I'm in the VA Lounge thread

[Mattg]

Currently sitting in the BNE lounge, its quite disgusting here. I would say its approx 70% full and it appears there is no cleaner as there are old plates/food/cups piled everywhere and on a lot of tables, so people cannot sit there

I did also notice this a few hours ago. There were definitely a lot of dirty tables that had been left uncleared for some time.

 

[Ausbt]

Well, getting back to a bit of SYD-MEL travel and really, how rubbish is the SYD VA lounge these days? MEL slightly better, but still pretty dire. At lease self-service wine is back, that's a good thing. Food 'choices' are appalling really

 

[flyingfan]

Well, getting back to a bit of SYD-MEL travel and really, how rubbish is the SYD VA lounge these days? MEL slightly better, but still pretty dire. At lease self-service wine is back, that's a good thing. Food 'choices' are appalling really

SYD - often I feel lucky to find a seat there. Been happy with their mini burgers and fried chicken though. Party pies/sausage rolls seem a bit low rent, but is the QF J lounge really better?

 

[simmomelb]

Well, getting back to a bit of SYD-MEL travel and really, how rubbish is the SYD VA lounge these days? MEL slightly better, but still pretty dire. At lease self-service wine is back, that's a good thing. Food 'choices' are appalling really

When did you last travel through one of the lounges and at what time?

I ask as I would have agreed until very recently. I've seen a noticeable improvement in what's on offer (depending on the time of day, obviously).

 

[kerfuffle]

Well, getting back to a bit of SYD-MEL travel and really, how rubbish is the SYD VA lounge these days?

I was very surprised to find no bacon on offer during breakfast time when I was there a few weeks ago.

 

[BRIS_VA_HAWK]

SYD - often I feel lucky to find a seat there. Been happy with their mini burgers and fried chicken though. Party pies/sausage rolls seem a bit low rent, but is the QF J lounge really better?

If VA were to bring back the make-your-own sandwich press then they'd be in front... and have plenty of VA Gold & Plats happy as well. Change up the cider for something better than Somersby and that would be good too...

 

[Ausbt]

When did you last travel through one of the lounges and at what time?

Staggering that in the last 2.5 years I've been in SYD & MEL lounges a total of six times. Prior to that I almost lived in them. So yeah, perhaps I'm not the most credible on this topic. I could be wrong, but I haven't seen a toastie machine for a good while and the salad bar choices just don't have much (any) variety. Well, they appear to be pre-plated right? There is no way in the world what I have seen in those six visits is anything like what it was pre-COVID.

100% agree with the below, seriously miss those toasties. On another note, the 'Gluten Free' toaster in the SYD lounge. C'mon, I'm not GF but there is no way that is being enforced. Seems risky

If VA were to bring back the make-your-own sandwich press then they'd be in front...

 

[simmomelb]

Ah fair call, I've never used the toastie machines, so I didn't notice they weren't there anymore, but that's not great if they haven't returned them and a little odd. Doesn't really make a lot of sense given they are a cheap way to feed people.
Let's hope they make a return soon.
Have you asked them by any chance?.Would like to know why.

 

[AngryVal]

Am currently sitting in the Melbourne Lounge ready to fly to Sydney.

In short - it's grim.

No snacks on offer other than sad looking individual plates of 5-6 corn chips and a spoonful of quinoa salad (branded 'Mexican' something).

'Larger food' - pre-made wraps, sausage rolls, soup & bread.

That's it. Cheese all gone - just a couple of lonely water crackers.

Dirty tables left uncleared everywhere.
It's busy for sure - I am tucked right down the back. But I'm glad I'm not hungry - this is abominable.

 

[BRIS_VA_HAWK]

Have you asked them by any chance?.Would like to know why.

Haven't asked, but there's always the QR code for feedback on some of the counters...

 

[simmomelb]

Haven't asked, but there's always the QR code for feedback on some of the counters...

I'll be there on Friday and Sunday (Melb & Syd), I'll ask them and report back.

 

[AngryVal]

After the awful experience in Melbourne on Friday I filed a complaint to their Twitter account and was directed to leave a formal complaint via their website.

Even their complaints area totally understaffed - it's like flying in the 1980s again...

Thank you for submitting your feedback to Virgin Australia, please note reference number [redacted] as confirmation. Please note, we are currently experiencing extensive delays in our response time and we will get back to you as soon as we can. If you haven't received a response from us within that time, do not log a new case as this only slows the response time down.

 

[simmomelb]

After the awful experience in Melbourne on Friday I filed a complaint to their Twitter account and was directed to leave a formal complaint via their website.

Even their complaints area totally understaffed - it's like flying in the 1980s again...

Thank you for submitting your feedback to Virgin Australia, please note reference number [redacted] as confirmation. Please note, we are currently experiencing extensive delays in our response time and we will get back to you as soon as we can. If you haven't received a response from us within that time, do not log a new case as this only slows the response time down.

How would you know if complaints is understaffed if you only just filled out a complaint form? I wouldn't expect a response for several days with any airline.
I filed a complaint about 2 months ago and it took them 5 days to get back to me which I thought was acceptable.

 

[AngryVal]

How would you know if complaints is understaffed if you only just filled out a complaint form? I wouldn't expect a response for several days with any airline.
I filed a complaint about 2 months ago and it took them 5 days to get back to me which I thought was acceptable.

I’m not expecting a response for several days - of course. But given all the airlines are struggling with staffing the statement I posted pretty clearly points to the same issues. Hardly a massive leap to make??

“Please note, we are currently experiencing extensive delays in our response time and we will get back to you as soon as we can.”

 

[simmomelb]

Priority lane currently open in MEL but no lengthy queues at this point and security are very efficient today!! Some reasonable food on offer in The Lounge and tables clean (clearing tables relatively quickly with the trolley).

 

[BRIS_VA_HAWK]

In the BNE lounge for a few minutes awaiting VA318 to Melbourne. Priority Entry was open and had a small queue (~5 pax) however the standard VA security line wasn't long either.
Lounge is ~75% full however they definitely need some meeting rooms here - had a very loud individual having a Zoom call without earphones in...not exactly what you'd expect in here!

 

[JohnK]

BNE Lounge for next hour or so. Can guest 1.

Airport busy. Lounge is quietish. Nice breakfast on offer.

 

[PLANT]

 

[PLANT]

 

[Mattg]

One of the plates on offer now at the CBR lounge - yum.