General Virgin Australia Lounge Discussion

Experienced the new VA Melbourne lounge yesterday. Although still not officially allowing on arrival access to VA Plat, thought I’d ask the question after flying in from Adl, and was allowed in as there were only 3 other guests there at 1pm. The lounge is in the same location, but much lighter and brighter, similar to the Adelaide lounge. Staff were obviously happy to be back, and the food offerings are a vast improvement. All guests have to provide proof of double vax before entry, as is the situation with all airline lounges in NSW and Vic.
 
Visited the BNE Lounge on Monday on my way home and things have very slightly changed. We still have to ask for fresh food but you can now help yourself to packets of chips, cookies and apples. Menu was pretty much the same for the things on plates but there was some nice soup and rolls available (I actually think there was soup the last time I was in BNE lounge now I think of it) And not long before I had to leave to board my flight they brought out mini pies and quiches. I only had 2 of the 4 choices and the beef and (some alcoholic beverage - can't recall if it was beer or red wine) pie was absolutely delicious. 😍 😋
 
I like the photos of the new MEL lounge - more colourful and cheery - with one exception. That greeting sign - Hi Flyer. I am a passenger with a name, not a flyer, and I expect to be greeted with a Good Morning or Good Afternoon by a living human being - not a written sign saying Hi.
virgin-australia-lounge-melbourne-entry.jpg
 
I like the photos of the new MEL lounge - more colourful and cheery - with one exception. That greeting sign - Hi Flyer. I am a passenger with a name, not a flyer, and I expect to be greeted with a Good Morning or Good Afternoon by a living human being - not a written sign saying Hi.
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The sign reminds me of Betty’s burgers which is also owned by Bain.
 
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I like the photos of the new MEL lounge - more colourful and cheery - with one exception. That greeting sign - Hi Flyer. I am a passenger with a name, not a flyer, and I expect to be greeted with a Good Morning or Good Afternoon by a living human being - not a written sign saying Hi.
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The staff still greet you at the entrance in Adelaide and I’d hope they do in all lounges
 
I like the photos of the new MEL lounge - more colourful and cheery - with one exception. That greeting sign - Hi Flyer. I am a passenger with a name, not a flyer, and I expect to be greeted with a Good Morning or Good Afternoon by a living human being - not a written sign saying Hi.
View attachment 264224
It's the way the brand is going, back to the Virgin roots. If you don't like it there is the mob next door...
 
It's the way the brand is going, back to the Virgin roots. If you don't like it there is the mob next door...
There are heaps of those around the new lounge. "Get down to business" etc..

It's pretty "hip" some would say
 
Spent some time in the Sydney lounge this morning. Staff were really happy to be back. Not busy at all, only about 20 people in, but only about 5 flights out of Sydney for the rest of the day. Happened to arrive just before change over of meals from breakfast to lunch so got to sample (with my partner) some of both. The quality and freshness of what was on offer was outstanding. If the standard stays as it gets busier, VA are onto an absolute winner.
 

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So, no more beffet system, eh?
Greedy me, that was what I always looked forward to, heh.
But with covid, no buffet, I get it, but maybe that free for all isn't coming back.
In the early covid days, before lockdown, I only had the breakfast option in the ADL VAd lounge, so it was them serving out breads, and croissants, coffee, etc.
 
Was in the Canberra lounge this morning. First time despite being regularly in Canberra for the last two years. Nice light filled space.
Fridge well stocked with beer and wine.
Good range of continental breakfast options. Hot options include pancakes and crispy bacon with baked beans on toast. Staff serve everything - friendly and efficient though it wasn’t exactly busy. Showers closed.

Continental breakfast of granola and muffin the only option offered on flight down to Melbourne.
 
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Continental breakfast of granola and muffin the only option offered on flight down to Melbourne.

Yeah, all of the first flights of the day out of CBR get that unfortunately as there is no catering service at CBR. I also had this back in July on a 6am CBR-BNE flight. At least you can now get a good feed in the lounge beforehand!
 
Yeah, all of the first flights of the day out of CBR get that unfortunately as there is no catering service at CBR. I also had this back in July on a 6am CBR-BNE flight. At least you can now get a good feed in the lounge beforehand!

Same deal for first flights out of cairns in the morning. And there's no lounge there to have breakfast in :(
 

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