Brisbane hotel quarantine (live)

[oz_ally]

I’m now at my son’s place - been here a little while but had some catching up to do. No cats just rats “Antonio” is hiding under the TV cabinet but “Alfredo” was brave enough to come out of his dome to let me feed him

Not sure how exciting business class will be on a short trip from Brisbane to Rocky but I get 110 status credits which will leave me will only 35 to go to hit SG. My next flight is 31 August which I booked way back in June when the extra 20 sc were on offer per leg so that will get me over the line. It’s only a quick trip to see my sister for her birthday. It’s just ROK - BNE return so no crossing borders! Bugger that the lounge will probably still be closed (I am a paid member but I think my extension expires soon anyway so reaching Gold will be handy). About the only “privilege” I’ll get for now is lining up to board first At least I can pretend to be fancy a little bit

 

[I love to travel]

I’m now at my son’s place - been here a little while but had some catching up to do. No cats just rats “Antonio” is hiding under the TV cabinet but “Alfredo” was brave enough to come out of his dome to let me feed him

Not sure how exciting business class will be on a short trip from Brisbane to Rocky but I get 110 status credits which will leave me will only 35 to go to hit SG. My next flight is 31 August which I booked way back in June when the extra 20 sc were on offer per leg so that will get me over the line. It’s only a quick trip to see my sister for her birthday. It’s just ROK - BNE return so no crossing borders! Bugger that the lounge will probably still be closed (I am a paid member but I think my extension expires soon anyway so reaching Gold will be handy). About the only “privilege” I’ll get for now is lining up to board first At least I can pretend to be fancy a little bit

When you hit gold you will also get to use the premium entry in Brisbane.

 

[Townsend]

Oz-ally thanks for your very positive posts over the last two weeks. If I ever have to do another two weeks in isolation, I will look back at your posts for motivation.

Enjoy your business class flight home, You deserve a glass of bubbly!

 

[oz_ally]

When you hit gold you will also get to use the premium entry in Brisbane.

Where is the Premium entry in Brisbane? The website says it is “outside” but no other info. I know premium entry isn’t open atm anyway. Also does anyone know if the Brisbane domestic lounge is open again. I just saw this on the website.

 

[serfty]

Where is the Premium entry in Brisbane? The website says it is “outside” but no other info. I know premium entry isn’t open atm anyway. Also does anyone know if the Brisbane domestic lounge is open again. I just saw this on the website.

It is towards the Southern/Westerly end of the domestic terminal, road level

The BNE domestic lounge is operating during normal hours.

 

[I love to travel]

Where is the Premium entry in Brisbane? The website says it is “outside” but no other info. I know premium entry isn’t open atm anyway. Also does anyone know if the Brisbane domestic lounge is open again. I just saw this on the website.

Premium entry is to the left of the Qantas security area. Because you are flying business you can use it tomorrow if your flight is before 5pm. The business lounge is open make sure you use that tomorrow. If you use the premium entry first lounge to the left after you go up the escalator. Just ask the lounge staff if you are unsure they are friendly in Brissie

 

[craven morehead]

Premium entry is to the left of the Qantas security area. Because you are flying business you can use it tomorrow if your flight is before 5pm. The business lounge is open make sure you use that tomorrow. If you use the premium entry first lounge to the left after you go up the escalator. Just ask the lounge staff if you are unsure they are friendly in Brissie

@oz_ally is flying Virgin.

 

[I love to travel]

@oz_ally is flying Virgin.

Sorry assumed Qantas.

 

[oz_ally]

Currently in Virgin Brisbane Lounge. There are a few different things added to the menu. I took a photo of it and while I was getting my coffee a Virgin staff member came up said she saw me taking photos and could she help me. I thought oh no I’ve breached a security rule and I’m in trouble. I told her my sight is not great so I took a photo of the menu so I could zoom in on my phone read it. Which is absolutely true. Where they have it I practically have to lean so far over the barrier I worry I will fall forward. Plus at least if I want something else later I can just read it from the photo and not have to strain myself every time. I offered to show her the photo but she was fine about it. I did have my glasses on but I still need to be closer to read it properly. And I wanted to share the menu here of course in case anyone hasn’t been here in a while.

Before going through security I followed the signs and found the Premium Entry so I’ll know where to go when it opens again. I did read that my guest is allowed to enter that entry with me. I was also wondering is my travel companion (red) also allowed to check in with me via the Priority lane and priority boarding. It’s just that I’d feel really bad going on ahead, albeit maybe a few minutes in some cases. IYKWIM.

 

[MARTINE]

Currently in Virgin Brisbane Lounge. There are a few different things added to the menu. I took a photo of it and while I was getting my coffee a Virgin staff member came up said she saw me taking photos and could she help me. I thought oh no I’ve breached a security rule and I’m in trouble. I told her my sight is not great so I took a photo of the menu so I could zoom in on my phone read it. Which is absolutely true. Where they have it I practically have to lean so far over the barrier I worry I will fall forward. Plus at least if I want something else later I can just read it from the photo and not have to strain myself every time. I offered to show her the photo but she was fine about it. I did have my glasses on but I still need to be closer to read it properly. And I wanted to share the menu here of course in case anyone hasn’t been here in a while.

