Velocity Plat reward flight with Etihad - MEL to LHR- Lounges/Perks?

[stevied71]

Hi All,

Hope you can advise, it's been so long since I've flown that I've forgotten most of the tricks and tips I picked up from you lot!

Partner and I are off to the UK in mid July.

Booked MEL to LHR using velocity points for Etihad operated flights EY416 & EY19.

Virgin issued ticket, Cabin: Economy ⋅ Class: N

I'm still Velocity Platinum until status review at the end of July.

I've checked other forum posts and I think my status will allow us into The House in Melbourne, which appears to be open now.

I'm not sure about Abu Dhabi, from what I've read it seems you need to be in business or first to gain access to lounges. We've got a 3 hours transfer so probably won't have time anyway.

Can anyone advise if we do/not have lounge access on this fare?

Also can you advise if there any other perks I haven't considered - priority check in, security lanes, extra luggage, carry on, etc.?

Many thanks!

Steve.

 

[HeavyElectricity]

I imagine you should have lounge access in both Melbourne and Abu Dhabi:

Platinum Membership

Enjoy gold membership benefits as soon as your status credit reaches to 1000. benefits includes priority phone service, upgrademe points, advance seat selection, priority wait list and also enjoy priority check-in, virgin Australia lounge, complementary baggage allowance and rewards benefits...

experience.velocityfrequentflyer.com

International lounge access

Discover our network of partner airline-operated lounges, available for access when traveling on flights operated by our esteemed international partners.

www.virginaustralia.com

 

[RadioBusinessTraveller]

I imagine you should have lounge access in both Melbourne and Abu Dhabi:

Platinum Membership

Enjoy gold membership benefits as soon as your status credit reaches to 1000. benefits includes priority phone service, upgrademe points, advance seat selection, priority wait list and also enjoy priority check-in, virgin Australia lounge, complementary baggage allowance and rewards benefits...

experience.velocityfrequentflyer.com

View attachment 276984

International lounge access

Discover our network of partner airline-operated lounges, available for access when traveling on flights operated by our esteemed international partners.

www.virginaustralia.com

 

[SYD]

VA Platinum should get you into EYs 1st Lounge in AUH.

VA Golds (in whY) seem to get shafted.

 

[Stealthflyer]

You’ll get into the House in Australia and the 1st lounge in AUH (as others have pointed out). It was pretty novel travelling on discount Y yet having access to the EY 1st lounge. We had a sit down meal on both transits, which meant we didn’t have to suffer the awful food on board. The duck was absolutely divine.

I was asked if I wanted to put my name down for a massage but I wasn’t really in the mood.

We don’t get the roomier seats as plats though. Sadly even the lounge staff couldn’t wrangle it.

 

[stevied71]

Thanks for your input!

You’ll get into the House in Australia and the 1st lounge in AUH (as others have pointed out). It was pretty novel travelling on discount Y yet having access to the EY 1st lounge. We had a sit down meal on both transits, which meant we didn’t have to suffer the awful food on board. The duck was absolutely divine.

I was asked if I wanted to put my name down for a massage but I wasn’t really in the mood.

We don’t get the roomier seats as plats though. Sadly even the lounge staff couldn’t wrangle it.

Thanks for the info and looking forward to the duck!

How long was your transit in Abu Dhabi? We've got just under three hours, is that enough time to experience the 1st lounge? Did you need to clear any security/immigration?

 

[Milefest]

VA Golds (in whY) seem to get shafted.

Don't they get business lounge access in T3?

 

[Thibault]

Don't they get business lounge access in T3?

No - access to the (very) basic lounge around the security point at T1.

 

[Thibault]

How long was your transit in Abu Dhabi? We've got just under three hours, is that enough time to experience the 1st lounge? Did you need to clear any security/immigration?

I'll chime in here.
EY AUS-UK connection are usually very quick - less than three hours.
Once you de-board the plane - you pass a security check and will be on your way.

The First Class Lounge is in the middle of the airport - expect 5 minutes walk if you are passing the security controls at T1 and 30s walk if you pass them at T3 depending where the aircraft is docked.

I found that 2h30 was more than enough - I had time to have a nice shower and a breakfast. The lounge was completely empty so the service was very attentive and quick.

On my way back to France in December - the lounge was open the morning only so I had a great time.

