Lounge access in Perth - flying SAA

[azza_1992]

As Velocity Gold, do I have any lounge access at PER when flying SAA? VA/SAA seems to be a bit of a funky alliance, so it doesn't appear clear cut.

I'm arriving into PER on VA468 around 9pm, and leaving for JNB on SA281 around 11:45pm.

VA's partner benefits page says I don't get access to the SAA lounge in PER as I'm flying economy.

Am I sore out of luck, or do I qualify for entry into SQ's lounge or something?

 

[serfty]

This page is not helpful to your cause either ...

https://www.virginaustralia.com/au/en/experience/at-the-airport/international-lounge-access/

 

[Cryptarcadian]

I'd suggest you spend some time in the VA domestic lounge upon arrival, and then stroll over to the international side closer to departure time. It's nicer than the SQ lounge anyway! I've only done it about an hour after when you would (for the SQ departure), but there was hardly anybody at security and immigration, so it was a breeze.

Funnily enough... according to SA themselves, they use the VA domestic lounge in PER?!
https://www.flysaa.com/na/en/flyingSAA/loungeinformation/airportLounges.html

Maybe it's a case of SQ refusing access to SA passengers even though they're *A partners, claiming their lounge is too small? In this case, that might be legitimate...

 

[NZflygirl]

I'd also try out the VA lounge (never been to that one myself) but I do quite like Perth's T1 int food offerings too and it's great viewing of the planes so it's not all bad over there.