Virgin Australia to open business class lounges for all travelers

Australia’s leading carrier Virgin Australia has decided to open its business class lounges for all the travelers, including those flying in the Economy Class. There travelers will, however, be required to pay entry fee to gain access to the lounges.

Virgin Australia has so far allowed free lounge access to those traveling on business class tickets as well as Virgin Australia’s Velocity Frequent Flyer program Platinum and Gold members. The airline has now opened the doors of its airport lounges for all the travelers, irrespective of the class they are flying in.

According to Virgin Australia airline, the lounges at the airports are important for the travelers to utilize their pre-flight time in a worthwhile manner. In order to gain access to the business class lounge the travelers will now be required to pay $65 to enjoy free drinks, food and fast internet services offered in the lounges. However, the airline’s frequent flyer program members would be required 10,000 Velocity Frequent Flyer points to buy a lounge pass for up to 6 months in advance. The paid entry will however be valid for two hours prior to the flight departure time.

Virgin Australia had earlier started selling single-entry lounge passes for $65 but had to ultimately drop the scheme in early 2012. The airline said that the pay-to-enter concept which has again been started would greatly appeal to the infrequent flyers.