Clarification on first class lounges.

[s1bennett]

I have purchased two advance first tickets from Stoke-on-Trent to Euston and back.
Outbound with London Midland and Returning with Virgin. I have noticed Virgin have lounges in both Stoke and London. Would I be able to use these bearing in mind my outbound ticket is with London Midland?

Thanks.

 

[SS4]

You can use euston based on your return ticket. The lounge terms say you can use it on the same day so there is no reason why not but don't take the ****

This is granted from your return ticket only

 

[All Line Rover]

Short and correct answer - no.

Long answer - maybe. The lounge is not staffed - an intercom is used. They often allow you in with any First Class ticket!

The above post is also correct if you are returning on the same day. Just make sure you don't show the reservation coupon (since it will show that you haven't travelled yet) - only show the ticket!

 

[craigwilson]

Short and correct answer - no.

I can understand for sure why the answer is "no" on the outbound, London Midland leg.

I can't understand why it would not be possible on the return ticket - it's a Virgin 1st class ticket, be it an advance or otherwise. Is there anything in writing anywhere which confirms this is the case?

 

[Old Timer]

The answer is obtainable simply by looking the Virgin website.

To enter the First Class lounge, just show your valid Virgin Business, First Anytime or Advance First ticket. Naturally, you can only enjoy our lounges on the travel date shown on your ticket.

It quite clearly states that you need to show a VIRGIN first class ticket. No Virgin ticket no access - simples.

 

[dcd]

To enter the First Class lounge, just show your valid Virgin Business, First Anytime or Advance First ticket. Naturally, you can only enjoy our lounges on the travel date shown on your ticket..

he has a first class Virgin ticket which is valid - he's going to use it to return. Nowhere does it say it has to be valid from the station you are at, just that it must be valid that day.

 

[mralexn]

The answer is obtainable simply by looking the Virgin website.



It quite clearly states that you need to show a VIRGIN first class ticket. No Virgin ticket no access - simples.

if thats the case then why can you sit in there and use it if your going on the caledonian sleeper in first class, thats Scotrail, not virgin

 

[Mike395]

if thats the case then why can you sit in there and use it if your going on the caledonian sleeper in first class, thats Scotrail, not virgin

Because ScotRail have a deal with Virgin (IIRC ScotRail funded some of the Lounge's construction) that allows Sleeper customers to use the lounge at Euston.

 

[All Line Rover]

Because ScotRail have a deal with Virgin (IIRC ScotRail funded some of the Lounge's construction) that allows Sleeper customers to use the lounge at Euston.

Yes, they paid for the loos - a ScotRail plaque is proudly displayed on the wall.

 

[Nym]

So when scotland is devolved properly we won't have 1st class lounge toilets at Euston any more?

 

[ainsworth74]

So when scotland is devolved properly we won't have 1st class lounge toilets at Euston any more?

We will but you'll have to have a passport to use them.

 

[AlterEgo]

So when scotland is devolved properly we won't have 1st class lounge toilets at Euston any more?

Think you are a bit confused. The reason sleeper customers can use the Euston lounge is because ScotRail paid for the toilets and showers to be installed, and therefore there is a reciprocal financial agreement between Virgin and ScotRail.

Nothing to do with the Scottish government.

 

[Mojo]

Think you are a bit confused. The reason sleeper customers can use the Euston lounge is because ScotRail paid for the toilets and showers to be installed, and therefore there is a reciprocal financial agreement between Virgin and ScotRail.

Nothing to do with the Scottish government.

The plaque says they were funded by Transport Scotland (ie. the Scottish Gov't) AND Scotrail.

 

[AlterEgo]

Really? I was under the impression it was just ScotRail, who themselves are subsidised by the Scottish government. To the best of my knowledge the Scottish government didn't supply any funding directly.