So again with a positive spin on current events as we return to normality and head towards the date for VS Project Restart, attention starts to wonder just what the passenger experience will be like from Terminal 2 for those of us at the pointy end of the plane.
I've already resigned myself to no drive through check-in, and I'm hearing that there's no fast track security right now, but that's mainly as the numbers are so low its pointless.
BA seem to have done a surprisingly competent job at getting lounges back open in T5, with a sort of Hybridge F/J Offering between Galleries South, Galleries First and even turning the terrace into a makeshift Concorde room. App ordering and table service makes it all seem pretty good and on that other forum which cannot be mentioned, things look and feel like they are getting back to a better normal, and actually the Clubhouse style service.
Now, assuming that T3 was open, VS could adjust the exiting service in the CH very easily to be compliant, but sadly, we aren't in T3 and I'm hearing that it might be as late as early next year for T3 and 4 to reopen.
So what options does that leave VS for J class pax in Terminal 2, and in fact will they offer anything, cash is in short supply, so would a voucher for a coffee at Pret maybe be all we get? I suspect that we might see something better than that and that in the background the operational teams are working on a solution, so let's delve in and have a wander round the options.
VS - Little Red with its wet lease arrangements with Aer Lingus used to use the Aer Lingus T2 Lounge, and whilst its a pleasant enough lounge for EI these days, with some lovely views, it neither has the size nor the facilities to cope with passengers using it for long haul trips.
The Lufthansa Lounge is a much bigger space, I think by about double, and I've used the J class side of the lounge but not the Senator part, however I would be very doubtful if LH and VS were involved in any kind of deal, so I think we can rule this out.
The last lounge in the main building is the Plaza Premium Lounge around the back of World Duty Free. Although there is no natural light in this lounge, its not a bad space, although when I used it, it was like a zoo! The showers were excellent, and the food and drink weren't too bad, VS have got arrangements with Plaza Premium elsewhere, so this is a definitely maybe!
Over into the satellite building, and I hasten to admit, unchartered territory for me, neither flown from it nor used the lounges there.
The satellite seems to be the focus for most long haul flights from T2, as it has more gates capable of handling widebody aircraft, so it seems highly likely that VS will be opping out of here.
Lounges are: United Club, I think we can rule this one out just on the basis that I think UA would never allow a DL partner to use their lounge!
Air Canada Maple Leaf lounge, I'm guessing its a no on that one.
Last and in my mind most likely; Singapore Airlines SilverKris lounge, which is split into an F and J side. Could the F side maybe be roped off just for VS using staff from the Clubhouse? VS and SQ still have codeshares and arrangements with each other, so I think this one could be highly likely maybe for VS/DL UC/D1 pax and other DL Status Pax are relegated to the Plaza Premium?
What do you guys think, or in fact do you think that we might see a return to T3 and our hallowed Clubhouse sooner than we think?!
I've already resigned myself to no drive through check-in, and I'm hearing that there's no fast track security right now, but that's mainly as the numbers are so low its pointless.
BA seem to have done a surprisingly competent job at getting lounges back open in T5, with a sort of Hybridge F/J Offering between Galleries South, Galleries First and even turning the terrace into a makeshift Concorde room. App ordering and table service makes it all seem pretty good and on that other forum which cannot be mentioned, things look and feel like they are getting back to a better normal, and actually the Clubhouse style service.
Now, assuming that T3 was open, VS could adjust the exiting service in the CH very easily to be compliant, but sadly, we aren't in T3 and I'm hearing that it might be as late as early next year for T3 and 4 to reopen.
So what options does that leave VS for J class pax in Terminal 2, and in fact will they offer anything, cash is in short supply, so would a voucher for a coffee at Pret maybe be all we get? I suspect that we might see something better than that and that in the background the operational teams are working on a solution, so let's delve in and have a wander round the options.
VS - Little Red with its wet lease arrangements with Aer Lingus used to use the Aer Lingus T2 Lounge, and whilst its a pleasant enough lounge for EI these days, with some lovely views, it neither has the size nor the facilities to cope with passengers using it for long haul trips.
The Lufthansa Lounge is a much bigger space, I think by about double, and I've used the J class side of the lounge but not the Senator part, however I would be very doubtful if LH and VS were involved in any kind of deal, so I think we can rule this out.
The last lounge in the main building is the Plaza Premium Lounge around the back of World Duty Free. Although there is no natural light in this lounge, its not a bad space, although when I used it, it was like a zoo! The showers were excellent, and the food and drink weren't too bad, VS have got arrangements with Plaza Premium elsewhere, so this is a definitely maybe!
Over into the satellite building, and I hasten to admit, unchartered territory for me, neither flown from it nor used the lounges there.
The satellite seems to be the focus for most long haul flights from T2, as it has more gates capable of handling widebody aircraft, so it seems highly likely that VS will be opping out of here.
Lounges are: United Club, I think we can rule this one out just on the basis that I think UA would never allow a DL partner to use their lounge!
Air Canada Maple Leaf lounge, I'm guessing its a no on that one.
Last and in my mind most likely; Singapore Airlines SilverKris lounge, which is split into an F and J side. Could the F side maybe be roped off just for VS using staff from the Clubhouse? VS and SQ still have codeshares and arrangements with each other, so I think this one could be highly likely maybe for VS/DL UC/D1 pax and other DL Status Pax are relegated to the Plaza Premium?
What do you guys think, or in fact do you think that we might see a return to T3 and our hallowed Clubhouse sooner than we think?!
Luxury & Boutique | Miles & Points Usage | Long Haul
TravelLessOrdinary | [email protected]
TravelLessOrdinary | [email protected]
