Unclear...

What's the situation viz lounges if you're given an operational upgrade at the airport? Does access to the clubhouse go along with such an upgrade?

Unfortunately not Cat[:(].

If you are Op-Upped to Upper Class, you don't get Clubhouse access. I think they even mark your boarding pass to some extent - or if they don't, the Clubhouse reception staff can tell you have been Op-Upped and don't let you in.

You can still go in the lounge if you have another means of gaining access, i.e. Flying Club Gold status - but if you have this, you would have been heading for the Clubhouse anyway I guess.

Have a look at the v-flyer upgrade guide, here. Tells you everything you need to know about op ups.

"
If you are offered an upgrade, and you're not a Gold card holder, note that it doesn't give you access to the Clubhouse or Revivals lounge."

Ah, thanks. No, don't have a gold card, and not likely to get an upgrade either - I just wondered! [:X]

Officially you do not have lounge access. However I was operationally upgraded from PE to UC flying back from Cape Town earlier this year and was given lounge access in Cape Town. The lounge were unsure contacted the Virgin desk who allowed access - unsure why?:)

I've had an operational upgrade to upper the once, and was given the upgrade prior to boarding, at the gate - so had no choice on the clubhouse!