Virgin Blue offers 'hassle free' entry to Sydney Airport lounge

Virgin Blue has announced its latest step to woo business travellers, offering kerbside entry to its lounge for check-in and security screening at Sydney airport's T2 terminal from today.

Passengers can drive up to the departure concourse, step out of their car and enter the lounge, check in, be screened at a lounge security point for a "hassle-free experience", the airline says.

It's an effort to bypass the crowded and often slow-moving check-in queues at the T2 departure hall.

But there is a caveat — only business class, premium economy passengers and Velocity gold ranked loyalty scheme members with carry-on bags are entitled to use the new process.

And those wishing to add kerbside "premium" valet parking will pay handsomely for the convenience — $27 for one hour or $70 a day.

“Today's announcement marks another significant step forward in our Game Change Program, which is designed to make us the domestic airline of choice,” said the airline's guest services manager, Martin Daley.

In a dig at rival Qantas, which is introducing self-service baggage checking as part of its "Q Futures" program (requiring people to weigh and tag their own baggage), Virgin's high flyers with luggage can use the airline's "priority" check-in counters attended by staff to help with checking bags.

"[It] is designed to make us the domestic airline of choice," Mr Daley said.