Before going through security I followed the signs and found the Premium Entry so I’ll know where to go when it opens again. I did read that my guest is allowed to enter that entry with me. I was also wondering is my travel companion (red) also allowed to check in with me via the Priority lane and priority boarding. It’s just that I’d feel really bad going on ahead, albeit maybe a few minutes in some cases. IYKWIM.

I have always taken guests of different status in priority and never had a problem..

 

[drron]

I've even taken a random stranger to the premium checkin,security and to the MEL J lounge.

 

[kookaburra75]

Currently in Virgin Brisbane Lounge. There are a few different things added to the menu. I took a photo of it and while I was getting my coffee a Virgin staff member came up said she saw me taking photos and could she help me. I thought oh no I’ve breached a security rule and I’m in trouble. I told her my sight is not great so I took a photo of the menu so I could zoom in on my phone read it.

I too have had the same issue in the VA Lounge at Brisbane. I found it easier to guess what the offerings were and ask - made it as bit of a lucky dip.

 

[oz_ally]

My Business Class flight was lovely even though it was just under an hour. I chose a Mimosa when I was asked if I wanted some sparkling wine - it was so nice - much better than the ones I had been making in the motel with orange poppers There were 2 options of salad and I chose the one in the picture below. He just read them out to me and the first one sounded good so I ordered that and a glass of water as I didn't need another wine. The 110 SC hit my account last night and I only have 35 to go to become SG I'm feeling fancier already. I'm so happy to hear that I will be able to bring any traveling companion with me to bag drop and Priority Line. Or a random stranger if I so desire

So once I arrived home around 6:30pm my B&W cat didn't want to know me - he does that - gets all y when I go away. But my fluffy bum girl was following me everywhere - not for cuddles as she doesn't do that - she just wanted food Excuse my very tired expression - it was a long day. As you can see my boy was not impressed when I picked him up - but they both settled once they realised I was really back.

Now I just have to await the arrival of my invoice. There is a Facebook page called Australians Challenging Quarantine Fees but they seem a bit full on and none of their situations are similar to mine. I'll just start putting together my case for when the time comes and hope for the best. I'll update once anything new happens.

 

[craven morehead]

My Business Class flight was lovely even though it was just under an hour. I chose a Mimosa when I was asked if I wanted some sparkling wine - it was so nice - much better than the ones I had been making in the motel with orange poppers There were 2 options of salad and I chose the one in the picture below. He just read them out to me and the first one sounded good so I ordered that and a glass of water as I didn't need another wine. The 110 SC hit my account last night and I only have 35 to go to become SG I'm feeling fancier already. I'm so happy to hear that I will be able to bring any traveling companion with me to bag drop and Priority Line. Or a random stranger if I so desire

So once I arrived home around 6:30pm my B&W cat didn't want to know me - he does that - gets all y when I go away. But my fluffy bum girl was following me everywhere - not for cuddles as she doesn't do that - she just wanted food Excuse my very tired expression - it was a long day. As you can see my boy was not impressed when I picked him up - but they both settled once they realised I was really back.

Now I just have to await the arrival of my invoice. There is a Facebook page called Australians Challenging Quarantine Fees but they seem a bit full on and none of their situations are similar to mine. I'll just start putting together my case for when the time comes and hope for the best. I'll update once anything new happens.

Did you manage to get a seat by yourself for the trip back to ROK?

 

[oz_ally]

Did you manage to get a seat by yourself for the trip back to ROK?

Yes!! It was a Boeing 737-700 so had 8 seats in Rows of 2 - I think that's all we get with Virgin Business now that the planes with the nice individual pods are no more There were only 3 of us in Business and we all had our own row.

Oh one thing I forgot to mention. My boarding time was 2:35pm so I set myself an alarm for 2:25. Boarding gate was 41 so really close to the Lounge exit. Would you believe they started boarding early and almost everyone was on the plane by the time I got to the gate! So yeah I missed out on the call for all Business Class, Gold and Platinum to line up first. Hahahaha

 

[craven morehead]

Yes!! It was a Boeing 737-700 so had 8 seats in Rows of 2 - I think that's all we get with Virgin Business now that the planes with the nice individual pods are no more There were only 3 of us in Business and we all had our own row.

Oh one thing I forgot to mention. My boarding time was 2:35pm so I set myself an alarm for 2:25. Boarding gate was 41 so really close to the Lounge exit. Would you believe they started boarding early and almost everyone was on the plane by the time I got to the gate! So yeah I missed out on the call for all Business Class, Gold and Platinum to line up first. Hahahaha

Bloody awesome must be great to be home. I'm based in CQ as well. Home airport is EMD. Thanks for a great review of your unplanned stay in BNE.

 

[AIRwin]

Would you believe they started boarding early and almost everyone was on the plane by the time I got to the gate! So yeah I missed out on the call for all Business Class, Gold and Platinum to line up first.

But were they already paging your name?

 

[zig]

@oz_ally it has been a delight to 'share' your quarantine experience. The time has flown by for me, but I'm sure time was passing a bit more slowly for you even though you have remained positive and upbeat.
I hope you are out of the feline bad books by now

 

[oz_ally]

But were they already paging your name?

I'm not sure I was in the lounge watching Stan on my iPad with headphones on. I wasn't the last person on. A couple more people eventually lined up after me. I asked the Virgin Staff member if we were boarding early and she said yes they decided to as there weren't many people on the plane. I still left at the proper time (14:55) though - of course.

 

[Seat0B]

It must feel amazingly good to be back home. You certainly took the long way!