On my way back to Australia, the lounge was only open from 4AM to 10AM so it was closed. I had access to a roped area for Plat and First Class Guests in the T3 Business lounge and it was the same menu + a butler. I was alone in the area so was looked by everyone while sipping my champagne - haha.

Have a great time there !

 

[Stealthflyer]

Thanks for your input!

Thanks for the info and looking forward to the duck!

How long was your transit in Abu Dhabi? We've got just under three hours, is that enough time to experience the 1st lounge? Did you need to clear any security/immigration?

I’d say 3 hours is enough. Bear in mind that some of that time may be taken up getting the bus to and from the plane. The lack of air bridges for our transits was the most irritating thing about our flights. It was one of the reasons I chose to go with SQ to Europe next month.

Yes to security. That took quite some time.

 

[Gold Member]

I've checked other forum posts and I think my status will allow us into The House in Melbourne, which appears to be open now.

I’ve got an international flight ex-MEL in a week‘s time and based on everything I have read and been advised by Virgin, there is NO Virgin partner lounge access setup and available right now. Confusingly, there are a few travel review sites claiming “The House” is currently available, even though is definitely shuttered here in Australia. Has anyone actually been to a Virgin partner lounge in Melbourne since they recommenced International flights?

I think I’m stuck with the Amex Dungeon

 

[TMP]

The House has been rebranded and is open in Melbourne for eligible VA guests for intl flights. I went through it in April.

 

[Gold Member]

The House has been rebranded and is open in Melbourne for eligible VA guests for intl flights. I went through it in April.

What are eligible guests? We’re you flying VA or another airline? If I’m flying on VA metal to an International destination, am I eligible? If I’m not eligible, I suspect Virgin are just being cheap skates by not accommodating their Platinum and Business class guests With commercial lounge arrangements.

I’m not disputing the fact you visited The House in April, but I’m still struggling since not only does the local Australian based Velocity customer service team claim they have nothing in place, ”The House” lounge website does not list Mel or Syd as even being open either.

 

[TMP]

For my April visit, I was a Gold VA member travelling on Etihad.

It would help to know what airline you are flying and your status to be able to help more specifically.

The link here might be helpful: International lounge access | Virgin Australia

Sorry, but The House is definitely open per Melbourne Airport - Facilities and Services at Melbourne Airport | Melbourne Airport (and hopefully they update the opening times for July very soon!)

 

[Gold Member]

For my April visit, I was a Gold VA member travelling on Etihad.

It would help to know what airline you are flying and your status to be able to help more specifically.

The link here might be helpful: International lounge access | Virgin Australia

Sorry, but The House is definitely open per Melbourne Airport - Facilities and Services at Melbourne Airport | Melbourne Airport (and hopefully they update the opening times for July very soon!)

Per my last post, flying VA as a Platinum in Business class.

 

[TMP]

Per my last post, flying VA as a Platinum in Business class.

It's all going to depend on what The House opening hours are for the date you travel, I suspect. Fingers crossed for you.

 

[stevied71]

One last question,
My partner got the check in online SMS while I was in a meeting and and checked us all in.
Is this going to cause any problems when we attempt to enter the lounges, MEL and AUH?
Previously when I checked in at the counter I have been handed a card by the staff.

 

[SYD]

One last question,
My partner got the check in online SMS while I was in a meeting and and checked us all in.
Is this going to cause any problems when we attempt to enter the lounges, MEL and AUH?
Previously when I checked in at the counter I have been handed a card by the staff.

It shouldn’t. But you’ll most likely need to swing by checkin anyway for Covid paperwork checks.

 

[flossy_be]

Hello - can I ask a similar but different question?

I too, am redeeming velocity frequent flyer points to fly with Etihad, ticket class N. I only have Velocity silver status membership. My ticket says that I have 30kg of checked baggage allowance, and the VA website says that I should be entitled to an additional 10kg of luggage (which would be on par with Etihad guests silver status which also allows 10kg extra).

