

 

[agentgerko]

Not surprised if CBR goes as VA has never been well supported by the public servants, and as long as the govt travel contract is held by Qantas Business Travel it never will. Plus, if they want to fly SYD-CBR what aircraft an they use? The slow ATRs are gone and doubtful the route would support 737s. And they've opened the BNE lounge. For whom? People from SYD, MEL, ADL and PER ae I think all barred from entry.

 

[Ash]

Can't believe Virgin are 'assessing' whether or not to re-open the Canberra Lounge. A great way to lose corporate travellers...

 

[noble]

Any dates yet for Gold Coast, SYD & MEL?

 

[BNEFlyer]

Having just got back from QLD I can say I hardly saw a mask in my time there. They were excellent with their QR code’s at restaurants but saw little to no SD measures or mask wearing.
Signs on lifts said 2 pax max but often 4 or more others would jump in with us despite the strange looks we have them

I find people still distance but its like a case by case basis.

 

[straitman]

To us diseased Southerners or only the pure bred Northerners?

You shouldn’t talk about yourself like that Glen.

 

[straitman]

Did anyone see any comments re lounge access for Amex Plat cards as previously?

 

[dajop]

Can't believe Virgin are 'assessing' whether or not to re-open the Canberra Lounge. A great way to lose corporate travellers...

I don't think they're assessing whether or not to re-open the Canberra Lounge per se - but whether they are going to compete in the CBR market at all. With their all 737 fleet and the 737 being too big for the Canberra market (at least for the frequencies needed to compete with QF), they are probably evaluating alternatives to serve the market (most likely with Alliance operating some of the services).

 

[Jousams]

I don't think they're assessing whether or not to re-open the Canberra Lounge per se - but whether they are going to compete in the CBR market at all. With their all 737 fleet and the 737 being too big for the Canberra market (at least for the frequencies needed to compete with QF), they are probably evaluating alternatives to serve the market (most likely with Alliance operating some of the services).

Just speculation - but I'd say they wanted to refrain from committing to the CBR lounge until ACCC approval of the Alliance tie up was achieved. I think you'll find that now this has been received, some kind of VA lounge will be maintained at CBR.

 

[wendlle]

Canberra is my home airport, I use the lounge there often, we fly CBR-SYD most times so really am hoping they open this up for my Feb flights.