Understanding Revivials Lounge

OK - I'm pretty new at UC-level travel, and I do want to make the most of it as it will be some time before my family can make the trip over the Atlantic again. With that being said, I think I'm pretty well versed with all things VS, however I'm not sure about Revivals Lounge.

I understand the hours of operation. It's for morning arrivals to freshen up and get a bite before heading off from the airport as well as get an extra hour sleep on the flight. Is entry to Revivals a benefit of flying UC or does one need an "invitation?"

I say "invitation" as I have read many TRs that note an invitation to use the Revivals Lounge upon landing. Is an invitation necessary?

Also, can one bring a friend travelling the same day (who coincendentally is landing at the same time at LHR on a different VS flight) the same way one can bring them to the CH? If not, can one purchase a "pass" or something like that for the visit?

Here is why I ask: My in-laws are flying from JFK and arrive a the same time. At 1040 in the morning, we cannot access our room until 1400 at the earliest. I have reserved a van through Kelly Execuative (great company by the way) to take us to our hotel, but being able to relax, have a drink and a bite, freshen up a bit, and arrange for our car at noon or so would be great. If possible, of course.

Did I mention my in-laws are celebrating their 50th anniversary during our stay in London? My wife and I have a few surprises scheduled for them - it would be great to make this happen as well.

Does it help to mention they are flying PE?

Thanks in advance for the advice!

--norcalflyer

The 'invitation' is not strictly necessary as they will have your name on the flight lists as being in UC and on a flight arriving that day.

Unfortunatly guests are not allowed. Revivals is much smaller than the CH. I'm afraid their being in PE and celebrating their 50th anniversary will not help gain access.

Nor do VS offer paid access.

I belive it is possible access the Maple Leaf (Air Canada) Revivals Lounge if you have a priority pass. Not sure how much that would cost though.

[mitchja]

You don't need a physical invite for Revivals. You may be offered a Revivals invite card during your journey but it's not actually required as the reception staff in Revivals have lists of pax who are entitled to enter.

You cannot bring a guest into Revivals with you I'm afraid. Only arriving Upper Class pax and VS Flying Club AU card holders can use Revivals. There's also no paid access available either.

[honey lamb]

Just to support what other people have said, on a flight last year a passenger was trying to blag her way into Revivals but they were adamant that it was not possible. You have to be there to realise the wisdom of this. Flights tend to arrive in "banks" with the first ones arriving about from 5-7:00am with the latter in the latter part of that window. I have arrived during that slot to find that there is a queue for showers to the extent that I have had to forgo the same and even getting breakfast is difficult because of space. Sometimes my onward flight is later and I have been there when the next bank of flights arrive and the same scenario happens. The space is really small and the only thing that makes it viable is that most people are there for a quick shower and to freshen up so there is no lingering there. I have sometimes been made to feel uncomfortable because I am lingering on for a connecting flight

I understand the limitations.

At this point in my experience I still hold VS in high esteem and every transaction I have had with them has been pleasant. I want to be a good passenger and not cause my FC or anyone else I come across any undue annoyance. My wife and I both work in health care (the ultimate customer service industry) and we frequently deal with people who have unreasonable expectations of what we can deliver. I want us to be low maintenance!

Thanks for the info. I'm thinking we take our ride to our hotel, check the bags, and grab a cab to a nice pub where we can chill for a while. We're staying in the Tower district - maybe a visit to the Hung, Drawn, and Quartered is in order!

--norcal flyer

If you would all like to rest before heading into London, the Yotel at T4 allows room bookings for a minimum of 4 hrs ... otherwise a pub and a pint is a very good idea!

I want to be a good passenger and not cause my FC or anyone else I come across any undue annoyance. My wife and I both work in health care (the ultimate customer service industry) and we frequently deal with people who have unreasonable expectations of what we can deliver. I want us to be low maintenance!

No need to be low maintenance - you've paid to travel in UC and should enjoy all the benefits as thus . I would still visit Revivals regardless if you get the opportunity - your in-laws may get stuck in the immigration queues.
Hoe you all have a fantastic trip.
DL

Flights tend to arrive in "banks" with the first ones arriving about from 5-7:00am with the latter in the latter part of that window.

This is the reason it is best to make your way quickly if you are heading to Revivals. If you travel with carry on and can use a quick channel at immigration: IRIS/Biometric/Fast Track, then you get there first. Don't dally at DF or the shops either. I am lucky (?) to travel alone on business mostly so I get to arrivals before the bulk of my fellow passengers and I have never had a problem getting a shower or a table for brekfast.

As DL suggests, you could nip into Revivals before your in-laws make it through the baggage hall and immigration. There is no minimum time you need to spend in there and the breakfast service is always quick.

Cheers

Martin

Revivals is small and does get congested at busy times.

My frustration is that I normally arrive from LAX (VS08) and it is almost always nearly empty but in the process of closing.