OOL Lounge

[thewinchester]

I know aboustley nothing about construction, but may this have something to do with the OOL Lounge, they were moving some piping around at the first stages of construction. Or, have I, yet again embarrassed myself not knowing anything about building or construction?

Construction isn't your problem, it's geography and map reading

Google Maps

The BAR entry referred to is located in a development area to the south-east of the terminal, near what seems like either a long-term car park or rental car holding facility.

Based on whom is conducting the construction works and other information, it does not seem that the BAR related to the DJ lounge has been made available.

 

[Tuddy]

Based on the images so generously provided by frequent GC travellers, can we assume that there will be a window opening out with views across the tarmac? What sort of facilities could we expect to see? Canberra-esque in its offerings and size? It'll be nice to have somewhere that is out of league to even the most discerning of Schoolies - and I'm sure Virgin will do justice for all those that have long suffered in the Gold Coast Foodcourt (otherwise known as airport...). Am very much anticipating March and the opening - may make a trip up north just to have a squiz.

I know that this isn't the right thread to suggest it...but while you're reading, an idea that may not have been floated before in terms of the more minor airports, where there is stiff competition, in the network (e.g. regional NSW destinations, Sunshine Coast, Gladstone, Emerald - anywhere with less than 3 flights per day whilst competition has more) Why not have a "convenience corner" (or whatever it could be called) like what is offered to all passengers on Bangkok Airways. It would be in ports where there isn't sufficient demand for a whole Lounge facility, yet would provide incentive to fly Virgin in that it would offer complimentary tea, coffee, bikkies etc...nothing too gourmet necessarily - but something of a lounge all the same. Just an idea.

 

[kevrosmith]

I know that this isn't the right thread to suggest it...but while you're reading, an idea that may not have been floated before in terms of the more minor airports, where there is stiff competition, in the network (e.g. regional NSW destinations, Sunshine Coast, Gladstone, Emerald - anywhere with less than 3 flights per day whilst competition has more) Why not have a "convenience corner" (or whatever it could be called) like what is offered to all passengers on Bangkok Airways. It would be in ports where there isn't sufficient demand for a whole Lounge facility, yet would provide incentive to fly Virgin in that it would offer complimentary tea, coffee, bikkies etc...nothing too gourmet necessarily - but something of a lounge all the same. Just an idea.

Qantas has a few of these: they're called "Regional Lounges". Small rooms with a few chairs/couches and help-yourself to the beer/drinks in the fridge and a few snacks: crackers, packets of chips etc. KTA, EMD, lots of regional QLD airports etc.

 

[Tuddy]

Qantas has a few of these: they're called "Regional Lounges". Small rooms with a few chairs/couches and help-yourself to the beer/drinks in the fridge and a few snacks: crackers, packets of chips etc. KTA, EMD, lots of regional QLD airports etc.

Yes, yes I'm well aware of these...I'm talking about having these facilities available for the everyman. So if I was to fly out of Albury to come to Sydney, regardless of my Velocity status or class of travel, given I am a Virgin customer, I would have access to these types of facilities. Now a lounge would not be appropriate for a market the size of Albury, as it would be lucky to get half a dozen people a day (maybe a few more) - whereas if facilities were offered for all, then it would create a Virgin point of difference for relatively little money (I mean, in the scheme of things - is a cup of tea going to cost all that much for Virgin!?)

 

[Noob]

Yes, yes I'm well aware of these...I'm talking about having these facilities available for the everyman. So if I was to fly out of Albury to come to Sydney, regardless of my Velocity status or class of travel, given I am a Virgin customer, I would have access to these types of facilities. Now a lounge would not be appropriate for a market the size of Albury, as it would be lucky to get half a dozen people a day (maybe a few more) - whereas if facilities were offered for all, then it would create a Virgin point of difference for relatively little money (I mean, in the scheme of things - is a cup of tea going to cost all that much for Virgin!?)

LH actually does that at main ports - they have an automatic espresso machine with newspapers at each gate!

 

[MarkD]

LH actually does that at main ports - they have an automatic espresso machine with newspapers at each gate!

An sett used to have those coffee machines back in the 80s.

 

[Justchecking]

(or whatever it could be called) like what is offered to all passengers on Bangkok Airways. It would be in ports where there isn't sufficient demand for a whole Lounge facility, yet would provide incentive to fly Virgin in that it would offer complimentary tea, coffee, bikkies etc...nothing too gourmet necessarily - but something of a lounge all the same. Just an idea.

Bangkok airways also charge a premium in their local market for that service and their passengers are cashed up foreigners and expats. Its not that common to see locals flying PG. The free lounge is a gimmick for foreigners, to entice them to fly PG instead of Thai or SQ, in SE Asia. Something DJ isnt able to achieve in its local market. Besides a free for all lounge is a bit of a stretch for an airline that isnt even full service. :shock: Why give tea and bikkies away in an airport when you still charge for water onboard?

