Int. Lounge Acess Changes from Nov. 1 2016

[Princess Fiona]

Thats sad, I like they ANZ lounges over the SilverKris lounge.

Big question, what about LAX?

If my sources are correct it definitely won't be the Star Alliance lounge any more

 

[serfty]

If my sources are correct it definitely won't be the Star Alliance lounge any more

Basically moot in any case for those travelling after May (?) next year since the only option would be DL's new lounge as they move from T5.

 

[NZflygirl]

That may be the "good news next" to which NZflygirl was referring ...

Press Release:

"We here at VA, after listening intently to our valued customers, are proudly extending our in-lounge visit the USA without leaving home experience by complementing our widely acclaimed, pay for use spirits offering, with the much requested tipping for coughpy service, or receive none policy. We know all our most important guests will be as excited as we are here at VA with such an innovative new product."

Say whaaaaaaaaat?!?!

To be honest I've only ever touched spirits in a lounge as part of a coughtail on offer. (What I did at varsity is another story that shall remain untold).

 

[bass_ke]

Following with interest.

I've OOL-AKL-SFO-AKL-OOL coming up next month, I also do like NZ as an airline.

I wish I'd have booked all my Dom USA flights for the month on AA rather than DL!

 

[newmarket]

Why? I normally book Delta and was thinking about trying AA this weekend - but no obvious way to book comfort plus or equiv.

Why do you wish you went with aa over dl?

 

[MH_fan]

DL are now my first choice for domestic travel in the US. They have the best lounges, you get recognition for Sky Priority, they usually have the cheapest F fares and the service is usually much better than their competitors.

 

[serfty]

Why? I normally book Delta and was thinking about trying AA this weekend - but no obvious way to book comfort plus or equiv.

Why do you wish you went with aa over dl?

It's easy enough - make a booking and select a "Main Cabin Extra" type seat - you then pay a premium (Unless you are Emerald or Sapphire where they are free.)

After November 12 I believe they will no longer be free for elites and W will be one of the booking classes.

 

[Denali]

DL are now my first choice for domestic travel in the US. They have the best lounges, you get recognition for Sky Priority, they usually have the cheapest F fares and the service is usually much better than their competitors.

I really liked VX in the US but because of lounge access and price, Ive booked via DL.

 

[jpk]

I think I am pretty much done with VA now. They tried but they've failed.

 

[Mattg]

After the switch from NZ to SQ lounges in SYD (and various other ports), would Gold and Platinum Velocity members still have access to the NZ lounge?

I'm assuming this change only affects non-status J customers and paid Lounge members?

 

[MH_fan]

I really liked VX in the US but because of lounge access and price, Ive booked via DL.

VX are the better airline but they can't compare when it comes to DL's network and FF elite benefits unfortunately.

 

[MH_fan]

I'm liking the change from the NZ to SQ lounge in SYD. I just hope that they then change the lounge access for WPs to the SilverKris lounge in SIN rather than the Krisflyer Gold lounge.

 

[blackcat20]

Say whaaaaaaaaat?!?!

To be honest I've only ever touched spirits in a lounge as part of a coughtail on offer. (What I did at varsity is another story that shall remain untold).

I've never paid for spirits in a US lounge; and the service in the US, encouraged by tipping, is far better than what we get here, so Im not sure what the PP is on about.

 

[Rigs]

I'm liking the change from the NZ to SQ lounge in SYD.

Its a small one but the only issue I have with the SQ lounges is that you feel like you are in Singapore when you are in them. When I am flying to Singapore from an Australian city, it just seems to put me in the ''in transit'' mindset earlier than I would otherwise like. The good thing about Air NZ lounges is that they still fit the fundamental aesthetic of an Aussie airport.

 

[Princess Fiona]

And here it is. Some winners and losers. EY for LAX bound VA pax at SYD and the MEL Domestic Lounge for those bound to wherever VA currently fly from there internationally :!:
*From 1 November 2016 there will be some changes to the international lounges that are available to our Business Class, 'The Business' guests and Velocity Platinum and Gold members travelling on Virgin Australia operated services from Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne and to international destinations, excluding New Zealand. These changes can be seen below and are indicated by an asterisk.
Virgin Australia

 

[kamchatsky]

I definitely preferred the SQ lounge than NZ one at Sydney, even though NZ one is bigger. I prefer the food in SQ lounge than NZ lounge anyway.

 

[Jurahn]

And here it is. Some winners and losers. EY for LAX bound VA pax at SYD and the MEL Domestic Lounge for those bound to wherever VA currently fly from there internationally :!:
*From 1 November 2016 there will be some changes to the international lounges that are available to our Business Class, 'The Business' guests and Velocity Platinum and Gold members travelling on Virgin Australia operated services from Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne and to international destinations, excluding New Zealand. These changes can be seen below and are indicated by an asterisk.
Virgin Australia

Thanks for posting the update, Princess Fiona - I've got a trip to the US in March next year, so was a bit worried about the forthcoming lounge access changes. Still Star Alliance lounge at LAX (whew) but, as you mentioned, EY lounge at SYD. Have been in the EY lounge once before, when the Air NZ lounge was being revamped a couple of years ago. From what I recall, TBH I wasn't that impressed by the EY lounge - then again, we had just flow in on the redeye from PER, so I wasn't exactly firing on all cylinders at the time, so my impressions were probably skewed a bit. Mind you, the bl**dy jazz music (which I absolutely loathe) they were playing that morning didn't help matters at all, especially after a night with no sleep!

 

[Princess Fiona]

I definitely preferred the SQ lounge than NZ one at Sydney, even though NZ one is bigger. I prefer the food in SQ lounge than NZ lounge anyway.

I love the new NZ lounge at SYD. Spacious and stylish.
Personally I think the new lounge arrangements are a bit of a mess really.
Here's the AusBT guide

 

[serfty]

The lounge arrangements, especially at Sydney have always been a bit of a mess, so nothing new there - the SQ lounge is better anyway.

So, for me it's T-T or AUH ex MEL and SYD/BNE for anywhere else.

Note that while there no changes ex LAX for the short term, including "First" room access for WP, by this time next year it will likely be the Delta Lounge only.

 

[deepblerg]

I love the new NZ lounge at SYD. Spacious and stylish.
Personally I think the new lounge arrangements are a bit of a mess really.
Here's the AusBT guide

Totally agree, I will miss the NZ lounge, it was the best.

In saying that, I'm glad it's the EY lounge instead of SQ when flying to LAX.

But yeh, it's a total mess with different lounges for nearly each destination.