MEL-DPS in J - Lounge access in MEL?

[Edge]

Hi,

I'm flying MEL-DPS next week in business class (business saver) and I'm not clear on lounge access in MEL? I have no status with VA.

Would be appreciated if someone can clear it up for me.

Here it seems to indicate there's no access: International Short Haul Fare Types | Virgin Australia

"No, Virgin Australia lounges are located in domestic terminal and not accessible when departing from international airports. However, please note that guests to/from New Zealand on Virgin Australia operated services may access the Air New Zealand Koru lounges."

Here it seems to indicate there is access: International Lounge Access | Virgin Australia

Melbourne, Australia
Air New Zealand Koru Lounge
Virgin Australia operated international services
Air New Zealand operated flights to New Zealand,
Virgin Australia codeshare services on Etihad Airways to Abu Dhabi

 

[EuroKick]

You will have access to the Koru Club.

 

[Edge]

Thanks for the quick reply.

 

[Ausbt]

I'm not sure about that, unless it's different in MEL than it is in SYD. I'm WP and last Nov I was in J heading SYD-DPS. At Business check-in they handed me Koru lounge passes. I'd walked 50 metres away when they chased me back down. "Sir, sir I'm sorry I need to take those passes back from you, I'm sorry you don't have any access today". "But-I'm-a-Platinum-and-I'm-travelling-in-J?" A supervisor needed to be called. WP got me into the lounge at that time, not the J ticket that's for sure.

 

[bullerdude]

Hi,
Here it seems to indicate there is access: International Lounge Access | Virgin Australia

Melbourne, Australia
Air New Zealand Koru Lounge
Virgin Australia operated international services
Air New Zealand operated flights to New Zealand,
Virgin Australia codeshare services on Etihad Airways to Abu Dhabi

Print out that page and take it with you - you should have access as travelling in J.

 

[jmphoto]

I'm not sure about that, unless it's different in MEL than it is in SYD. I'm WP and last Nov I was in J heading SYD-DPS. At Business check-in they handed me Koru lounge passes. I'd walked 50 metres away when they chased me back down. "Sir, sir I'm sorry I need to take those passes back from you, I'm sorry you don't have any access today". "But-I'm-a-Platinum-and-I'm-travelling-in-J?" A supervisor needed to be called. WP got me into the lounge at that time, not the J ticket that's for sure.

I flew SYD-DPS in March this year in Y as a WP and didn't need an invite, boarding pass covered my needs. I asked as I'd previously flown on EY in Y and had been given the pass and was assured I just needed the BP.

 

[VA-MEL]

I have travelled MEL - DPS in J twice this year and 2 more flights coming up. I have never been able to gain access to a lounge even as a platinum. Website clearly states access is not granted on flights to bali. Lounge staff confirmed this when I went to front desk.

 

[jmphoto]

I have travelled MEL - DPS in J twice this year and 2 more flights coming up. I have never been able to gain access to a lounge even as a platinum. Website clearly states access is not granted on flights to bali. Lounge staff confirmed this when I went to front desk.

Actually, the opposite of what you just said. It explicitly states in the dropdown for WP the following:

[TABLE="width: 100%"]
[TR="bgcolor: transparent"]
[TD="bgcolor: transparent"]Melbourne, Australia[/TD]
[TD="bgcolor: transparent"]Air New Zealand Koru Lounge[/TD]
[TD="width: 436, bgcolor: transparent"]Virgin Australia operated international services
Air New Zealand operated flights to New Zealand,
Virgin Australia codeshare services on Etihad Airways to Abu Dhabi[/TD]
[/TR]
[/TABLE]

and for J

[TABLE="width: 100%"]
[TR="bgcolor: transparent"]
[TD="bgcolor: transparent"]Melbourne, Australia[/TD]
[TD="bgcolor: transparent"]Air New Zealand Koru Lounge[/TD]
[TD="width: 436, bgcolor: transparent"]Virgin Australia operated international services
Air New Zealand operated flights to New Zealand,
Virgin Australia codeshare services on Etihad Airways to Abu Dhabi[/TD]
[/TR]
[/TABLE]

 

[VA-MEL]

Not sure where your looking, although from recent experience and the clause that reads " lounge access is only permitted when flying between Australia and New Zealand; and not on flights to the pacific Islands, Bali and Papua New Guinea" Well I won't give up yet and I'll try again in two weeks to see if I can get through, let us know how you fare on gaining entry...cheers

 

[Lowjhg]

you should get access to the koru club. this page has all the details though

 

[Blinky]

Even if you do get in, don't expect much from the Koru Lounge in Melbourne. I think the Virgin Lounge is better.

 

[drivatruk]

Did that in NOvember last year. J ticket get you into the Kiwi lounge.

Make the most of it cause J on Virgin to Bali is cough.

 

[Blinky]

Make the most of it cause J on Virgin to Bali is cough.

Agree with this.

 

[777]

I have travelled MEL - DPS in J twice this year and 2 more flights coming up. I have never been able to gain access to a lounge even as a platinum. Website clearly states access is not granted on flights to bali. Lounge staff confirmed this when I went to front desk.

Website says the exact opposite. Your information is about 2 years out of date.

We flew BNE-DPS last week and NZ lounge access was offered. A complete non-issue. Suggest you try again.

 

[jpk]

DPS flights used to be excluded from lounge access, but were added sometime in the last 6 months. Hence people's differing experiences.
In any case, the lounge is average and so is the flight!

 

[muppet]

To all those boo-hooing the VA J product to DPS, what do you expect?

It's a relatively short flight with low yield.

I have never flown Garuda J, but the images look good, however with VA about $1k for J, JQ about $1k for PE and Garuda about $2k for J, I feel the VA is the best product offering on the route.

VA gives lounge access for J, nicer more spacious seats and more appropriate J class food than JQ. Garuda is probably the best with lie flat bed, but is priced accordingly.

 

[Edge]

I did the research and know what I'm up for in terms of the actual 'flight' product. I think I paid $1,100 for the ticket. Was tossing up between VA & Jetstar but didn't want to fork out a lot more for the max bundle, so VA was the only real option. Especially since the DPS-MEL leg is overnight - any little extra comfort will help.

Fingers crossed re: the lounge access, I'll print the page just in case. I know it's not a fantastic lounge, but any lounge > no lounge.

Will post a short TR when I get back.

 

[Edge]

They gave me a lounge pass (unprompted) at check-in. Posting this from the lounge, so I guess I got my answer...

 

[AviatorPJ]

I did the research and know what I'm up for in terms of the actual 'flight' product. I think I paid $1,100 for the ticket. Was tossing up between VA & Jetstar but didn't want to fork out a lot more for the max bundle, so VA was the only real option. Especially since the DPS-MEL leg is overnight - any little extra comfort will help.

Hi Edge, don't expect much comfort in J on a 73H overnight flight - DPS-MEL-there are no footrests. You will likely get an amenities pack with a blanket, I'd pack a blow-up pillow as there may not be any on board as happened to me on a VA HKT-PER in J latelast year..



Will post a short TR when I get back.

Enjoy your time in Bali and cheers, PJ