Virgin Australia Platinum flyers get Etihad first class lounge access
By Chris Chamberlin, July 14 2016
Virgin Australia’s Velocity Platinum frequent flyers can now unwind in Etihad Airways’ stunning new first class lounge in Abu Dhabi prior to flights with both Etihad and Virgin Australia.
That’s where you’ll find an à la carte restaurant serving a range of Arabian, Indian and international cuisine, including a five-course Emirati tasting menu developed by chefs from Mezlai Restaurant at Abu Dhabi's prestigious Emirates Palace Hotel.
Also on offer, a bar stocked with Champagne and 75 premium spirits in a style that reminds us of Etihad’s new Melbourne Airport lounge…
… a cigar lounge with nine different brands available, each matched to a variety of whiskies and cognacs…
… a ‘Relax & Recline’ zone with leather chairs facing an array of screens amidst soothing sounds and calm lighting…
… and in a welcome appearance for high flyers keeping an eye on their waistlines, a fitness room with treadmills and cross trainers:
Day spa, barber and nail salon facilities are also available, although complimentary treatments are limited to first class flyers and guests in The Residence, Etihad’s private three-room suite aboard its Airbus A380s, currently available on selected Etihad flights to Sydney and Melbourne.
Read: Inside The Residence by Etihad: private A380 VIP suite
Velocity Platinum flyers can be joined by a guest in this lounge at no charge, a Virgin Australia spokesperson has confirmed, even if both travellers are only booked in economy with Virgin Australia or Etihad.
More photos: Tour Etihad’s new first class lounge in Abu Dhabi
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Chris Chamberlin is the Associate Editor of Executive Traveller, and lives by the motto that a journey of a thousand miles begins not just with a single step, but also a strong latte, a theatre ticket, and later in the day, a good gin and tonic.
Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards
29 Dec 2012
Total posts 22
Even more incentive to regain my Velocity Platinum membership! Even though I have access to Etihad's Premium Lounge through my current Velocity Gold membership, there is no option for à la carte, only buffet.
24 Apr 2012
Total posts 3056
You might want to check that Marky – Velocity Gold only gets you into the independent Al Reem lounge in Abu Dhabi, not the Etihad Premium Lounges (unless flying in business/first class). In some other ports (Melbourne, for example), you can however access Etihad's Premium Lounges.
Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards
23 May 2014
Total posts 128
Great news! It was really important for the overall Platinum proposition that this came through Can't wait to try it.
14 Jul 2016
Total posts 7
This is great news! I'm flying to London next month on Etihad and was very disappointed to see them drop the First Class Lounge for Velocity Platinum members.
Qantas Platinum
04 Dec 2012
Total posts 48
Great perk!
21 Dec 2012
Total posts 31
great that they've finally had this confirmed definitively.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
03 Aug 2015
Total posts 3
I didn't know about this on my recent flight with Etihad. I rocked up Al Reem and they kindly suggested to go next door to the Business Lounge where they again steered to the First Lounge. I was surprised!
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