Virgin blue launches australia’s first lounge premium entry and premium valet at sydn

[Virgin Australia]

Hi everyone, this just released:

In a first for Australian domestic travel, Virgin Blue today launched its premium kerbside entrance and premium kerbside valet service at The Lounge, Sydney domestic terminal.
This exclusive offering will be available to Business Class, Premium Economy Guests and Velocity Gold Members, allowing them to experience a seamless airport experience.

Virgin Blue group of airlines Group Executive of Product and Guest Services Martin Daley said, “The Premium Entry and Premium Valet set a new standard for Australian domestic travel. This Guest offering is part of a raft of changes designed to provide frequent and premium travellers with a streamlined, hassle free experience.
“For our Guests who choose to use the premium entrance and valet service, the trip from their car to The Lounge will be very quick and simple. They will be able to step out of their car, check in, go through security and be in the lounge without having to enter the main Departures Hall of the airport.
“Today’s announcement marks another significant step forward in our Game Change Program, which is designed to make us the domestic airline of choice,” Mr. Daley said.

Located at Sydney Domestic Airport, Terminal 2, this exclusive offering will include kerbside drop-off, optional valet parking, direct entry, a dedicated security screening point (for guests with carry-on baggage only) and flight check-in, all within the comfort and convenience of Virgin Blue’s The Lounge.
If Guests are travelling with checked baggage, they are welcome to use Premium Valet. They can then approach the Virgin Blue Priority Check-in counters inside the main Departures Hall where the Virgin Blue team will assist them with checking in their baggage.

More information about Lounge Premium Entry and Premium Valet:
- Open between Monday and Friday, Lounge Premium Entry and Valet are located on Departures Road at the
western end of Terminal 2
- Premium Valet rates start from $27 for one hour or $70 for one calendar day.
- Terms and Conditions apply to the use of Lounge Premium Entry and Premium Valet, please go here

 

[DJ 1D]

Re: Virgin blue launches australia’s first lounge premium entry and premium valet at

Great news! I'm flying Thursday so I'll give it a go and report back.

 

[medhead]

Virgin blue launches australia’s first lounge premium entry and premium valet at sydn

I'm also flying on thursday and will be giving it a go. Exciting.

 

[DJ 1D]

Re: Virgin blue launches australia’s first lounge premium entry and premium valet at

I'm also flying on thursday and will be giving it a go. Exciting.

I'll be there around 5pm if you want to compare notes..

 

[medhead]

Virgin blue launches australia’s first lounge premium entry and premium valet at sydn

I'll be there around 5pm if you want to compare notes..

Definitely, I'm in a 1810 flight. So that time works well.

 

[oz_mark]

Re: Virgin blue launches australia’s first lounge premium entry and premium valet at

Interesting that the entry is only open Monday to Friday. DJ are certainly going after the business market with this one (Monday - Friday, no checked-in luggage traveller)

 

[Justinf]

Re: Virgin blue launches australia’s first lounge premium entry and premium valet at

So I am a paid-up Lounge member, but as a 'lowly' Silver Velocity member, I cannot use this service?

 

[thewinchester]

Re: Virgin blue launches australia’s first lounge premium entry and premium valet at

Here's a Question: I see it's extended to Velocity Gold members. Any reason why they don't extend it to Virgin Atlantic flyingclub Gold's?

 

[Mogul]

Re: Virgin blue launches australia’s first lounge premium entry and premium valet at

So I am a paid-up Lounge member, but as a 'lowly' Silver Velocity member, I cannot use this service?

My thought's exactly.

 

[DJ 1D]

Re: Virgin blue launches australia’s first lounge premium entry and premium valet at

So I am a paid-up Lounge member, but as a 'lowly' Silver Velocity member, I cannot use this service?

I believe that is the case.

I posted awhile back about this - speaking with one of the lounge angels she mentioned this and said that they were worried about the backlash. People showing up and being turned away.

Here's the thing though: Clearly the entry cannot accommodate all of the Silver and Lounge members. It really defeats the purpose if you have to stand there for 20 mins waiting to get in. So the only option, it would appear, is to limit it to Biz, PE and Gold members.

 

[Justinf]

Re: Virgin blue launches australia’s first lounge premium entry and premium valet at

I believe that is the case.

I posted awhile back about this - speaking with one of the lounge angels she mentioned this and said that they were worried about the backlash. People showing up and being turned away.

Here's the thing though: Clearly the entry cannot accommodate all of the Silver and Lounge members. It really defeats the purpose if you have to stand there for 20 mins waiting to get in. So the only option, it would appear, is to limit it to Biz, PE and Gold members.

