Changes to Virgin Australia Lounge Terms

[kangarooflyer88]

I just received a note from Virgin Australia that they have made a number of changes to the terms and conditions surrounding the use of the lounge, which will come into effect in just 2 days time:

Lounge terms and conditions | Virgin Australia

www.virginaustralia.com

Highlights (or low lights depending on how you see it):

• Formalising application of the Lounge Terms and Conditions to other guests who are eligible to access the Lounge
• Confirming rules on behaviour within the Lounge and removal of food and beverages from the Lounge
• Updated provisions on providing notice for future changes of the Lounge Terms and Conditions or the Lounge operation
• Clarifying opportunities for a refund of Membership fees in certain circumstances.

Overall, I would say most of the changes are to be expected when it comes to lounges except the bit on removal of food and beverages from the lounge which now explicitly states that unless otherwise noted all food and beverage provided in the lounge must be consumed there. Whilst that is perfectly acceptable for someone with a long layover, that will be wholly inadequate for someone on a tight connection who may have just popped in to grab a banana or can of coke. Indeed this is a trend away from what most airlines are doing encouraging customers to grab and go on food items rather than linger in the lounge tying up valuable lounge space (Lufthansa, United and Air Canada all have such lounges).

-RooFlyer88

 

[PERLHR]

I'm sure that the taking of a sandwich or a can would not result in "being sent to jail"....surely!! Would be nice ofcourse if during the update to the T&C's they added "get ready for the opening of international departures lounges"....yeah fat chance!!

 

[ChrisMars]

My take on the food and bev, the t&c s is there to prevent abuses (someone loading a suitcase full of cans). I am sure grabing one can of coke and an apple won't be addressed if noticed by the staff.

 

[pauly7]

I think we all know the real ‘intended purpose’ of the removal of food and beverage from lounge rule

I also suspect some lounges are ‘targeted’ more than others

 

[Blackswan]

I think we all know the real ‘intended purpose’ of the removal of food and beverage from lounge rule

I also suspect some lounges are ‘targeted’ more than others

CBR?

 

[Silvia]

All those YouTube flight reviewers better stop showing the food they got from the lounge.

As others mentioned, I get it, it’s for those who abuse it. Times are also tight and the airline needs to get the inflight purchases going

 

[Digicola]

I was expecting them to change guesting rules. Thank god it isn’t the case!

 

[AustraliaPoochie]

From the way I see it, partly too, they do not want people obviously or overtly, taking food out, ie, if they see it, they can ask the person to leave.
If its mentioned on a flyer. for food to be able to be taken out/away, ie, pre packaged, its probably ok.
But I guess its not unknown for people to surrupticiously wrap sandwiches or wraps, and then take those out.
Its mentioned more than once, that the staff have the right to ask a person to leave the lounge.
Obnoxious behaviors, also will see the person asked to leave.
===
Or more so, taking out food for others who do not have access, probably not unknown its done too.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

Actually… the ‘rules’ around food and beverage are unclear. The terms and conditions say, ‘guests must’:

(iii) unless permitted for takeaway as indicated in the Lounge, consumer (sic) all food and beverages made available in the Lounge within the Lounge;​

​

Given the clause makes no sense, I’d disregard it!

 

[AustraliaPoochie]

I see it clearly, tho, Mel_traveller.
A lot of the half sandwiches and wraps in the lounge, are just there like that, with a glad wrap covering it, or its wrapped in a bit of brown paper, so you can hold it to get it onto plate, and then to the small table, or the long table to eat.
But I am sure, some people will wrap it up in a napkin or paper napkin, and then take food out.
There was mention, at one time during covid, that they had, food to go, ie able to be taken away, so people don't mingle.
But now, that its partly dealt with, covid that is, people can come and go, and maybe some staff have seen people wrap up stuff even now, and put them into the HLO and go out back to the gate area, or maybe "on arrival guests" taking food to go, to save $ and not spend money on hotel food.

