No flexibility for lounge access for non flying plats?

[Jousams]

I am yet to try it, but apparently you will be allowed access if you aren't flying but are bringing in people with VA boarding passes.

Can the velocity rep confirm this?

 

[smit0847]

Can the velocity rep confirm this?

This has always been allowed. The rule says you must present a same day VA boarding pass, not your same day VA boarding pass.

PS if you scan your card at the reader does it know if you have a VA flight that day?

 

[Fruitcake]

This has always been allowed. The rule says you must present a same day VA boarding pass, not your same day VA boarding pass

Lounge T&Cs:

7) c) Each Velocity Gold Member and Velocity Platinum Member receives complimentary access to the Virgin Australia lounge as a benefit of their Velocity Membership. Velocity Platinum Members and Velocity Gold Members may access the lounge by displaying their Membership Card and same day boarding pass for flights on Virgin Australia or Eligible Partner Airlines. If the lounge is nearing capacity, priority will be given to Members with onward travel on Virgin Australia on that day.

 

[Mogul]

PS if you scan your card at the reader does it know if you have a VA flight that day?

Was thinking the same thing.

 

[medhead]

Same day boarding pass is about arrivals access.

The scanner machines were switched on, then off at one stage because they didn't check for a flight. They have now been turned back on. I'd say there is a pretty high likelihood they know if you have a flight.

 

[mannej]

Did I say it was? I just don't like flying them. Uncomfortable seats and poor service comparatively.

Ok to have an opinion or should I check with you first next time?

It seems as if you have taken offense that I have a different opinion to you.

The OP clearly states that JQ are the cause of your lack of lounge access when it is your lack of appropriate status.

I don't blame the VA lounge for saying no considering you we're flying the competitor.

I have been fortunate to have decent service on JQ, but as many have stated you need to have low expectations and be surprised.

It is funny apart from the delay, the majority of the OP dealt with the lack of lounge access...

 

[JohnK]

QP always checks my Boarding pass or asks to scan my FF card before they let me in. Maybe its just Adelaide....

Maybe its just Adelaide.

How closely do they scrutinise the boarding pass? Usually I just flash it as I walk past. I do not think they would be able to see the date especially if your thumb/fingers are covering that part of the boarding pass.

Now in saying that I would not go to the airport on a day I did not have access and I am not game enough to try and gain access if I flying another carrier and I do not have access on that day.

 

[boomy]

Maybe its just Adelaide.

How closely do they scrutinise the boarding pass? Usually I just flash it as I walk past. I do not think they would be able to see the date especially if your thumb/fingers are covering that part of the boarding pass.

In ADL, when I flash my QFF card they sometimes ask to check which flight I'm on. When I asked why they do that, while in MEL,SYD,BNE they only look at the card, I was told that too many VA passengers are using Qantas Club so they must verify that I'm flying QF. Fair enough, extra 30 seconds won't kill me.

They did say that MEL,SYD,BNE all have separate terminals for VA and that's why they check only in ADL.
That's not true as QF has a lounge in the VA terminal in SYD and the lounge in BNE is not that far from VA as well.
I didn't argue but found it strange that they gave me such a lame excuse.

 

[Princess Fiona]

In ADL, when I flash my QFF card they sometimes ask to check which flight I'm on. When I asked why they do that, while in MEL,SYD,BNE they only look at the card, I was told that too many VA passengers are using Qantas Club so they must verify that I'm flying QF. Fair enough, extra 30 seconds won't kill me.

They did say that MEL,SYD,BNE all have separate terminals for VA and that's why they check only in ADL.
That's not true as QF has a lounge in the VA terminal in SYD and the lounge in BNE is not that far from VA as well.
I didn't argue but found it strange that they gave me such a lame excuse.

Actually, I think this sounds pretty plausible. The SYD T2 QP is IME notoriously officious at checking BP's and FF cards (soon to be a moot point mind you), VA gates a short stroll away. SYD T3 pretty well never wants a BP or scan, similar in MEL and no VA gates nearby.
I would say that distance in BNE is also a factor in deterring QF status passengers from using the QP flying VA. I've done this myself (it was legitimate as I had arrived on QF int.). The QF J lounge was a fair trek from Gate 46 and I probably wouldn't repeat it unless I was bored again with a long transit time.
I have always had my card and/or BP checked in PER, and recently OOL.