Hmmm...I don't want to sound like a sook, but as a paid-up Lounge member I do expect the right be able to use the curbside Lounge entry.
Anyway, nothing I can do about it, so whining won't help.

 

[Misha]

Re: Virgin blue launches australia’s first lounge premium entry and premium valet at

I understand the hit of not be able to enter as silver, but when I was Silver (and I mean very recently) I knew that not being Gold, I didnt' get extras such as Lounge access, etc. I think most Silvers would understand, and now, if nothing else, it gives them more incentive to fly DJ to get it. Good marketing?

It certainly is a business-person hunt isn't it? I often try to schedule appointments on Mondays or Fridays so that I can see family in Sydney for weekends. Such a shame as that is when you really don't want to be sitting in the foodcourt with so many weekenders. Still, I think it is a great announcement - and I like that is was made plainly on the day it started. Not too much "I know something you don't know" hype surrounding this... again, probably due to the targeted demographic?

Nice one DJ, keep it up!

Now to only have lounge-to-gate access in Melbourne without leaving to go through security!

 

[Virgin Australia]

Re: Virgin blue launches australia’s first lounge premium entry and premium valet at

So I am a paid-up Lounge member, but as a 'lowly' Silver Velocity member, I cannot use this service?

As a premium service, the purpose becomes negated should all of our members and guests be able to access it. But then you'll all be flying J class with us anyway giving you the access right?

 

[Homer]

Re: Virgin blue launches australia’s first lounge premium entry and premium valet at

I like it. DJ adds premium services right at the time when QF is cutting back. I’ve already switched my international flights away from QF to EK and VA and I’m going to look hard at the new DJ domestic offering as it takes shape. QF’s NGCI makes me feel like a bloody Ryanair passenger...

 

[StevePER]

Re: Virgin blue launches australia’s first lounge premium entry and premium valet at

I'll be there around 5pm if you want to compare notes..

Will anyone else be there on Wednesday evening?

 

[crazydave98]

Re: Virgin blue launches australia’s first lounge premium entry and premium valet at

It certainly is a business-person hunt isn't it? I often try to schedule appointments on Mondays or Fridays so that I can see family in Sydney for weekends. Such a shame as that is when you really don't want to be sitting in the foodcourt with so many weekenders.

The Lounge is open on weekends - just not the kerb side entry. No need to go near the zoo feedlot in T2.

Now to only have lounge-to-gate access in Melbourne without leaving to go through security!

watch this space

 

[777]

Re: Virgin blue launches australia’s first lounge premium entry and premium valet at

watch this space

Now THAT would be an improvement

 

[Misha]

Re: Virgin blue launches australia’s first lounge premium entry and premium valet at

The Lounge is open on weekends - just not the kerb side entry. No need to go near the zoo feedlot in T2.

...watch this space

D'oh!!!!

I have sat many a time in the lounge on a weekend (was there three days ago) - so why did I assume that kerb-side access hours excluded me from accessing it now? - well I didn't - just shows that partying all weekend with your friend who is down from Sydney doesn't lend itself to posting on public forums without humiliating yourself. Total mind-blank. Please disregard my post (probably a good idea for everyone to disregard all my posts - ever!). Thanks Crazy Dave

I certainly will be watching this space closely - perhaps even in a couple of weeks when refurbishment is done?!!! *crossing fingers, saying rosary and throwing salt over shoulder* Again, it's good news from DJ. Nice.

All you have to do now is make sure I am the winner of the Velocity Update promotion, and I will happily become your new spokesperson and face of the rebranded Virgin Blue ad campaign....I'll even do it for mate's rates ... or increased velocity points and SCs

 

[allitsab]

Re: Virgin blue launches australia’s first lounge premium entry and premium valet at

I understand the reasons for Monday - Friday opening hours only, but personally I would only have need for the Valet service on weekends. My work has a policy of no valet parking (so therefore can't use it for most weekday flying), but I often find myself running late for personal flights on weekends - and valet parking so close to the gate with a quick run through security would be great....

Like many others, I'm eagerly awaiting news of the lounge-to-gate access in Melbourne - that'll be a real improvement.

 

[TonyHancock]

Re: Virgin blue launches australia’s first lounge premium entry and premium valet at

Can I ask where any of this fits with Priority Pass in the future?

I can understand that DJ will be, rightly, non to keen on offering too much to PP card holders.


*I write as someone who will reach QF lifetime gold in July and is contemplating his options for the future.