 

[Noob]

Bangkok airways also charge a premium in their local market for that service and their passengers are cashed up foreigners and expats. Its not that common to see locals flying PG. The free lounge is a gimmick for foreigners, to entice them to fly PG instead of Thai or SQ, in SE Asia. Something DJ isnt able to achieve in its local market. Besides a free for all lounge is a bit of a stretch for an airline that isnt even full service. :shock: Why give tea and bikkies away in an airport when you still charge for water onboard?

They don't charge for water, tea, or coffee on board from the 18th of this month....

"Virgin Australia also confirmed today that Economy Class guests travelling on Saver fare types will also receive complimentary tea; coffee and water from 18 January on all domestic flights. Saver fare guests travelling between Adelaide, Brisbane, Canberra, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney Monday to Friday will be offered complimentary beer and wine between 4:00pm and 7:00pm."

http://www.virginaustralia.com/au/en/about-us/media/2011/D_020317/

 

[LiamR]

According to a recent AusBT article, it seems the lounge is scheduled to open “at the end of the second quarter”

The Gold Coast lounge is slated to open “at the end of the second quarter” says Martin Daley, Virgin Australia Group Executive of Product and Guest Services.

New Virgin Australia lounges in 2012 for Sydney, Gold Coast - Flights | hotels | frequent flyer | business class - Australian Business Traveller

 

[firefox]

yep that's exactly when the tender document says... Gotta wait until about May i believe. (the one published by the contractor assigned to doing the work.)
Apparently the works provider isn't going to be finished until about early mayish.. May open ahead of schedule.

 

[Casual Class]

According to a recent AusBT article, it seems the lounge is scheduled to open “at the end of the second quarter”



New Virgin Australia lounges in 2012 for Sydney, Gold Coast - Flights | hotels | frequent flyer | business class - Australian Business Traveller

The lounge is just a myth, every time the opening date comes close it will be pushed back a number of months

 

[straitman]

The lounge is just a myth, every time the opening date comes close it will be pushed back a number of months

.... and you say this why :?:

 

[markis10]

.... and you say this why :?:

They have clearly never dealt with an airport owner/authority/money making machine before :mrgreen:.

 

[n17]

The lounge is just a myth, every time the opening date comes close it will be pushed back a number of months

Was there yesterday, looks like its progressing very well

 

[darrend]

The lounge is just a myth, every time the opening date comes close it will be pushed back a number of months

And a few years back DJ been taken seriously as a premium airline was a myth too - they are getting there. Pretty soon the way the unions and management are going Qantas will be a myth too - it already is as far as being a premium airline is conerned - a true fantasy!!!

 

[777]

Just a thought but what do you think the odds are the VA will immediately or eventually have to restrict ATA at OOL? Given it's the only port in Australia where there will be a VA lounge but no QP i can see ATA being used there a LOT by people who aren't actually flying Virgin on the day. Thoughts?

 

[LiamR]

Just a thought but what do you think the odds are the VA will immediately or eventually have to restrict ATA at OOL? Given it's the only port in Australia where there will be a VA lounge but no QP i can see ATA being used there a LOT by people who aren't actually flying Virgin on the day. Thoughts?

IMO I don't see it being a problem, there are no Qantas flights out of OOL, and as a result of that, not many Qantas Platinums/Golds those that are usually drive up to BNE to fly out on QF.

If Qantas started flying out of OOL without a QP then it could become a problem, but that's when the JQ lounge will magical turn back into a QP.

 

[samh004]

Just a thought but what do you think the odds are the VA will immediately or eventually have to restrict ATA at OOL? Given it's the only port in Australia where there will be a VA lounge but no QP i can see ATA being used there a LOT by people who aren't actually flying Virgin on the day. Thoughts?

I’m sure they could change the rules for regional lounges, as Qantas does, and turn OOL into a regional port, if it isn’t already.

I can agree with Liam here, though I thought WP’s had JQ lounge access, so if there were any still flying JQ, I could see them spending a fair amount of time in the DJ lounge to start with, but I think the JQ lounge does have things going for it, especially in their early bar service

 

[nlagalle]

I’m sure they could change the rules for regional lounges, as Qantas does, and turn OOL into a regional port, if it isn’t already.

I can agree with Liam here, though I thought WP’s had JQ lounge access, so if there were any still flying JQ, I could see them spending a fair amount of time in the DJ lounge to start with, but I think the JQ lounge does have things going for it, especially in their early bar service

Yes a WP has access to the JQ lounge..

 

[BVT]

Yes a WP has access to the JQ lounge..

But, I think only when flying JQ. I usually have to produce a BP and the shinyish WP card to gain access.

I do hope that VA appreciate the sacrifice that I am making by flying with them out of OOL. All that hanging about in the "Food Court" with the great unwashed. Presumably, the only time that they have seen someone in a suit is when they have appeared in Court!

(too harsh?)