VA calling boarding in lounge when it hasn’t started yet

[BRIS_VA_HAWK]

If it was the Swans they’d choke on the way to the gate, delaying the departure.

Still played more footy this season than 16 other teams ❤❤❤

 

[exceladdict]

I don't think I've ever been in the lounge to hear the boarding call. Usually out of the lounge a few minutes before then.

I remember the boarding announcement once while in the shower at MEL Dom J lounge -.-

Was an A330 flight so had ages to get there.

ah yes, wait for the personal invitation to board…!

Is this always a thing? We once got the personal invitation as a family (embarrassing having all of our names read out) but I wasn't sure if that was only because 5 misconnecting pax is much harder to sort than 1.

 

[JohnK]

Also had the reverse several times as well - departure board saying 'boarding', lounge desk staff having to be quizzed and realising they'd better call it .. Thats only a problem when you get to the gate to find you're near-last to board..

Or when you get to the gate they've closed doors and offload your luggage. No boarding call in the lounge and no page in the terminal.

I struggle to understand why they close doors and then go through the process of offloading luggage. It'd be much easier to let you board

 

[TheInsider]

I struggle to understand why they close doors and then go through the process of offloading luggage. It'd be much easier to let you board

"Oh, they let me board late last time and they didn't take me off, why should I bother being there on time for the next flight, they'll keep me on".
Then for the ramp staff, wasting their resources looking for a bag, to then put it back on. Ramp staff won't even bother looking the next time or will hold off of for longer instead of doing it according to their KPIs.

Not making excuses, just some examples of what does happen.

 

[flyingfan]

5 minute wait between when the VA lounge in MEL announced boarding had started and when it actually did in the extremely close gate 2.

Also, there was a big queue for the priority lane and chatter of whether it was really for priority, everyone being priority devalued it and just to line up anyway. I was pleased to see staff very politely enforce it when they looked at the BPs.

 

[antycbr]

5 minute wait between when the VA lounge in MEL announced boarding had started and when it actually did in the extremely close gate 2.

Also, there was a big queue for the priority lane and chatter of whether it was really for priority, everyone being priority devalued it and just to line up anyway. I was pleased to see staff very politely enforce it when they looked at the BPs.

Let’s see how many status holders there are once the extensions end…

 

[BRIS_VA_HAWK]

Also, there was a big queue for the priority lane and chatter of whether it was really for priority, everyone being priority devalued it and just to line up anyway. I was pleased to see staff very politely enforce it when they looked at the BPs.

I've noticed a bit better enforcement and/or verbal reinforcement of priority in the queues, however ALSO noticed quite a few times where rows 15-30 are came straight after priority. Mrs Hawk queried this, however if it results in quicker load times (assuming minimal status pax in the back) then it makes enough sense to me.

 

[bullerdude]

Previously, Melbourne lounge would announce boarding 5-10 minutes before it actually commenced once the lounge received a call from the departure gate. I usually found it to be pretty well done and often got the the gate 2-3 minutes before boarding commenced which I think is reasonable.

Pity it seems to be more lucky duo based on comments above of recent experiences.

 

[ozstamps]

Have near missed a few flights. As I often check a bag it saves the day.

Lounge calls nationwide can be VERY hit or miss sadly.

 

[tdimdad]

Previously, Melbourne lounge would announce boarding 5-10 minutes before it actually commenced once the lounge received a call from the departure gate.

Fell for that on Saturday: a "rather early" call. Was at one of the more remote gates 10 mins before the boarding started. Perhaps the MEL lounge call should be treated as "last drinks"...

 

[AIRwin]

Perhaps the MEL lounge call should be treated as "last drinks"...

Or nature call?