Virgin Australia Has Reopened All Airport Lounges

As of today, Virgin Australia’s Gold Coast and Canberra airport lounges have reopened and are now accepting eligible guests prior to their departure. The reopening means that Virgin’s domestic lounge network is fully operational as of December 1 2021.

This article acts as a beginners guide to Virgin Australia’s reopened domestic lounge network.

Which lounges are open?

Due to low visitation, Virgin Australia has permanently closed their lounges in Darwin, Cairns and Mackay. The good news is that the seven major domestic lounges have all reopened.

Each lounge is open 60 minutes prior to the first Virgin Australia departure until the last flight is called for boarding.

As of December 2021, the following domestic lounges are open:

• Brisbane
• Gold Coast
• Sydney (T2)
• Canberra
• Melbourne (T3)
• Adelaide
• Perth (T1)

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. Virgin says that they are unable to compensate anyone who is unable to show evidence of vaccination.

Access on arrival

Unfortunately, lounge access on arrival at your destination is temporarily unavailable.

Premium Entry and Premium Exit

Virgin Australia Premium Entry in Sydney and Brisbane, as well as Premium Exit in Melbourne, remains 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 3 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.