The new Virgin lounge in Adelaide [opened 23 Feb 2021]

[Must...Fly!]

I believe so (at least while covid is around). The staff are insisting on using the App to order, even for basic drink refills.

That's very private equity. Data, data, data

 

[CaptJCool]

Opening

Major airline’s luxurious bid for new loyalty members

Virgin Australia has unveiled its latest bid to get travellers back in the air, offering up a brand new lounge design for those sick of having their feet on the ground.

www.news.com.au

 

[AIRwin]

Seems strange that VA haven’t done a press release?

Here you go:

Virgin Australia opens lounge of the future

New-look Virgin Australia Adelaide Lounge opens to frequent flyers Enhanced Lounge menu unveiled

newsroom.virginaustralia.com

 

[N860CR]

I’ve been told that the lunch catering looks suspiciously like the VA1 crew loaded meals...

 

[dajop]

Looks good, but I've got to say the backs on those chairs look very short and not terribly comfortable to sit in, but happy to be proven wrong by those with experience.

But it seems that in the current era, a good looking lounge is much more valued by customers than a comfortable lounge.

 

[jakeseven7]

Looks good, but I've got to say the backs on those chairs look very short and not terribly comfortable to sit in, but happy to be proven wrong by those with experience.

But it seems that in the current era, a good looking lounge is much more valued by customers than a comfortable lounge.

They look like occasional furniture you get in IKEA to be honest....

Im really glad they finally upgraded from the broom closet but I wouldn’t say this lounge is good looking, looks quite cheap, the finishings and style.... in my opinion.

Maybe it looks better in person, will be able to check it out myself next week pending any panic attacks from the SA Gov of course!

 

[Mattg]

Looks good. Any options for those with allergies? Coeliac for me unfortunately...

For breakfast, I think the fruit platter and protein bowl would be gluten free. For lunch, there's also fruit and a couple of salads that should be fine.

Looks good, but I've got to say the backs on those chairs look very short and not terribly comfortable to sit in, but happy to be proven wrong by those with experience.

But it seems that in the current era, a good looking lounge is much more valued by customers than a comfortable lounge.

I'm sitting in one of the chairs now, and I don't find it uncomfortable.

There are a few "diner" style seating areas where you would have more back support.

 

[Mattg]

For those who asked about breakfast options, here are a few:

 

[Must...Fly!]

The toasties are a blast from the recent past! Was one of my favourite "innovations" in Australian lounges in the last decade or so. Cheap and easy, almost everyone is happy, costs nothing to keep it going all day. Let's hope such things come back one day

 

[henrus]

So now I guess the question is when will the other lounges match the new/improved catering and will we see any of the other existing lounges upgraded to this new design (unlikely).

 

[Thibault]

For those who asked about breakfast options, here are a few:

View attachment 242109

That's quite exciting!
Love the coffee with the Virgin brand on it.

Thank you for sharing.

 

[jase05]

So now I guess the question is when will the other lounges match the new/improved catering and will we see any of the other existing lounges upgraded to this new design (unlikely).

One article I saw mentioned that Bain is spending money on their lounge network and others would be refurbished to be similar to Adelaide

 

[kookaburra75]

One article I saw mentioned that Bain is spending money on their lounge network and others would be refurbished to be similar to Adelaide

That would be good to see - I just hope they put the Canberra Lounge on that list.
We'll be in Adelaide in a couple of weeks time and coming home on VA, so we'll check out the lounge in the evening and report back.

 

[Bagpuss]

So now I guess the question is when will the other lounges match the new/improved catering and will we see any of the other existing lounges upgraded to this new design (unlikely).

My guess is works are currently underway in Melbourne, hence they are using The Club.
Next is likely Sydney in which they can update 1 level at a time (if they keep both levels)
(So they on a "main trunk")
Then Brisbane
(Completing "the golden triangle")

 

[AIRwin]

Then Brisbane

I'll be looking forward to checking The Club out...

 

[JessicaTam]

I'll be looking forward to checking The Club out...

The one in MEL was pleasant enough.

 

[Mattg]

A detailed AFF review of the new lounge with more photos and the full menu is now available:

Review: Virgin Australia's New Adelaide Lounge

Virgin Australia has gradually been reopening its airport lounges ever since it exited voluntary administration in November 2020. Beginning with the

www.australianfrequentflyer.com.au

 

[Major]

The toasties are a blast from the recent past! Was one of my favourite "innovations" in Australian lounges in the last decade or so. Cheap and easy, almost everyone is happy, costs nothing to keep it going all day. Let's hope such things come back one day

Totally agree. My usual lounge breakfast was a ham, cheese and tomato toastie.

 

[Bagpuss]

That's very private equity. Data, data, data

Virgin Australia pre Covid were pretty clear that data collected by Velocity was highly valuable. I dont this private equity has much to do with data from a lounge. They know who uses the lounge and who doesn't, they know the value they go through.
One could argue using an app in lounges could actually monitor alcohol consumption in a lounge.

If you link Uber to Qantas FF, it's very clear when linking that Uber then passes all your data onto Qantas. (No doubt Ola and Velocity do this. So the competition knows when you are going to the airport and not using the airline.)

 

[AustraliaPoochie]

Check the current closing time though.
6.30pm/18.30pm...
Hopefully that's temporary.