Anyone have lounge access experience (as family) flying VS as VA Plat?

[Sequel]

Looking at options for family trip to Europe and Virgin Atlantic is one (VS201/VS200).

However, it appears according to the VA website, that as a family of 4 (with 4yo and 7yo) we effectively aren't going to get lounge access as kids count as guests and you can only take in a single guest (and as much as I would like to, I wont be leaving the wife and/or the kids outside).

Has anyone had any experience travelling VS and trying for lounge access as a family?

It appears it is similar rules for most of VA's partner airlines (1 guest and that includes kids), which will likely force me to travel one world when not travelling alone.

 

[mlob]

Ill be curious to hear too. Have a trip planned next year for family of four. I was checking out the Etihad rules and was disappointed to discover the same info you did. Thinking Id have to go it alone in the first class lounge and let dad and kids rough it in business (we are travelling J) if they don't let us all in!

 

[dandandan]

If you both possibly get partner plat before you go there would be no issues however that might not be achievable.

Ill be curious to hear too. Have a trip planned next year for family of four. I was checking out the Etihad rules and was disappointed to discover the same info you did. Thinking Id have to go it alone in the first class lounge and let dad and kids rough it in business (we are travelling J) if they don't let us all in!

 

[blankman]

Travelled with VS last year as a velocity gold and the HK lounge staff strictly enforced counting a child as a guest. Granted this child was 15 so YMMV. Was also travelling with another Velocity gold member who had their review period 2 weeks before travel and hadn't received their new card. Lounge staff refused to accept the expired card, website printout, or Velocity's lounge letter confirming status. They were very polite but firm with the rules at the same time.

 

[mark4217]

Traveling to Athens in Oct J class points tickets with Etihad . I am going to get on my knees and beg for all of us ( family 4) to get into F lounge. Failing that the kids are being dropped to biz lounge .

 

[mark4217]

Sorry also have WP status which I hope does the trick

 

[Sequel]

Posted the question on the VS Facebook page and received the following response:

Hi Sequel, Platinum Velocity members are only allowed one guest into our Clubhouse when travelling with us. Just to also mention that you'll only be allowed to use the Clubhouses in Hong Kong and Heathrow. We don't have a Clubhouse in Sydney unfortunately. It might be possible to purchase 2 extra invites for your children on the day at Heathrow and Hong Kong but it is down to availability on the day.

Looks like it is going to be OneWorld and lounges all the way.