General Virgin Australia Lounge Discussion

[Mattg]

Has anyone been in the BNE lounge in the past week that can provide updates on the current state of food and beverage offerings? Is it still all pre-packaged?

Have a morning flight on Sunday and was wondering whether it was worth using one of my spare lounge passes or if I am better off saving for my next flights in a months time that depart in the evening so at least I can enjoy a drink.

I was there last Friday (in the evening) and the food was still basically just pre-packaged sandwiches and chips.

I'd buy a coffee in the terminal and save the lounge pass for another time. The new lounge catering is supposed to be rolled out in BNE soon, but I don't think it will be by Sunday.

 

[bernardblack]

Does anyone know whether there's a standalone public URL for the online ordering in MEL? Or does it only work on the lounge wifi? It would be interesting to check in advance of my flight with my kids on Tuesday.

Also, is CBR order-from-app like MEL or attended buffet like SYD?

 

[jakeseven7]

Yeah the sign behind customer service is a tad tacky but VA is supposed to be the fun and youthful airline

Oi! I’m much younger than the average AFFer and just because I’m youthful and fun doesn’t mean I like tacky cheap design that looks like they picked up in an IKEA clearance sale

 

[MooTime]

I

Oi! I’m much younger than the average AFFer and just because I’m youthful and fun doesn’t mean I like tacky cheap design that looks like they picked up in an IKEA clearance sale

You seem very negative, every chance towards everything QLD & Virgin.

You may be youthful, I'll trust you on that one.

 

[flyingfan]

Does anyone know whether there's a standalone public URL for the online ordering in MEL?

This URL seems to work outside the lounge:

Order pick-up, delivery & dine-in from amazing cafes and restaurants, on-demand. Whatever it is, from tacos to espressos, margaritas to pizzerias, Bopple will help you order and pay, so you can get on with your day

Order pick-up, delivery & dine-in from amazing cafes and restaurants, on-demand. Whatever it is, from tacos to espressos, margaritas to pizzerias, Bopple will help you order and pay, so you can get on with your day.

virginaustralia.bopple.app

 

[jakeseven7]

This URL seems to work outside the lounge:

Order pick-up, delivery & dine-in from amazing cafes and restaurants, on-demand. Whatever it is, from tacos to espressos, margaritas to pizzerias, Bopple will help you order and pay, so you can get on with your day

Order pick-up, delivery & dine-in from amazing cafes and restaurants, on-demand. Whatever it is, from tacos to espressos, margaritas to pizzerias, Bopple will help you order and pay, so you can get on with your day.

virginaustralia.bopple.app

This could get very interesting for the poor staff should anyone want to play a joke on them

 

[Mattg]

Also, is CBR order-from-app like MEL or attended buffet like SYD?

The CBR lounge has an attended buffet with the same (good) menu as ADL.

 

[flyingfan]

This could get very interesting for the poor staff should anyone want to play a joke on them

I thought about that before posting so really hope people don't misuse the URL. I thought it's similar to phone numbers for any number of restaurants offering takeaway without requiring prepayment.

 

[bernardblack]

The CBR lounge has an attended buffet with the same (good) menu as ADL.

Thanks, @Mattg and @flyingfan.

 

[bernardblack]

I thought about that before posting so really hope people don't misuse the URL. I thought it's similar to phone numbers for any number of restaurants offering takeaway without requiring prepayment.

I will use it respectfully, and yes, hopefully it has some kind of IP check or something else to prevent misuse.

 

[GCflyer]

I was there last Friday (in the evening) and the food was still basically just pre-packaged sandwiches and chips.

I'd buy a coffee in the terminal and save the lounge pass for another time. The new lounge catering is supposed to be rolled out in BNE soon, but I don't think it will be by Sunday.

Thank you for the reply....much appreciated.

Sounds like i'll give it a miss until the new non 7-11 style catering arrives!

 

[ole nimeton]

This URL seems to work outside the lounge:

Order pick-up, delivery & dine-in from amazing cafes and restaurants, on-demand. Whatever it is, from tacos to espressos, margaritas to pizzerias, Bopple will help you order and pay, so you can get on with your day

Order pick-up, delivery & dine-in from amazing cafes and restaurants, on-demand. Whatever it is, from tacos to espressos, margaritas to pizzerias, Bopple will help you order and pay, so you can get on with your day.

virginaustralia.bopple.app

Gee, that menu looks disappointing and having to QR code order what is basically entirely pre-packaged options seems silly.

The (sold out) hot cross buns seem like a nice touch tough.

 

[antycbr]

Does anyone know if there is a timeframe for Sydney abandoning the servo sandwiches?

 

[PaulllM]

Oi! I’m much younger than the average AFFer and just because I’m youthful and fun doesn’t mean I like tacky cheap design that looks like they picked up in an IKEA clearance sale

Well im also youthful but i also know that you sometimes have to accept things you dont like and just focus on the positives which the new lounge has plenty to pick from

 

[jakeseven7]

Well im also youthful but i also know that you sometimes have to accept things you dont like and just focus on the positives which the new lounge has plenty to pick from

Personally I’m thankful it even exists after last year!

Doesn’t mean people can’t have opinions as to the style and quality of materials used. But it’s totally subjective, some people will like the look some people won’t and that’s absolutely fine. It’s probably a lot more appealing to their new brand target I will agree with that.

 

[mad_atta]

So is the food offering in the SYD lounge as basic/uninspiring as that bopple menu for Melbourne? Or is it at least a bit better? Someone mentioned a staffed buffet so that sounds slightly more promising...

 

[jakeseven7]

So is the food offering in the SYD lounge as basic/uninspiring as that bopple menu for Melbourne? Or is it at least a bit better? Someone mentioned a staffed buffet so that sounds slightly more promising...

Things can only get better....?

Lets focus on a positive, at least the infamous hot dogs haven't wormed their way back in yet

 

[Must...Fly!]

In the Perth lounge at the moment. The "assisted buffet" concept operating. Prepackaged sandwiches, crisps, cookies, muffins and fruit available with the usual coffee and tea. Bar service opens at 12pm. Sadly straight to work after landing in MEL so I cannot partake...but the sealed Apple and Cinnamon muffin might be a stowaway and a good 2am snack at the office!

 

[madrooster]

Has anyone here been through the VA ADL lounge at key meal times, eg. lunch and dinner? Are they serving anything more substantial for lunch and/or dinner, or do they continue serving the snack food from the rest of the day menu only?

 

[kookaburra75]

Has anyone here been through the VA ADL lounge at key meal times, eg. lunch and dinner? Are they serving anything more substantial for lunch and/or dinner, or do they continue serving the snack food from the rest of the day menu only?

We were in the ADL Lounge in the early evening a few weeks ago, and didn't see anything different on the menu compared to other times of the day. It was just the 'snacky' sort of food.