Some updates from on the road (lounge access as a WP with kids & SWMBO in tow)

[Colster]

Hi,
just thought a mini TR was required in terms of accessing lounges and treatment as a WP whilst trampling around Europe as a WP with NB SWMBO and kids.
Fast track.
1) Transit at LHR T3 from QF1 to BA to BCN. Y class.
BA lounge said effectively go to hell.
AA said let me check, and then no.
CX said absolutely, come into the first lounge.

2) BCN to FCO via MAD. Y class on IB.
No fast track.
BCN- IB lounge, no problem please come in.
MAD- IB lounge, no problem.

3)FCO to ORY - Y on Vuelling (IB ticket).
Didnt try lounge but did get fast track through customs and immigration.

4) CDG to EDI via LHR T5 - BA award fight Y class
Fast track at CDG.
CDG -CX lounge OK with one additional pax guesting one kid in.
LHR fast track T5 meant customs and immigration was a 5 minute process! No real line even for AU passport holders. Security fast track was good as well with them allowing 4 x Bollingers bought in CDG through
LHR T5 - BA First Lounge - not going to happen until I asked one pax to guest a kid in. He said no probs, and then when the the lounge dragon saw I was just going to ask another pax, she said alright go on in! Win!

Not one greeting or hello from anyone on IB or BA so far in terms of status etc. nothing unusual though.

Will update with T3 LHR departure on QF2 as PE passengers in a week.

Cheers

 

[davec]

Is 'naz_' a bit harsh? Dragon certainly! Like your work just asking others!

 

[Colster]

Noted and changed

 

[defurax]

4) CDG to EDI via LHR T5 - BA award fight Y class
LHR fast track T5 meant customs and immigration was a 5 minute process! No real line even for AU passport holders.

Can I ask when this was? I did transit at LHR 2 weeks ago from Sweden to Ireland and there was no Fast Track immigration for people transiting to UK and Ireland, while PAX to all other destinations could still use the Fast Track lane. I have a European Union passport, so it took me 5 minutes to get through immigration, but I would say about 200 PAX were in the non-EU passport queue and it wasn't moving at all...

 

[Colster]

It was three days ago in T5.

 

[defurax]

It was three days ago in T5.

Thanks. Maybe they were short on immigration agents that day.

 

[Kangol]

3)FCO to ORY - Y on Vuelling (IB ticket).
Didnt try lounge but did get fast track through customs and immigration.

What did you think of Vuelling? I'm contemplating flying them next year from BCN-DBV.
If it was an IB codeshare did you earn any QFF points and SCs?

 

[Colster]

What did you think of Vuelling? I'm contemplating flying them next year from BCN-DBV.
If it was an IB codeshare did you earn any QFF points and SCs?

They were fine for a short flight. As good as IB and I haven't got points/SCs yet (but will be checking).

 

[amaroo]

Always wondered about Vueling and lounge access. I didn't even think about trying in BCN a few years ago. Agree, they are more than ok ... we did BCN-ORY and would fly them again.

BA rules are the pits! CX are very friendly with families!

 

[Kangol]

Thanks, just had a look at the T&Cs and it looks like a no go on points and SCs:

Iberia (IB) (including Iberia affiliate Iberia Express (I2))	BGHKLMNOPQSVY	Economy	1	-
ACDIRJ	Business	1	25%
Status Credits are earned on all eligible booking classes. Excluded: Qantas Points and Status Credits are not earned on Codeshare Flights operated by airlines other than oneworld[SUP]®[/SUP] alliance airlines.

 

[calmelb]

Always wondered about Vueling and lounge access. I didn't even think about trying in BCN a few years ago. Agree, they are more than ok ... we did BCN-ORY and would fly them again.

BA rules are the pits! CX are very friendly with families!

No so in my situation. Back in the days before I had any status but my mum had Gold with Cathay (OW Sapphire) the lounge 'dragons' refused to let myself and my friend in (He was traveling with us). They were fine with us waiting outside the lounge with my mum inside and didn't care in the slightest. Now though, I don't have to suffer the same problem .

 

[tyrolean]

BA is quite strict with the "one guest" rule. Quite sad.
But on the other hand BA offers quite cheap Business Class fares and upgrades for nonflex tickets. That saves quite a hassle for the family and yields quite a few SCs.
On BA shorthaul I never got a personal greeting as WP.

Good to see that IB is flexible with families. Will have at try soon.

 

[Colster]

Update as to access to F Lounge galleries at T3 Heathrow. Traveling PE on QF02 in about 15 minutes.Talked to the the check in dude, Raoul, and he said if you have ANY problems, get them to call (he did say the J lounge). Went straight to the F lounge and told them that QF family policy and if they had a problem, they could call the F check in desk. "Oh that's right, that is QF policy. Welcome to the lounge sir"...

I was gobsmaked at how easy that was. Flying QF ticket seems
to have its benefits
. Success 2 x Kids, plus NB SWMBO all in the lounge now. .

BTW, at the check in they said Emirates lounge will be completed in October and that QF Pax will be directed there in future.