Has anyone ever been let into a lounge by just asking

[DavBlayn]

I've always been curious as to whether it's possibly for someone with no status to get into a lounge just by asking. So, has anyone tried, and has anyone succeeded?

 

[turnip666]

In theory no, but probably happens sometimes.

Many many moons ago, when there was TAA and Qantas I was delayed, flying economy on Qantas. I asked if they would let me into the lounge to wait....which they did.

You can only ask, but expect to get a negative answer. Bit like asking for an "upgrade".

 

[penegal]

No, You shouldn't be granted access unless you have published access (e.g. From status or cabin class).

No doubt there are probably some exceptions or anecdotes out there, however I would take them with a grain of salt.

 

[NZflygirl]

You'd be better off seeing if someone who does have status could guest you into the lounge by checking those threads out. It happens!!!

 

[Ausbt]

As a QF SG and flying Y with just the one complimentary First Class lounge invite, my NB status wife and I were admitted to SYD T1. Obviously we could have used the Business lounge where I had the ability to guest her. Sure, not quite the same as being comped access cold but technically, one of us was granted access just by asking. As others have said, follow the 'I'm in the lounge thread' or 'Meet ups' and a kind AFF'r might sign you in.

 

[AlexanderWalker]

Yes, twice.

One time in Sydney domestic Qantas lounge because I forgot my free pass that was given upon Silver membership and asked if there was anything possible they could do etc etc.

Second time was Qantas Singapore lounge, I used the same story as above, except the above was the truth and this time was a lie just to test it to see if it would work, thankfully she let me go in.
But I didn't end up actually going in because I was with my girlfriend and just wanted to test it for next time we were at Singapore airport when we'd have a 7 hour layover.

Once it gets to that day and we have the 7 hour layover I was greeted by a more stringent strict individual who would not let me in.

It's just my nature to ask for things like that JUST IN CASE the 5% of the time there's a yes in situations like that.

So you can try. It's worked for me and sure it will work for many others.

 

[Lendav Orav]

Hi there- just wondering how you got an F lounge complimentary invite. Was it on reaching SG? I was WP for many years but recently dropped back down to SG (lifetime). Going to the US soon and wondering if I could ask QFFF for comp invite to the F lounge...

 

[JohnK]

I wouldn't ask knowing I am not entitled.

No different to asking for upgrade when you have paid cheapest airfare in economy.

 

[Ausbt]

The F lounge Comp pass was sent to me as compo after Joyce's infamous "we are shutting down the sky" debacle of a few years back. I wasn't even really affected as if move over to VA by then anyway. Loved the F lounge though!

 

[VPS]

I was also part of the Joyce's "we are shutting the sky" and was stuck in Melbourne and had to get a Virgin flight home and asked nicely when I got to the lounge and said I was gold with Qantas and just wanted to do some work and they let me in.

One other time I was flying from BHE to AKL - was supposed to be a quick hop to WLG then to AKL but fog in WLG meant we couldn't get there so they decided to divert me through CHC where every flight was chockers but on time except mine which was delayed by about 6 hours - after 4 hours sitting in the terminal I just walked into the Air NZ lounge and said I'm coming in here and they took one look at my face and went OK - I think I was supposed to leave BHE at 8.15 and I finally got to AKL at 20.45

 

[love_the_life]

Many years ago when QF pilots were on strike, a woman I know was in Brisbane and had suffered 'cancelled, cancelled, delayed' flight notice for her booked flight. After enough was enough, she fronted up to the lounge and announced that her husband was a member and that she was coming in to wait. She even quoted his QFF number. They let her in as she can be quite forceful and I suppose felt sorry for her.
Turns out what she quoted to the lounge angel was his cab charge number

 

[kevrosmith]

I was let into the Ansett Golden Wing lounge in BNE a couple times when I worked for a regional electricity company. I explained that I thought work was processing my membership, and hadn't it come through yet?

 

[Chrizztofa]

Not quite the same situation, but last year as a QF platinum asked for an second guest into the CX F lounge. Didn't get it but instead was offered a second guest into the J lounge which suited us fine.

 

[AnnaB]

Interesting, I have never even thought of doing that. If I am not entitled, I would just not go there. But then again, if you dont ask you will never get anything, right?

I have only been to the lounges when I flown J, or once I paid my way into the Admiral Lounge at Changi (paid lounge) and that was a complete waste of money. Worst I have ever encountered, better to find a comfy couch at at cafe.

 

[AlexanderWalker]

As I said Lendav I get the complimentary lounge pass upon attaining silver membership about 1-2 years ago.

I thought a part of Gold status is free entry into lounges...or is that platinum?

 

[Princess Fiona]

As I said Lendav I get the complimentary lounge pass upon attaining silver membership about 1-2 years ago.

I thought a part of Gold status is free entry into lounges...or is that platinum?

Gold has lounge access to the Qantas Club and International Business lounges. Platinum also has access to the Domestic Business Lounges and F lounges internationally.

 

[Quickstatus]

Hi there- just wondering how you got an F lounge complimentary invite. Was it on reaching SG? I was WP for many years but recently dropped back down to SG (lifetime). Going to the US soon and wondering if I could ask QFFF for comp invite to the F lounge...

upon attaining PS you get 2 complimentary entries into Qantas Club (domestic) or International Business lounge for the year.

There are no complimentary invites into F if you get SG because SG has unlimited complimentary entry into Qantas club lounge and International business lounge so long as you are flying Qantas.

Im sure you can ask, but expect that you will be denied especiaqlly when you can walk down the walkway to the Int Bus lounge.

 

[juddles]

.......when you can walk down the walkway to the Int Bus lounge....

Unless you enjoy watery bourbon and cokes from nice staff who are prohibited serving a "double", then the business (self-pour) lounge is heaps better.

My MO is to go to the Flounge for a meal, then downgrade to the J lounge for relaxation.

BTW, the issuance of F pass was answered up thread - was a one-off thing due to strikes

 

[legroom]

I wouldn't ask knowing I am not entitled.

No different to asking for upgrade when you have paid cheapest airfare in economy.

And wouldn't use an untruth either.

Old-fashioned self-respect, JohnK

 

[Lendav Orav]

ok thanks, good to know!