VA lounge access, flying other airline

[JohnK]

I flew jq to bali last week, I'm a virgin lounge member, scanned my card in at Melbourne no worries into the Virgin Lounge

Anytime lounge access is back?

 

[mooingchicken]

Anytime lounge access is back?

Not according to the T&C's. But obviously seems so with people just scanning the card, or asking nicely. Or maybe they are just getting lucky and system isn't working properly

 

[eastwest101]

I thought Rex did have their own lounge in SYD!

They do. Next to Gate 40 (the common Rex, Aeropelican and JetGo gates).

I don't know anyone whom has stumped up the $300-$400 pa for the Rex Lounges but have peeked through the doors a few times Virgin Bart - I would think they are pretty quiet!

 

[serfty]

id just ask, theyll probably let you in - im only a lounge member and they welcomed me in last week in SYD when i was flying on QF with a guest who was on VA

There are posts in other threads here (including from Velocity Frequent Flyer) that state that as long as either a guest or the member is flying VA then lounge access is permitted

 

[JohnK]

There are posts in other threads here (including from Velocity Frequent Flyer) that state that as long as either a guest or the member is flying VA then lounge access is permitted

Really? May try that out on Sunday.

 

[smit0847]

There are posts in other threads here (including from Velocity Frequent Flyer) that state that as long as either a guest or the member is flying VA then lounge access is permitted

Really? May try that out on Sunday.

The rule has always been you must present 'a' same day VA BP. Doesnt say it needs to be the status paxes. You could drag a random in from the terminal.

 

[empiretraveller]

I'm not often on a carrier that's not Virgin. But recently I was travelling with friends who had booked Qantas. I never had an issue getting into the lounge from MEL to BNE. I simply stated that I've checked in already and handed my lounge card to the attendant, didn't bat an eye over it and had no issue. I just assumed I could access the lounge regardless seeing as I paid for access and used a complimentary pass or two for my friends.

 

[Dan_]

I usually just flash my iPhone screen with a boarding pass on it. As soon as they see it is gold, they don't check further. I have always done it when I'm actually flying, but I am 99% it would work otherwise.

 

[danielt25]

In Cairns they always seem to ask for the boarding pass when I present my platinum card....

I'll try the auto scan machine next time

 

[Cryptarcadian]

I usually just flash my iPhone screen with a boarding pass on it. As soon as they see it is gold, they don't check further.

I wish it was that easy! In BNE yesterday, they didn't just pull my phone up close to scrutinise it, but then also proceeded to actually scan the QR code on it. First time I've encountered that, admittedly...

 

[darkice]

Providing an update on this. Got in at BNE by scanning card.

 

[eastwest101]

I fly Rex quite a bit and find that entry into a VA lounge after a VA flight but before a Rex flight is a very hit and miss affair and seems to depend on the VA staff at the lounge. Attempting to scan old boarding passes or VFF Gold cards at the self check-in poles usually spits out an error or a "Go to Desk" message anyway so I'm pretty confidant that most VA lounges have this technology enabled now to query as to whether you really do have an onward flight with VA.

Depending on time of day and how nice they feel you are either denied entry or allowed in by the VA lounge angels if you ask nicely. MEL and ADL seems to be slightly better than SYD as far as generosity but that may just be my local flight times and experience i.e. YMMV. I don't fly Rex out of BNE myself so don't know what happens there.

Apparently one-off Rex Lounge access passes can be had for $33 a visit or $299 for 1 year membership, I may call and see if there are any cheaper ways to get access to annual membership in the future.

EDIT: Rex Lounge in MEL apparently temporarily closed due to terminal alterations

 

[bullerdude]

Getting into the VA lounge after a VA flight shouldn't be an issue, given that you are entitled to post-flight access.

Subject to space availability, Velocity Platinum and Gold members can access the Virgin Australia Lounge on arrival with an eligible day of travel Virgin Australia or partner airline itinerary (or boarding pass).

So in these cases I wouldn't mention that you have an onward flight with Rex.

 

[jackthomas]

I've been told by staff who work in the lounge that self scan does not detect upcoming flights ( and I've now tested the theory)
Just don't make eye contact.... haha

 

[darkice]

Probably explains why I could get in today

 

[JohnK]

The rule has always been you must present 'a' same day VA BP. Doesnt say it needs to be the status paxes. You could drag a random in from the terminal.

Sould have updated the thread.

Had no issues at all guesting my fiancee into SYD lounge and using premium entry as she was flying VA and I was flying QF. Did this in BNE as well.

 

[darkice]

Interesting thing happened in cairns on way back. Got into lounge with self check in no issue. Got a drink and snacks then about 5 min later the virgin staff at the front came and asked for boarding pass. Told him I was travelling tiger and didn't have one, then he started accusing me of fraud of using someone else's card.

He mentioned I signed in under another member who travelled to Melb that day. I was like hmm that can't be right, so gave him my card and off he went to check.

Came back 5 mins later and apologised and said sometimes the cards don't scan properly. Also was happy to let me stay. His whole attitude basically changed. My take is they don't really mind people using the lounge so once he knew it wasn't fraud he was fine with it.

Also shows that they can look up on the system even when you self checking????

 

[medhead]

How does that work? There's supposed to be no status benefits when flying tiger. How can you possibly use the lounge? Sounds like I can use the VA lounge when flying any airline, eg QF or JQ

 

[darkice]

You're not meant to be allowed by the rules.

I fly virgin a lot, tiger was first time in years so thought I'd try.

 

[Ads22]

I've been told by staff who work in the lounge that self scan does not detect upcoming flights ( and I've now tested the theory)
Just don't make eye contact.... haha

Further update on this, after using this little self scan loophole for the last few months (thanks for the heads up!) the self scanner at MEL lounge is now hooked up to check bookings so will no longer work this way. Lounge staff unwilling to make any exceptions. Was good while it lasted!!!