Get Au in SYD, can I use lounges on way back?

Hi All,

Long time lurker, first time poster.

If my TP sums are correct, I should be earning my Au status on a flight from LHR to SYD in a couple of weeks.

I wondering whether it will be possible to use the lounges at SYD + HKG on the way back? Are the lounges able to look up a membership number to check Au status? Maybe more likely in HKG since that's a Virgin Lounge rather than the Air NZ one in SYD? (I'm in PE, not Upper)

Any thoughts or advice would be gratefully appreciated.

Thanks

I'm no expert on miles and points and all that however I am pretty sure the virgin system does not automatically update itself when you change from say silver to gold. If you could update all your info online whilst out there though it should change.
I'm sure someone else can give you info on lounges and all that!

You should be OK as Virgin IT system should recoignise you as being Gold as soon as you have flown as the Tier points are uusally added witin 24 hrs. However it may be prudent to take a print off your latest statement ahowing you are Gold to checkin with you.

Regards,

HG

When I had completed my flight that gave me enough tier points for Au, I went straight online used the missing miles section to add my flight and my tier points and then hey presto the screen turned to Gold with a 009 start to my membership number. You should then be able to update your flight details as this will then be picked up at check in for lounge invites

[HighFlyer]

Definitely take a print out with you that confirms your status or tier points if the system has been updated. You can then explain at check-in that you are Gold, and they *should* let you in the lounge. I have heard of instances where they have called FC in the UK to check.

Do try, but if they refuse you, you may have to just swallow it and know that you can use the lounges on your bex flight.

Thanks,
Sarah

Thanks all... taking a print out sounds like a good plan.

One follow up question if I may... bit confused by the mention of the 009 start to the membership number? Will my membership number change? (It starts with 008 at the minute FWIW) Will I need to go in and change it on my existing future bookings?

Thanks

[Nottingham Nick]

Your FC number changes every time you change membership level, but don't worry, the various numbers are all linked by the VS IT systems and your points are automatically added to your account.

Good advice received so far. In my experience, you can add your flight using the claim missing miles feature like ela123 has suggested, as soon as your flight lands. I always do mine in revivals now when I land back home. [:I]

Nick

When you make gold you shouldenjiy all the benefits immediately...that should mean the ANZ lounge in Sydney, the Clubhouse in Hong Kong and revivals. It is along old flight back and I would kick up a fuss if they don't let you in....you have earned it! Btw, they were fine in Cuba when I turned gold on the outbound flight, so if they can manage there, they shouldbe able to in Oz!!

I got FC Silver on an outbound flight to MCO - FC status updated on the VS website within a day or so of the flight (including new membership number starting with 008). Just logon to your FC account a couple of days after your outbound flight and check that you've gone Gold. Assuming all has gone OK, just update your return flight booking with your new 009 [Gold] FC number - you should have no problems at check-in / with the lounges then.

Enjoy Oz!

James