 

[kangarooflyer88]

I suppose one concern I would have if I use the Virgin lounge on arrival (i.e. travelling J or VA Gold/Platinum) is that its main use case is gone. Namely grabbing a snack and coffee to go before heading to the baggage carousel (instead of having to wait at the carousel for my bag like a dummy). And for those wondering, sometimes it makes sense to fly checked bags only. It removes the stress of boarding early for overhead bin space, it's one less thing to go through security and lug around the concourse. And certainly if you have arrival lounge access you aren't losing any time.

-RooFlyer88

 

[zig]

I recall a time pre covid when VA supplied small paper bags to encourage guests to take away a snack.

 

[aus_flyer]

I was expecting them to change guesting rules. Thank god it isn’t the case!

Actually, I think they have snuck in a change. If you access the lounge through a credit card (eg. Amex Platinum) or partner airline status, then your guests will need to be travelling. This was not previously the case.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

I wonder if too many people were taking a roll and butter from the lounge to go with their meals in the air??

 

[Digicola]

I wonder if too many people were taking a roll and butter from the lounge to go with their meals in the air??

Denting their f&b sales

 

[Must...Fly!]

I suppose one concern I would have if I use the Virgin lounge on arrival (i.e. travelling J or VA Gold/Platinum) is that its main use case is gone. Namely grabbing a snack and coffee to go before heading to the baggage carousel (instead of having to wait at the carousel for my bag like a dummy). And for those wondering, sometimes it makes sense to fly checked bags only. It removes the stress of boarding early for overhead bin space, it's one less thing to go through security and lug around the concourse. And certainly if you have arrival lounge access you aren't losing any time.

-RooFlyer88

I expect this new rule has been inserted in to the T&C to allow for "punishment" not to stop someone grabbing a take away coffee. Although I personally wouldn't like it, I would understand if they stopped doing take away cups etc.

 

[henrus]

There are actually quite a few changes throughout - all minor but noteworthy.
(my numbers)
1. Mention of associated lounges have been removed (like how they use to offer lounge access to their own prior international flights) - clearly indicates no long term to offer this.
2. The definition of domestic flight has been clearly outlined to include Alliance/Link flights operated for Virgin - a few questions keep coming up about this.
3. On arrival lounge access now clearly indicates that under 5.3 b i - Virgin Atlantic Flying Club gets on arrival access. Odd that VS gets it and no one else - maybe a bargaining thing to allow VA plats access to the VS lounge on arrival?
4. As mentioned above those using partner airline status or credit cards can only bring guests that are travelling on a flight that day - this was previously a rule but not clearly stated.
5. Silver single use passes now no longer have a two hour time limit (seems to have been removed) - but those paying for a single entry do have a 2 hr time limit

 

[bladeau1981]

When I read this email I must admit I thought for a minute they were removing food and drinks from the lounges, as in you wouldn't be able to get food or drink! The wording of the email, and the T&C's seem to be really awkward and confusing.

I assume that they are trying to cut costs even further so the F&B offerings aren't likely to get any better than the poor form they have had over the last few months and trying to get people to spend more on the plane.

 

[Must...Fly!]

Said it before and I'll say it again, why DIY toasties haven't made a widespread comeback is beyond me. Pretty much everyone is happy and it costs hardly anything compared to alternatives

 

[AustraliaPoochie]

Maybe too, the limit of 2 hrs for those like me who buy single lounge entry, (am now VFF NB), at $65 a pop, is to give staff the right to ask people to leave, if its obvious they have stayed too long.
Previously, you could stay in there as long as you like, would be good for a long lay over.
People who have J on their BP usually just scan their BP onto the lighted reader, or those with SG and above can do that, but for others, they have to buy entry, or VFF PS might have to use up their 2 entry on the app, so have to approach staff, and thus, the lounge staff would know who is who.
Covert cost cutting, of course, they won't admit it.