Surely it is now now time to change lounge access rules

[samh004]

I believe samh004 was being sarcastic.

I didn't want to say anything




 

[anat0l]

I didn't want to say anything

I probably should've added a "Just sayin'" quip at the end of my post.

The suggestion, if taken at face value, just isn't entirely new. Whether it's a feasible idea (and if it is, how to do it) and one that addresses the OP's concern is another debate.

Sent from my GT-I9300 using AustFreqFly

 

[penegal]

You're quite right, First Class Lounges should only be for First Class Passengers. I wouldn't even let a CL or P1 in them, unless they're in First Class of course.

Or, and now I'm really thinking outside the box here, what if you had a First Class lounge inside a First Class lounge. I don't think any major airline has ever done something like that before. You could even give it an illustrious title, of a mythical plane that once flew faster than sound or something like that.

Actually, Air China has Platinum lounge rooms in the First Class lounges in PEK T3. These small lounge rooms are equipped with a couple of couches and a TV, and are designed for Phoenix Miles Platinum members. I believe they are served by a waiter or something on demand. (Personally I'd find the room a bit claustrophobic, no windows or anything, so I'd rather sit out in the lounge!)

Malaysia Airlines have a similar facility in KUL for Enrich Platinum.

And of course, British Airways have the Concorde Room at LHR T5, which is really a First Class passengers only lounge (except for BA Golds who hold a Concorde Room pass, which I believe is only gifted upon them after achieving 5000 tier points, which is double Gold) - I think BA Premiers do not have access to this lounge unless they fly BA First.

I think the JL Sakura lounge at HKG has a First Class only section within the otherwise J/F lounge. Only passengers who are booked into First may sit in that section (oneworld Emeralds may not sit there). That said, it is just a roped off area of lounge, so it only guarantees a place to sit, nothing more.

You can add SQ to the list, which the OP may be familiar with... In T3 at SIN, they have the TPR for First Class passengers "by invitation", the F-Lounge (aka Solitaire lounge), and the J-Lounge (J pax on SQ and PPS), then the *G lounge (*G, random guests, etc). I have never found any of the lounges 'crowded', although the *G lounge can be 'busy' from time to time.

 

[Katie]

A little OT if I may:
*Puts on flame suit *
I personally think that QF should restrict WP access to the F Lounge to those flying internationally, ie. exclude JQ and QF domestic legs.
If indeed the only people using the FLounge in this way are FT/AFF'ers and their guests it probably won't make much difference but I would feel a bit annoyed if I couldn't get a seat or a spa appointment prior to a flight to LAX or LHR for instance when the seats / appointments were taken by WP's and guests on a MEL-SYD

*keeps flame suit on* I love you all despite this :mrgreen:

Even if I'm on an Intl flight, I'll go and stand at the bar to drink my champagne so that you can get a seat, Princess Fiona, if it ever comes to that.

 

[anat0l]

Even if I'm on an Intl flight, I'll go and stand at the bar to drink my champagne so that you can get a seat, Princess Fiona, if it ever comes to that.

Come on Katie, admit it - your figure with a champagne glass looks so much better when you're standing against the bar rather than sitting down.......

 

[Princess Fiona]

Even if I'm on an Intl flight, I'll go and stand at the bar to drink my champagne so that you can get a seat, Princess Fiona, if it ever comes to that.

Katie if you and I are ever in the Flounge at the same time we should sit at the bar stools and watch the passing parade as our glasses are constantly re-filled

 

[EmilyHoward]

Katie if you and I are ever in the Flounge at the same time we should sit at the bar stools and watch the passing parade as our glasses are constantly re-filled

Well if I'm there as well perhaps we can all sit together at the bar.

EH

 

[Eddie Bauer]

I find it insulting that the OP insinuates that the current crop of WP flyers with QF are pretend WP's simply due to the fact that QF has targeted DSC promotions. I have been a hard earned WP with the BIS miles for 6 out of the last 7 years and SG for the 1 year in the mix, all based on a mix of domestic discount and full whY (I have never in that time been offered a DSC promotion).

So why shouldn't I be allowed to participate in the benefits that QF is prepared to give me for my loyalty? I spend the money and do the miles, but for some that will never be good enough! First world problems for people who think the world revolves around them. NEWSFLASH, IT DOESN'T!

 

[TonyHancock]

I find it insulting that the OP insinuates that the current crop of WP flyers with QF are pretend WP's simply due to the fact that QF has targeted DSC promotions. I have been a hard earned WP with the BIS miles for 6 out of the last 7 years and SG for the 1 year in the mix, all based on a mix of domestic discount and full whY (I have never in that time been offered a DSC promotion).

So why shouldn't I be allowed to participate in the benefits that QF is prepared to give me for my loyalty? I spend the money and do the miles, but for some that will never be good enough! First world problems for people who think the world revolves around them. NEWSFLASH, IT DOESN'T!

I don't believe the OP is insinuating that the current crop of WP's have all earned their status through double status credit offers. I believe he is raising a legitimate concern that DSC offers leads to more WP's and potentially more lounge overcrowding.

As a BIS WP, and you have most definitely earned it if you are flying discount Y, wouldn't you find it annoying if MrsH (BIS SC's 650) was tucking into the Eggs Benedict's in the SYD F lounge whilst you couldn't get a table?

Yes of course this is a First World Problem...but then AFF is pretty much all about first world problems.

 

[penegal]

TonyHancock, that was far too coherent, go drink more...

 

[simongr]

The thing is TH someone will always have earned status in a way that each of us "look down on" so for me if someone else is eating in the lounge whilst I wait I don't feel put out I just relax and go with the flow.

