Individual lounge passes

[Silvia]

Hi everyone,
VA used to sell individual lounge passes pre covid - is that still a thing?

My parents got granted an exemption and are coming from overseas (DL/VA flights) and have a very lengthy layover so was looking at options for them

Cheers

 

[henrus]

VA used to sell individual lounge passes pre covid - is that still a thing?

Yes they still sell passes, you can buy them at the lounge for $65 per person however two big things to note, firstly it's subject to availability (covid restrictions in some locations are limiting the numbers allowed) and secondly single entry passes (these include those you buy at the door, silver passes or ones from banks) are limited to access only 2 hours prior to departure.

I assume they're on a single ticket LAX->SYD->other AU destination. If so it may be possible to purchase a transit pass. It's written in the lounge terms and conditions that it may be possible to purchase a 3 or 5 hour transit pass however I have no idea if these are still offered or how much they are.

An alternative is to purchase a lounge membership. This is $399 for one year and obviously the person with the membership can bring one guest. There are no time restrictions for entry (just need to be travelling same day) however this is obviously a quite expensive option and it may be more simplistic to book a day room in a hotel near the airport. The Ibis budget, Pullman and the Rydges all offer day rates (just email or phone - can't book online easily) and prices range from about $80-150 for the day. None of the showers at any Virgin lounges are open so at least a hotel room for the day would allow them to freshen up.