Geez Borghetti is Smart

[Skyler King]

In a canny move to tempt Qantas' most coveted customers, Virgin Australia is giving Qantas Frequent Flyer gold and platinum members full access to its new lounges in Melbourne (http://www.ausbt.com.au/photo-gallery-virgin-australia-s-new-melbourne-airport-lounge-now-open) and Brisbane (http://www.ausbt.com.au/photos-virgin-australia-s-new-brisbane-airport-lounge) as well as Sydney's premium lounge entry (http://www.ausbt.com.au/tested-virgin-australia-fast-track-check-in-security-channel-and-lounge-access-at-sydney-airport).
The trial program, which began in late May, has now been extended to August 31, and will cover any gold or platinum Qantas Frequent Flyer even if they're holding a Virgin Australia economy ticket.
Access to Virgin Australia lounges, and Sydney's fast-track premium lounge entry, is usually restricted to the airline's top-tier Velocity Gold flyers along with passengers booked in premium economy or business class (separate Velocity Lounge membership is also available).
Martin Daley, Virgin Australia’s Group Executive for Product & Guest Services, told Australian Business Traveller that even Qantas gold and platinums who are travelling with The Red Roo will still be welcome to check out the lounge on a private escorted tour, Daley said.
"I've asked our Lounge team to allow any QF Gold or Platinum member who is travelling with Qantas and who wishes to see our Lounge, to be given that opportunity and we will escort them around. It wouldn't be possible for them to sit and use the facilities instead of using Qantas', but it's a chance for them to see our facilities and for us to showcase the lounge."
Daley's offer is bound to be a hit with many regular Qantas passengers who might be tempted to try the new Virgin Australia but lack sufficient status under Virgin's Velocity rewards program to gain lounge access, which is a key issue for business travellers and frequent flyers.
http://www.ausbt.com.au/openx/www/delivery/lg.php?bannerid=28&campaignid=10&zoneid=1&OASCCAP=4&loc=1&referer=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ausbt.com.au%2Fvirgin-australia-opens-its-new-melbourne-brisbane-and-sydney-lounges-to-qantas-frequent-flyers&cb=82cf0e20e5

[Icarus2001]

Yes it is a good idea but it is only an escorted look around. Just like joining a gym and having a look around first, or taking a car for a test drive.

who is travelling with Qantas and who wishes to see our Lounge, to be given that opportunity and we will escort them around. It wouldn't be possible for them to sit and use the facilities instead of using Qantas', but it's a chance for them to see our facilities and for us to showcase the lounge."

[peuce]

But if they're flying on a VB flight they get full access.
It's only those on a QF flight that get the guided tour.

Fair enough.

[somewhereat1l]

JB definately knows how to run an airline.

Over at the zoo they are too busy working on their KPI's to actually get anything meaningful for the business done.

[Aussie]

Good on him... great idea i believe.. he will make Joyce Sweat..

[rodchucker]

The real difference is that JB is actually running an airline whereas the other lot are waging war against the world for some benefit that seemingly stops in their own own self interest.

Pity he doesn't have more capital to full take advantage of the opportunity that is evolving each day and will ultimately end up in the destruction of the Rat .

Who would have thought it would get to this but if the privatisation bid was successful, this day would already have happened so in many ways it was a self fulfilling prophecy of their own making. This went way beyond GD and the hugging chairman.

JB was smart enough to bail on his own terms and with dignity and DJ will hopefully sow the seeds from his skills.

[eocvictim]

Fish in a barrel really; especially when most of the clientele are already extremely unhappy with the competitions product and service.

[flying_a_nix_box]

Interesting move. I have heard stories from the US of people who have a good FF status with one airline having it recognized by another. Eg: someone who is gold with AA and silver with Delta getting the gold treatment @ Delta....