Weekend just gone I was SYD-MEL-SYD after dropping back to (gasp!) PS with VA. I left my VA number attached to the booking. At the lounge I simply flashed my phone with the Aeroplan 50K qc code (which they did not scan) and advised I'm entering as an AC 50K-er. No drama at all. I just checked my VA account and my two PS passes are still there, so pretty sure they didn't use them. Also noted I have 2 Amex Lounge passes listed. Here is a question - do I only have those due to holding an Amex Platinum card or are they a PS benefit? They expire in June and I used two Amex passes in Jan this year on the actual credit card.