First Look At Virgin Australia’s Updated Melbourne Lounge

After months of delays, Virgin Australia has finally unveiled its new-look Melbourne Lounge. First closed at the start of the pandemic, the refreshed lounge takes a contemporary and relaxed look within the existing structure. It’s the second lounge to employ Virgin’s new lounge concept, with the first being Adelaide earlier this year.

In keeping with the Virgin Australia signature flair, new signage adorns the walls, entry and exit points. Guests will find brand new bathrooms and shower facilities, ambient lighting, bright greenery and a selection of modern and refreshed furniture throughout.

“It’s a truly wonderful space that’s been given a new lease on life,” says Paul Jones, Virgin Australia Group Chief Customer and Digital Officer.

The new Melbourne lounge can welcome up to 650 guests, although that number will be reduced to 500 given current density restrictions. Virgin says the redesign incorporates four new seating areas:

• The Gallery Lounge offers comfy chairs and ottomans to take in stunning views of the apron and runway
• The Sunroom incorporates a mixture of cosy seating arrangements and is the perfect space to relax with a loved one, friend or colleague
• The Long Stay has been designed as a chill-out zone with a focus on single seating for solo travellers
• Workbenches provide a comfortable place to stay connected on the fly

Virgin Australia’s new lounge menu

Virgin Australia will roll out a selection of new lounge dishes across their domestic Lounge network. Monthly rotating menus will provide a variety to suit a range of taste buds at any time of the day. Highlight dishes include:

• Sourdough toast topped with avocado fetta
• Ham, scrambled eggs or cheese breakfast croissants
• Penne bolognaise with parmesan cheese
• Potato rosti with crispy bacon and baked beans
• Avocado, baby spinach, grated, carrot, cucumber, Hummus, and falafel wrap
• Black rice, beetroot with walnut and fetta salad
• Karaage chicken served with slaw and mayonnaise
• Mediterranean plate with falafel, tabouli and hummus.

A selection of freshly prepared sandwiches, salads, wraps and snacks will continue to be served to complement the new menu items.

Sydney and Melbourne lounge vaccination requirements

Travellers aged 16 and over will be required to show proof of double vaccination (or a letter of exemption) to enter Virgin Australia’s lounges in Sydney and Melbourne.

Which Virgin Australia lounges are open?

As of Monday 1 November, Virgin Australia has reopened its airport lounges at Adelaide, Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne and Perth. Lounges are open daily, 60 minutes before first flight departure until the last flight is called for boarding.

Virgin’s Canberra and Gold Coast lounges will remain closed for now.

How to access Virgin Australia lounges

1) Business Class passengers

Passengers travelling in Business Class onboard a flight operated by Virgin Australia are eligible for Lounge access. Business Class passengers can’t bring any guests to the lounge.

2) Velocity Frequent Flyer status

Velocity Platinum members (plus 3 adults and 3 children) and Velocity Gold members (plus 1 adult and 3 children) gain access when flying with Virgin Australia.

3) Partner airline status

If you hold Gold status or above with airline partners including Singapore Airlines and Etihad, you and at least one guest will receive lounge access when travelling on a Virgin Australia operated flight.

4) Credit card access

Unfortunately, the number of cards that offer Virgin Australia Lounge access is shrinking.

One of our favourite credit cards that comes with two complimentary Virgin Australia Lounge passes each year is the American Express Velocity Platinum. New cardholders can receive 120,000 bonus Velocity Points and 120 Status Credits when they apply online by 13 December 2021, are approved and spend $4,500 on their new card within the first 3 months.

5) Virgin Australia Lounge members

Velocity members can purchase a Virgin Australia Lounge membership to gain year-round access for themselves plus guest access for 1 adult and 2 children. Velocity Red & Silver members can expect a $399 annual membership fee or $9,750 for lifetime access ($6,750 if you’re over 60).

6) Single access pass

A single-entry pass may be purchased for $65 on the day of your departure from the lounge reception, subject to space availability. Single-entry passes allow you to enjoy access to the lounge up to 2 hours prior to departure.