Lounge Access Shanghai

[blackleghorn]

Hi, just a query to ask regarding the rules for Qantas or OW lounge access in Shanghai with the following scenario. I am flying from Lanzhou next week to connect with CX Hong Kong to Melbourne flying business with CX and Qantas platinum FF. Flight from Lanzhou to HK is with non-OW carrier and to cut a long story short due to cancellations I am now not flying to HK via Xi'An but rather Shanghai with a big wait in Shanghai. Am I likely to be able to access a lounge in Shanghai based on the fact that I am connecting with CX J in Hong Kong but will still be on non OW airline for the Shanghai to HK leg?

 

[MEL_Traveller]

Hi, just a query to ask regarding the rules for Qantas or OW lounge access in Shanghai with the following scenario. I am flying from Lanzhou next week to connect with CX Hong Kong to Melbourne flying business with CX and Qantas platinum FF. Flight from Lanzhou to HK is with non-OW carrier and to cut a long story short due to cancellations I am now not flying to HK via Xi'An but rather Shanghai with a big wait in Shanghai. Am I likely to be able to access a lounge in Shanghai based on the fact that I am connecting with CX J in Hong Kong but will still be on non OW airline for the Shanghai to HK leg?

Unfortunately not.

Normal lounge access rules apply in Shanghai as other ports. Eligibility is either based on class of service for the departing flight, or FF status.

If neither of those apply out of Shanghai, unfortunately you'll be in the general waiting area... unless there is a paid lounge? Might be worth searching.

 

[Christoo]

You didnt mention if you are flying out of SHA or PVG?
I would try my luck at the CX lounge, they are pretty friendly. They also are one of the few airlines to have their own lounge rather than one of the attrocious share lounges at PVG
I also wouldn't like to be on different airlines for these legs. I am often delayed on this route and have missed connections.
if you do fly domestically in China try the website Elong. Its like a chinese expedia except you buy at chinese prices. I can often get J for Y prices Which gives lounge access.

 

[teamhamsandwich]

You won't get lounge access. To be honest though, the lounges are so terrible in PVG its not worth it anyway!

 

[MEL_Traveller]

To be honest though, the lounges are so terrible in PVG its not worth it anyway!

errr... that's a bit of a harsh call! The CX lounge and new Air China Lounge are actually pretty good. The old Shanghai Airlines Lounge was good provided it (a) wans't full (b) had vodka out and (c) had a spare massage chair available

 

[davec]

As above - the CX lounge at PVG is actually a pleasant surprise! Definitely worth trying to get into....

The shared ones on the other hand (like QF uses) are terrible! Almost better finding a seat outside somewhere and paying for decent food!

 

[teamhamsandwich]

The shared ones on the other hand (like QF uses) are terrible! Almost better finding a seat outside somewhere and paying for decent food!

Last time I went in there the liquor choice was:

a) chinese red wine
b) chinese sparkling wine
c) a full bottle of jack daniels
d) a full bottle of smirnoff

Enjoy.

I do agree the Cathay lounge is ok if you like eating crisps as a meal. I had some weird cakes in there too! No showers as well.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

I do agree the Cathay lounge is ok if you like eating crisps as a meal. I had some weird cakes in there too! No showers as well.

For that last few years the CX lounge has had a hot noodle/soup station (complete with 'chef'), a selection of hot dim sum, at least one other hot dish (usually nothing remarkable), at least three types of sandwich...

 

[davec]

[QUOTE

I do agree the Cathay lounge is ok if you like eating crisps as a meal. I had some weird cakes in there too! No showers as well.[/QUOTE]

Maybe we got lucky / our timing right? There was a really nice soup (made by a specific soup dude) plus a noodle dish and some other nice fried snacky things. And so really good chocolate bars (cant remember which but definitely pocketed a few!

Re the shared QF lounge, your summation of the drinks range is about what I remember also, but I think you forget the unrefrigerated beer.... Love a warm can of Tsing Tao.

Cheers

 

[Christoo]

The CX lounge is good, there is plenty of space and comfortable seating.
The noodle station is only at meal times but I believe they have dumplings most of the day.
I still think you could talk yourself in there if you had a CX J flight the same day.
Not in this case but I think people fixate on lounge access. In many places most lounges aren't as nice as some of the nearby restaurants.
Room tempertaure beverages are everywhere in China. I have had so many business lunches and dinners where the coke was warmer than the green tea!

 

[blackleghorn]

Thanks all. Yes I forgot to mention that the departure is PVG. This re-routing wasn't my choice. Will try my luck with CX knowing that would require a favour from those at the door. Thanks too for the tip re Elong

 

[Christoo]

Thanks all. Yes I forgot to mention that the departure is PVG. This re-routing wasn't my choice. Will try my luck with CX knowing that would require a favour from those at the door. Thanks too for the tip re Elong

You're welcome, I never can get the eLong site to accept my credit card so I always select paying via Paypal using my credit card secondhand.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

You're welcome, I never can get the eLong site to accept my credit card so I always select paying via Paypal using my credit card secondhand.

ctrip seems to take credit cards ok.