Re: Ho Chi Minh International - CIP Apricot Lounge
Hi All. I cancelled my ANZ Black card in August this year (although not expired until 2016) as I didn't want the huge $425 annual card fee... however I took the card to Europe with me last month and tried to access a few lounges. Here was the outcome:
Amex Lounge (SYD)
I thought I'd try my luck and was surprised when the lounge attendant scanned my card, gave me a receipt and let me and a guest in.
Was relatively quiet (was there from 2-3pm) and they still had their lunch menu going (quiche, base fish curry and rice, sausage rolls, party pies, salad, etc). Also had friendly staff behind the bar so could get a G&T and glass of bubbles. I did like the fact the lady on the front desk reminded me to take a bottle of water from the fridge to take on the plane. There were also potato chips and sandwiches which would be good for those flying Scoot or AirAsia
Al Dhabi / Al Reem Lounge (AUH)
No luck here. The lounge attendant said they no longer accept ANZ cards from Australia and that their partnership was with LoungeKey (I couldn't find much information about these guys!). Looking on the Veloce website it shows that there is no lounge access available but they do provide a free 30 min spa at TOSA spa and free food at Montreux Jazz Café which is in Terminal 3 after passport control. On Veloce website - Identify yourself as a Véloce customer. Present your eligible card or e-voucher to the restaurant’s staff to verify eligibility. Once verified, you’ll be presented with a special à la carte Véloce-menu, whereby you’ll be able to choose from a variety of delicious multicourse meals, with a soft drink or a coffee if you prefer
Milan - Sala Montale Milano Lounge
Didn't have time to try this one
Prague - Menzies Lounge
Wow this lounge was a shocker. Was originally told by the lounge attendant that I had to go to the other lounge which could have been the Priority Pass / CSA Crystal Lounge. Was then told to go back to the Menzies lounge. After a 5 minute argument and showing her the veloce website I was let in with my guest. No hot food. Only pre-packaged croissants that were semi stale. Coffee machine was very slow and water was only in big 1.5L bottles. They did have local wine and spirits. Didn't stay very long in here!
I fortunately got Velocity Gold from this point so I was able to access the AirBerlin waiting area in Dusseldorf and the Al Reem lounge in Abu Dhabi.
Moral of the story is - if your card is still valid but you have cancelled it, still use it for lounge access (it does work!)