As I know I would like to maximise my luggage for this trip, and to make 100% sure I wouldn't be hit with an excess baggage fee on arrival at the airport, I sought confirmation from both Etihad and VA that this was the case (that I would be entitled to 40kg checked baggage total):

1. Etihad (on twitter) told me that only VA could answer this question for me.
2. VA customer service on the phone told me:

• That I was only entitled to 23kg checked baggage.
• I told them they were wrong and my ticket said 30kg.
• Then they said 'oh that means 23kg and 7kg carry on'.
• I told them that the ticket was 30kg plus carry on and put the phone down as they were useless.
• I then contact VA customer service (on twitter) who told me the same thing.
• I corrected them and showed them screenshots of my ticket and their website.
• They then told me that absolutely every flyer was only entitled to 32kg maximum.
• When I asked if this included business and first class, gold or platinum status they said 'yes only 32kg'.
• I clarified that I did not mean per PIECE but TOTAL checked baggage and they still went down that line!
• I then showed them screenshots of all across their website which said otherwise.
• When I said I would go to the press to complain that their website was showing misleading information, they "asked their manager" who confirmed that whatever status or ticket I had, I would be entitled to 32kg maximum.

Frankly, I don't think they have the absolute faintest idea what they are talking about. Pre-covid I recall having quite a generous additional baggage allowance with velocity which meant that I could travel with my bike as well as checked bags.

Can anyone on here clarify - whatever status you are with - if you have booked a flight with Etihad using redeemed velocity points (class N) that you have been granted the additional baggage allowance as per the VA website (here: Elevate your Velocity Status with Etihad Airways.) ?

Thanks in advance! As you can see I am slightly losing the plot here....

 

[Thibault]

Hello - can I ask a similar but different question?

I too, am redeeming velocity frequent flyer points to fly with Etihad, ticket class N. I only have Velocity silver status membership. My ticket says that I have 30kg of checked baggage allowance, and the VA website says that I should be entitled to an additional 10kg of luggage (which would be on par with Etihad guests silver status which also allows 10kg extra).

As I know I would like to maximise my luggage for this trip, and to make 100% sure I wouldn't be hit with an excess baggage fee on arrival at the airport, I sought confirmation from both Etihad and VA that this was the case (that I would be entitled to 40kg checked baggage total):

1. Etihad (on twitter) told me that only VA could answer this question for me.
2. VA customer service on the phone told me:

• That I was only entitled to 23kg checked baggage.
• I told them they were wrong and my ticket said 30kg.
• Then they said 'oh that means 23kg and 7kg carry on'.
• I told them that the ticket was 30kg plus carry on and put the phone down as they were useless.
• I then contact VA customer service (on twitter) who told me the same thing.
• I corrected them and showed them screenshots of my ticket and their website.
• They then told me that absolutely every flyer was only entitled to 32kg maximum.
• When I asked if this included business and first class, gold or platinum status they said 'yes only 32kg'.
• I clarified that I did not mean per PIECE but TOTAL checked baggage and they still went down that line!
• I then showed them screenshots of all across their website which said otherwise.
• When I said I would go to the press to complain that their website was showing misleading information, they "asked their manager" who confirmed that whatever status or ticket I had, I would be entitled to 32kg maximum.

Frankly, I don't think they have the absolute faintest idea what they are talking about. Pre-covid I recall having quite a generous additional baggage allowance with velocity which meant that I could travel with my bike as well as checked bags.

Can anyone on here clarify - whatever status you are with - if you have booked a flight with Etihad using redeemed velocity points (class N) that you have been granted the additional baggage allowance as per the VA website (here: Elevate your Velocity Status with Etihad Airways.) ?

Thanks in advance! As you can see I am slightly losing the plot here....

Etihad recognise VA status very well and you should encounter 0 issue.

Etihad contact center is a bit useless - as long as your Velocity number is entered into your booking - it will be acknowledged.

Currently on IPhone, but my Manage My Booking Etihad shows my Etihad Platinum extra baggage allowance - unsure if EY IT is that advanced to show partner frequent flyers entitlements. (See screenshots - in French but shows 55kg - 35kg allowance + 20kg of extra allowance with status).

Make sure to carry your card with you at check-in - total 40kg of checked bags but one bag must not be over 32kg.

So with EY, it’s a total weight concept so you could arrive at the airport with 2/3/4 bags as long as the final weight of all bags are under or just 40kg. (So let’s say Bag 1 is 20kg, Bag 2 is 10kg and Bag 3 is 10kg - this would work).

Hope this helps