VA gold member taking sister to the airport.

VA gold member taking sister to the airport. I am not flying

I am VA gold member taking my sister to the airport. I am not flying myself. Do you think she can check in at the Business Class counter even though I am not flying?

She's flying with Etihad.

I wouldn't count on it. Would be different if you were also flying and you both walk up together, but otherwise this puts the check-in agent in a very awkward position: either they can grant your request and check-in your sister at the priority counter against their published rules, or they can decline and create an awkward situation.

My suggestion would be that if you have a spare Express Path card, give one of those to your sister instead so she can zip through passport control and security screening after having checked-in.

What class of travel is she flying with Etihad?

Economy

If she was flying VA metal it might be possible as a one off. I remember my father checked me in a few times at the Qantas Club check in when i was flying Qantas domestically (that was about 13 years ago now). In short, it would be highly unlikely that trying to do such with Etihad would be permitted.

Thanks all for your reply and tips.

I have found in the past that flashing a VA Platinum at the Business Checkin desk at BNE actually does works wonders (checking in relatives who are flying economy) so long as they are not flat out busy.  Virgin seem to have a very focussed sensibilty in looking after their best customers, even if they are not flying so long as it does not disadvantage those that are.

Whenever I have done the they are fine.