V-Flyer

I was going to fly UC out of JFK with the benefit of the nice Clubhouse, but decided to simplify my flights and leave from Miami. The last time I was there was April 2007 and the lounge Virgin used wasn't much to write home about. I see from a recent trip report by shelly67 that Virgin use a different lounge now. Has anyone else used it recently and has input? I think I'm right in saying it is airside now? I might be there for three or four hours so any info appreciated.

Picture of the old area:





Thanks.

Phil

One way is to do a search of trip reports and for Miami lounge, you'll find lots of discussions about MIA and the lounge.

The new Club America lounge VS uses (as do BA currently and a few other airlines) is in the J wing (I think?) and is airside now indeed.

quote:Originally posted by slinky09
One way is to do a search of trip reports and for Miami lounge, you'll find lots of discussions about MIA and the lounge.



I did have a look at the trip reports and recent commentary there, but knowing that not everyone does a trip report I thought I might get some more information posting a separate question. I'm not sure if I am doing something wrong, but can only use the search function for 'Subject only' which limited the matches on all forums to nil[:?]

Phil

The lounge hasnt chnaged and is the same as the one on the photo. It is shared with BA First and Gold pax, the larger one next dorr for BA CLub. It delivers what it says on the tin but no more than that - fairly handy for the gate too.

HG

quote:Originally posted by hackneyguy
The lounge hasnt chnaged and is the same as the one on the photo. It is shared with BA First and Gold pax, the larger one next dorr for BA CLub. It delivers what it says on the tin but no more than that - fairly handy for the gate too.

HG


That photo is the old Club America lounge next to the K gates which is airside, I think??? The current one looks a bit nicer and the sofas not so cheesy.

Yes indeed the current lounge is in J and is airside. The lounge has a central reception area outside and is split into two parts - to the left is a much smaller more basic lounge with a staffed bar area and just a few cookies on the counter. This is used by airlines such as Mexicana for their Business class customers (and I suspect is also the side that Priorty Pass customers would be directed to?). The right hand side is much, much larger and far more comfortable and less crowded with a self service drinks and refreshments area. The furniture etc looked fairly new and, whilst no Clubhouse, was fine to while away a couple of hours or so in. The choice of food was mainly sandwiches and the usual snacks and crisps, nuts etc and also some soup whilst we were there.

Hope that helps.

shelly67, thanks for adding a few more comments. It doesn't sound at all bad.

Phil

Last time I flew out of MIA UC customers were directed to the left hand lounge, which was shared with BA First customers whereas the right hand side, which is larger, was for BA CW customers and other airlines' business pax. The left hand lounge had a staffed bar whereas the right was self srevice.

Has this changed?

Certainly when we went through MIA earlier this month we were in the better and larger RHS when flying UC with VS but were directed to LHS on inbound when flying out from MIA in Mexicana Elite class.