Virgin Lounge Access on International Flight with Ethiad

Drifta on 02/11/2016 - 22:51

Hi Guys, I am looking to get information about the possibility of gaining access either free or discounted to Virgin Lounges in Melbourne while travelling on Etihad International. I have silver status on Virgin as well as 2 complimentary passes that expire in a month. Is it possible to use these passes for lounge entry when flying international for lounge access?

Would they even let you into the domestic lounge (have to change terminals as their lounge is in domestic at melbourne) even though you are travelling internationally?

I would also love to use the lounge in Abu Dabhi during a 8 hour halt there. From my research only platinum and gold get access to partner lounges. I am flying economy so that doesnt help either. If not what are good and cheap paying options to help me relax maybe even sleep during the 8-hour halt?

Lastly can you family share the lounge passes or extend expiry for an extra month as I will be flying domestic when I return?

Any suggestions on options and anecdotal experience would be helpful as my research suggests it's not possible

Travel

Comments

  • captobvious on 03/11/2016 - 00:03
    +1

    Etihad wont care about you unless you are gold. Virgin lounge access domestic if full fare otherwise use your complimentary passes. There is shopping in abu dhabi aurport otherwise leave the airport with visa on arrival and go explore. I find the dubai has more to do though.

  • Paul Atreides on 03/11/2016 - 07:44
    +1

    VA domestic lounge, as you said, different terminal. a lot of effort to visit the lounge before boarding your flight. AFAIK, I don't think you can access the lounge using the lounge passes. from memory, you need to be on a VA flight number and VA metal to use it. Then again, if you really want, you can try your luck with the lounge staff.

    You can pay to get into the Al Reem lounge (the lounge where VA gold gets access), not sure how much that costs. But it's a pretty average sized lounge, 1 shower in each toilet. Food choices here are quite limited, but I find the quality to be good.

    You can share lounge passes with your travel companion (i.e. 1 pass to get you in and another to get in someone else). AFAIK there is no way to extend it.

  • Drifta on 03/11/2016 - 22:36

    Thanks for your insights @captobvious and @madmouse58

    Looks like might not be worth visiting the domestic lounge. A hassle already and add in the chance getting knocked back makes it unappealing.

    Might give the Al Reem lounge a shot if its not too expensive when I get there. Really just want a place to sleep for a few hours and re-energise. Might start googling for nearby hotels preferably without leaving the airport as an alternative option.

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