BA/QP Lounge Dragons at Heathrow

[bfls]

I have a long layover at Heathrow soon before flying home to Australia on QF10 and was wondering if the BA lounge dragons have gotten any friendlier to Y class passengers with QP membership in the last few years or are we still scum in their eyes?

Back in 1998 I transited through Heathrow about half a dozen times and was initially refused entry every timeto the BA lounge that QP membership is supposed to provide access to.

On my first attempt, the lounge dragon insisted that since I was travelling economy class I couldn't come in. She had a sign on her desk listing the various membership cards and what they entitled you to which clearly said I could go in. When I pointed this out to her she changed her story. She now insisted that my dark blue QP card was a light blue frequent flyer card. She also insisted that the letters C-L-U-B on the card spelt "frequent flyer". I continued to insist I was allowed in and she eventually caved because "it meant so much to me".

On every other trip through Heathrow I got the same treatment. Every dragon claimed economy scum were not allowed in and I had to argue with them and point out their own signs clearly said I was allowed entrance.

Should I be prepared for another fight and/or take a copy of the QP membership rules with me or have they mellowed?

 

[clifford]

Sounds exactly like the "Greek" ladies manning the QF Club desks in MEL.

That's why I cut up my Qantas Club card and never flew Qantas (on a paid basis) again. I had been a member since 1988.

You don't have to put up with that sort of ....

 

[Mal]

Went through the LHR BA lounge at least twice last year (3 times I think) as a Qantas Club Life. My card is maroon rather than blue.

Each time I was flying economy.

Not a problem getting in once... And I even had a friend with me at least one of those times!

Since then I've had status with Qantas so it shouldn't matter.

I'd suggest printing out or taking along the book which shows your lounge access rights. Show the staffer and request entry if they give you hassles.

 

[Global Tripper]

First time here. Great site

I had a similar experience except when trying to get into the First Class lounge. The "person" at the front desk was more interested in my class of travel, business, rather than my QF platinum card. I instisted go to go down to the First Lounge

 

[Kiwi Flyer]

Welcome to AFF Global Tripper

Actually that is fairly common all around the world (except US where paid membership is generally needed for access). In a lot of cases the fastest way to screen out most of those ineligible is class of travel. However should then check out elite status and paid club membership.

 

[NM]

First time here. Great site

I had a similar experience except when trying to get into the First Class lounge. The "person" at the front desk was more interested in my class of travel, business, rather than my QF platinum card. I instisted go to go down to the First Lounge

Welcome Global Tripper. You experience is similar to mine on several occasions. I am usually directed to the business class lounge and when I turn to walk to the First Class lounge they stop me, I point out the OneWorld Emerald logo on my card and keep walking. Never been refused.