 

[Ausbt]

Actually, I think this sounds pretty plausible. The SYD T2 QP is IME notoriously officious at checking BP's and FF cards

Agreed, saw this in action yesterday. As I was standing patiently at the counter, waiting for someone-or-other to have the lounge-staff check each and every possible alternative fog-bound flight for one that might leave 10 minutes earlier, I noted the abrupt way an SG-carrying flyer was turned away "in order to find your boarding pass". Hmmm, couldn't you provide it to her? I'm thinking said SG was flying Rex or VA.

 

[grubbidok]

Agreed, saw this in action yesterday. As I was standing patiently at the counter, waiting for someone-or-other to have the lounge-staff check each and every possible alternative fog-bound flight for one that might leave 10 minutes earlier, I noted the abrupt way an SG-carrying flyer was turned away "in order to find your boarding pass". Hmmm, couldn't you provide it to her? I'm thinking said SG was flying Rex or VA.

I've found QP were in fact more willing to do the dodge and let me in as a silver (if flight delayed) as long as I had a QF boarding pass than they were as a gold without one.

FWIW I don't blame the VA dragons a bit for not rewarding someone who's actively chosen to fly their competitor. Your wrath is better directed at those who *should* have given you access but didn't.

 

[jazza1971]

Done it a few times while seeing off family, and hope to do it again this weekend

And was welcomed in with my wife, no problems with me not flying.....

Its little things like this that make the better half happy for me to spend extra on VA, if it it means maintaining status.....

 

[bass_ke]

Has anybody tried the OOL lounge when not flying VA?

I booked some flights to HBA with J* and QF before I made VA Gold, I didn't think I would this year.

I'd love to still be able to use the VA lounge at OOL!

 

[MarkD]

Sure, why not. Just let everyone in thats not flying VA.
Seriously, the suggestion that you should get access to the Virgin Lounge when flying a competitor is just a joke isnt it.

Has anybody tried the OOL lounge when not flying VA?

I booked some flights to HBA with J* and QF before I made VA Gold, I didn't think I would this year.

I'd love to still be able to use the VA lounge at OOL!

 

[bass_ke]

Point taken, I thought it may be a good chance to celebrate my last flights with JQ for a while by hanging in the VA lounge

I will be on VA for the most part now unless work book me with QF

 

[madrooster]

Actually, I think this sounds pretty plausible. The SYD T2 QP is IME notoriously officious at checking BP's and FF cards (soon to be a moot point mind you), VA gates a short stroll away. SYD T3 pretty well never wants a BP or scan, similar in MEL and no VA gates nearby.

I've also found the same with SYD T2 QP. Neither SYD T3 lounge cares as long as you flash your card.

MEL and BNE the same as SYD T3.

 

[toowongman]

Has anybody tried the OOL lounge when not flying VA?
I'd love to still be able to use the VA lounge at OOL!

No you can't get in. ATA was cancelled for a reason. Let's not revisit that conversation.

 

[PDog]

No issues with entry in Melb for myself (plat) & husband & stepson (both red) when stepson flying home to Sunshine Coast. I was flying to Syd later that evening (12 hrs later) but don't believe that was the cincher. VA cost = 3 coffees, VA earn = will chase partner plat this year.

 

[bullerdude]

Has anybody tried the OOL lounge when not flying VA?

I booked some flights to HBA with J* and QF before I made VA Gold, I didn't think I would this year.

I'd love to still be able to use the VA lounge at OOL!

They have always checked by boarding pass at OOL unlike Melbourne/Brisbane where they just let me in by showing the card.

 

[JohnK]

I booked some flights to HBA with J* and QF before I made VA Gold, I didn't think I would this year.

I'd love to still be able to use the VA lounge at OOL!

When are you going? I am flying out of OOL last Friday of June and first Friday of July around 6:00pm.