VA lounge security Line Delay ?

[jackthomas]

Does anyone remember VA confirming they will install a Sydney style premium security/check in, within the MEL lounge, just a mirrored version as the lounge is before security.

It was said to be completed last month but i've not heard or seen anything since.

Any news?

 

[TomVexille]

MEL is scheduled to get a "Premium Exit" which was meant to be a dedicated security line directly out of the lounge. And it was meant to be done already. But it wasn't available when I was there at the end of July.

 

[jackthomas]

MEL is scheduled to get a "Premium Exit" which was meant to be a dedicated security line directly out of the lounge. And it was meant to be done already. But it wasn't available when I was there at the end of July.

Exactly, we were told July and it's definitely still not there since I was in the lounge last week.

Would just be good to hear of some progress.

 

[Bofter]

I am not sure if any vital equipment is missing but a few times the doors on either end have been open and it looks at a glance to all be there

 

[i_hate_the_tulla_freeway]

I'm there tomorrow arvo so shall ask

 

[Deleted member 29185]

Maybe it's out back having smoko with the HBA lounge!

 

[i_hate_the_tulla_freeway]

I've heard a rumour from a very reliable source that when HBA does finally get a lounge it will for sure have a premium direct to the plane security/boarding lane from the lounge. Two of them. And a day spa. And French champagne. It's being brought to you by the same great design outfit who've done the LST, DRW, and TSV lounges. And NTL, how can I forget Newcastle. The lounge there is like, wow...

In the meantime, an espresso machine and a bar fridge in HBA in a corner somewhere would be a start.

 

[jackthomas]

Just noticed on the Velocity site that the priority security line in the lounge is finally open. Has anybody had a chance to use it yet? Thoughts?

I'll be testing it out on Friday Morning.

 

[OzEire]

Not yesterday, but lots of VA staff appeared to be touring the lounge pointing at things like exit doors, might be something is happening.

Will see tomorrow.

 

[TomVexille]

Not yesterday, but lots of VA staff appeared to be touring the lounge pointing at things like exit doors, might be something is happening.

Will see tomorrow.

According to Ausbt today is the official opening date. It was open sporadically for small trials in the last 4 or 5 days however.

 

[nitrocdh]

[h=2]Australia’s first premium lounge exit touches down at Melbourne Airport [/h] Welcome aboard! The exits are seven exits for your flight today, two at the front, two at the rear, two over the wing… and now one dedicated Premium Exit taking your through security and directly to your plane from Virgin Australia’s Melbourne Lounge.

Link from Dannii Minogue's Tumbler: Australia's first premium lounge exit touches down at Melbourne Airport | Dannii Minogue

 

[OzEire]

Open today in MEL.

 

[TomVexille]

It appears that it will only be open during the week but not on weekends.

From the VA website:

Breeze from Lounge to Gate

Our Melbourne Premium Exit is now open.
Fast track to the gate with the new Melbourne Premium Exit, our exclusive security screening area that’s linked directly from the lounge.
Open Monday to Friday from 45 minutes prior to our first departure, Premium Exit gives lounge members access to two private screening lanes, connecting you seamlessly with a direct path to gates 1-10.


Whether you’re in a rush to board or you simply wish to relax a little longer, Melbourne’s new Premium Exit makes your journey smoother.

 

[Zephyrana]

Premium Exit gives lounge members access to two private screening lanes, connecting you seamlessly with a direct path to gates 1-10.

Augh, what's the bet all my Melbourne departures will be from the ghastly muddlescrum that is gates 11-15?

 

[jackthomas]

It appears that it will only be open during the week but not on weekends.

From the VA website:

I can't stand these kind of rules, based on the day of travel ( much like the no dinner on weekends) I guess in MEL its easy enough to still get to the priority line outside! I've never had any flight from gate 11-15 I don't think...

 

[Deleted member 29185]

It appears that it will only be open during the week but not on weekends.

From the VA website:

I wouldn't panic too much about that. It was the same for SYD until they proved the worth.

 

[R36snowbound]

I flew MEL to SYD on Tuesday night (16th Sept) and was shown the new lounge exit by VA lounge staff. It is a great improvement, well done VA on another lounge upgrade that I am sure FF's will appreciate.

 

[Ausbt]

I think I arrived into MEL gate Siberia (15) the other day - that's one hell of a walk. On another note why can't VA spread the food along the bars in the lounge a bit - it gets really crowded particularly with those who stick their soon-to-be toasts in and stand right in front of the toaster. Helloooooo more than one person can toast at one time.

 

[hummel]

I think I arrived into MEL gate Siberia (15) the other day - that's one hell of a walk. On another note why can't VA spread the food along the bars in the lounge a bit - it gets really crowded particularly with those who stick their soon-to-be toasts in and stand right in front of the toaster. Helloooooo more than one person can toast at one time.

Or the parents that let their kids crowd around the pancake machine each getting 5 pancakes...20 pancakes later the machine is out of mix!

 

[Jousams]

Or the parents that let their kids crowd around the pancake machine each getting 5 pancakes...20 pancakes later the machine is out of mix!

I wish kids were not allowed in the lounge.