I am not a "real" P1 as some was earned through DSCs but I have still flown a lot more than many WPs. That doesn't entitle me to anything more than them.

 

[burmans]

The thing is TH someone will always have earned status in a way that each of us "look down on" so for me if someone else is eating in the lounge whilst I wait I don't feel put out I just relax and go with the flow.

I am not a "real" P1 as some was earned through DSCs but I have still flown a lot more than many WPs. That doesn't entitle me to anything more than them.

Well said. I do think this is indeed a first world problem and maybe we just need to chill a bit, indeed "status" can't buy happiness. It's always struck me in visting "poorer" countries that all too often people seems happier, not talking about the extremes (like Sudan/Ethiopia) but this is true of many countries in Asia and Africa. Whereas the preponderance of grumpy old men (and occassional woman) is readily apparent in Australia in general but specifically on AFF and of course to an even greater extent on FT.

 

[medhead]

You can have mine if the neighbour does not steal it first, which is currently every second weekend

It's ok, there is a reason I haven't bothered to chase up about the newspaper. But don't tell anyone.


Sent from the Throne

 

[TonyHancock]

The thing is TH someone will always have earned status in a way that each of us "look down on" so for me if someone else is eating in the lounge whilst I wait I don't feel put out I just relax and go with the flow.

I am not a "real" P1 as some was earned through DSCs but I have still flown a lot more than many WPs. That doesn't entitle me to anything more than them.

The example I used is one that is tangible for many here to follow. For me it is not really about an individual case, it is just easier to express in an individual case. It could have been queues for the toilets/showers, no spa treatment etc etc. The point is more WP's potentially leads to less access to benefits.

I'm a survivor of the massive influx of those dreadful Ansett people p) in 2001 when it was nigh on impossible to get into the QP let alone find a seat, and yes it is a first world problem, but I would like to be able get a table at the F lounge restaurant for Eggs Benidict, between QF400 and QF129!!!!!! Once this year I couldn't and once was a near thing!

I understand that many AFF'rs enjoy travel and flying and the F lounge is a big part of the experience, I can't speak for feper, but for me flying is an occupational hazard. F Lounge access makes the gaps between getting on and off an aircraft more palatable.

#Goes back to Priority Pass Lounge and awaits to be called a hypocrite, self centred, and told to post on a first world problems website.#

 

[amaroo]

Waiting for a table in the Flounge is no different to finding a seat/table or waiting for a beverage at the J lounge or QP - first in first served.

I've traveled paid F and had to wait in the SYD Flounge for a table - didn't bother me. Just had extra champers & enjoyed the view.....then moved when the table was free.

I've no idea if I was waiting for a CL or WP1 or WP or lucky guests with absolutely no status.....however, you can guarantee that I was - there are bugger all F seats flown out of SYD.

Remember the airlines don't really care as they allow every eligible member the ability to offer guest access. For those that are advocating stricter access limits - maybe you can start with your guest privileges!

 

[muppet]

Waiting for a table in the Flounge is no different to finding a seat/table or waiting for a beverage at the J lounge or QP - first in first served.

I've traveled paid F and had to wait in the SYD Flounge for a table - didn't bother me. Just had extra champers & enjoyed the view.....then moved when the table was free.

I've no idea if I was waiting for a CL or WP1 or WP or lucky guests with absolutely no status.....however, you can guarantee that I was - there are bugger all F seats flown out of SYD.

Remember the airlines don't really care as they allow every eligible member the ability to offer guest access. For those that are advocating stricter access limits - maybe you can start with your guest privileges!

F pax can reserve at table IIRC?? so you shouldn't have to wait.

 

[amaroo]

F pax can reserve at table IIRC?? so you shouldn't have to wait.

Not true! You can reserve spa treatment & book kerb-side assistance.....you can request a note for the flight crew regarding degustation need.

For your stock standard WP F booking customer like me - thats it! Maybe you can reserve a table if you are CL or management.

 

[muppet]

Not true! You can reserve spa treatment & book kerb-side assistance.....you can request a note for the flight crew regarding degustation need.

For your stock standard WP F booking customer like me - thats it! Maybe you can reserve a table if you are CL or management.

well that's disappointing... I stand corrected.

 

[TonyHancock]

I have had an epiphany! As I have stood side by side, well....nearly, with feper throughout this thread I realise I have been wrong.

I am like a reformed smoker. QF does not go far enough and I advocate that SG's should be able to select the same seats as WP's and have the same "status" to upgrade using points as WP's. Should they have F Lounge access too?

The current setup is totally unfair to SG's. DJ seems to get it right with their Golds and Platinums and it appears to work.

How could I have got it so wrong I wonder to myself.

#Wanders off whistling innocently#

 

[dfcatch]

My thoughts on this issue are well known, and I will watch my manners so as not to get in trouble for a lack of diplomacy

However - let's separate out the lounge issues.

SYD - I have only ever on one occasion seen it "what I would call Busy". Insofar as there were no tables available and general food service took a bit of time (as I was seated in a lounge area). That said - I still got a spa treatment and the "busy period" was short-lived.

I think the SYD lounge capacity is pretty good and in reality I have never missed out. And of course - when flying F I have always got my spa treatment


SIN - QF have solved that issue.

LAX - let's see..... 2 A380s and a 747 all leaving from TBIT (add in another 747 now), all within an hour or so of each other.......
Of course the lounge will be crowded....

LHR - same same. And the CCR doesn't exist in T3 - so not a true comparison for QF flights.

And yes - on any discussion regarding lounge over-crowding - I would start with guest privileges.

Complaining about DSC promotions is a red-herring for reasons explained many times before.

(Search my previous rants for explanations).