New Virgin Lounge @ SYD domestic

[wallacej]

Visiting the lounge last night, I couldn't help but notice a sign above the snack area indicating that new larger facilities are on the way..

Anyone have any other news on this, ie location etc....

And BTW for those that don't know I turned GOLD today..yipppeee for me.

 

[crazydave98]

yes, we've leased the old Ansett Golden Wing upstairs. Can't recall whether we are able to get direct kerbside access - have to work out where members will pass through security.
cheers
CrazyDave98

 

[wallacej]

yes, we've leased the old Ansett Golden Wing upstairs. Can't recall whether we are able to get direct kerbside access - have to work out where members will pass through security.
cheers
CrazyDave98

If I can suggest that airside is better... I prefer to get through security, then be able to relax before boarding. I find Melbourne for example is a pain. When the flight is called I leave straight away, however, if there is a backlog going through security I find that I am given "the eye" when I arrive at the gate because often they are waiting for me to arrive.

Any idea on timing yet?

 

[pauly7]

yes, we've leased the old Ansett Golden Wing upstairs. Can't recall whether we are able to get direct kerbside access - have to work out where members will pass through security.
cheers
CrazyDave98

Good news Dave but I'll give you a flaming hot tip for free.

MAKE SURE YOU do work it out!!! Don't even bother building it if you make your premium customers track through security after the fact...

 

[Petch]

The way I read the quote, and I guess we won't know what Virgin Blue will do until it does it, but Virgin Blue is considering a lounge entrance separate from the main terminal. What an absolute coup! You step out of the car, across the kerb and into The Lounge.

(Hopefully with a separate security clearance in The Lounge itself?!?)

 

[alien]

Can't say I saw the sign last week whilst in there. I agree i would prefer to pass through security to get to the Lounge. Melbourne is a pain at times. At the end of the day if the Lounge and services offered in there are better than I can live with not passing security first.

 

[Yada Yada]

The way I read the quote, and I guess we won't know what Virgin Blue will do until it does it, but Virgin Blue is considering a lounge entrance separate from the main terminal. What an absolute coup! You step out of the car, across the kerb and into The Lounge.

(Hopefully with a separate security clearance in The Lounge itself?!?)

I am assuming it is what's currently known as the T2 Function Room, located at the far end of the building (i.e. opposite end to the VB valet parking area, and adjacent to the JQ check-in area).

I also hope that it has it's own exit with a security station to avoid guests having to join the main security queue. It is a bit of a walk through the security maze all the way out to gate #40.

 

[Petch]

I've attached a picture below, showing the assumed zone, and highlighted in red the section of road-way/kerb-side that could be set aside for Virgin Blue "Premium" drop-off. (Presumably, the more-stingy than me, SACL could extend the awning to this section of road, rip out a section of wall into the T2 Function Room, install some sort of checked-baggage transfer system and, finally, a lift/escalator direct from the lounge to the mezzanine level [at the bottom of the Virgin Blue pier]. Of course, a priority security screening position, would have to be located at the entrance to the Lounge.)

Virgin Blue could create (maybe even without having placed a good scotch on the shelf in their bars) the best "Premium Customer/Ground/Lounge experience in Australia", leap frogging Qantas for ground departure service in Sydney and removing the need to use the main LCC/regional SYD T2 entrance.

It would be like, Corporate Fare (/P.E.) Guests, Gold Frequent Flyers and Lounge Members/Users almost had their own separate priority terminal, very civilized!



OK, I am getting carried away.

 

[openseat]

I've attached a picture below, showing the assumed zone, and highlighted in red the section of road-way/kerb-side that could be set aside for Virgin Blue "Premium" drop-off. (Presumably, the more-stingy than me, SACL could extend the awning to this section of road, rip out a section of wall into the T2 Function Room, install some sort of checked-baggage transfer system and, finally, a lift/escalator direct from the lounge to the mezzanine level [at the bottom of the Virgin Blue pier]. Of course, a priority security screening position, would have to be located at the entrance to the Lounge.)

Virgin Blue could create (maybe even without having placed a good scotch on the shelf in their bars) the best "Premium Customer/Ground/Lounge experience in Australia", leap frogging Qantas for ground departure service in Sydney and removing the need to use the main LCC/regional SYD T2 entrance.

It would be like, Corporate Fare (/P.E.) Guests, Gold Frequent Flyers and Lounge Members/Users almost had their own separate priority terminal, very civilized!



OK, I am getting carried away.

Don't apologise, I think it is well worth asking for. Sort of a match for the VS arrangement at T3 at LHR.

 

[wallacej]

And I very much agree with the scotch idea.. really low class that it is still only beer and wine....not asking for a full top shelf bar, just a few decent spirits for those of us not into beer or wine...

 

[pauly7]

Virgin Blue could create (maybe even without having placed a good scotch on the shelf in their bars) the best "Premium Customer/Ground/Lounge experience in Australia", leap frogging Qantas for ground departure service in Sydney and removing the need to use the main LCC/regional SYD T2 entrance
.

I think thats a great idea! I loathe the Sydney LCC terminal (T2) its like a carnival most days

 

[alien]

I saw the sign on Thursday about the change coming. I also noted that a consultant was being shown around The Lounge in Sydney looking at the decor taking notes and looking at the wallpaper.

 

[jad01]

On the matter of The Lounge.....does anyone know of any plans for a lounge at Perth????

JASON

 

[Yada Yada]

Aside from finding space, do they actually have the frequency into/out of PER to justify setting up a lounge? I haven't looked at timetables so have no clue but unless there are enough flights, it just might not be worthwhile at present.

That said, I would expect that PER has to be the next lounge to open, aside from a larger lounge in SYD.

 

[thegurio]

What about HBA(he he he)... nah dont worry about it...

 

[Yada Yada]

BG's editorial in the March edition of Voyeur advised that the new SYD lounge is expected to open mid-2008. It said the entrance will be after security.

 

[jad01]

Aside from finding space, do they actually have the frequency into/out of PER to justify setting up a lounge? I haven't looked at timetables so have no clue but unless there are enough flights, it just might not be worthwhile at present.

After considerable chats with alot of people who fly around in mining industry, they have gaps between flights and only fly QF because of the Qantas Club.
Often said they would fly DJ IF there was a lounge in PER.

JASON

 

[wallacej]

They better hurry up and get this sorted!

I arrived to the airport early for my return home flight (3 hrs prior to departure), not by choice, but none the less thought I could sit i nthe lounge, catch up on my emails, and kick back (and try and suck up for an earlier flight)

Well arriving at the Virgin lounge, the line was out the door with 12 people waiting to get in!

The lady ahead of me wanted to pay the casual fee to get in, but was rejected as it was too full.

My card was swiped and I was told that it was too full and the 2 hour rule was being applied!

Now of course I knew this rule existed, but have never experienced it being used before! It was so busy I didn't even get to ask if I was abe to change flights (and besides that it was a cheap as ticket so would have cost too much to change)

Was not happy! I get that it is the rules, but heck I earned my Gold the VERY long hard way, so I fly a lot, and just wanted to relax, but could not as th lounge was too full!!

So I went and had a massage!!!

 

[StevePER]

I've never heard of the two hour rule either, and from the Terms & Conditions on the website it sounds like it is only meant to apply to people paying the single access fee.

 

[wallacej]

I've never heard of the two hour rule either, and from the Terms & Conditions on the website it sounds like it is only meant to apply to people paying the single access fee.

I might have to have a read and voice my opinion if that is the case.