Velocity Gold Lounge access: KLM marketed Etihad operated

[travel193]

I'm wondering if one can access the Etihad lounge with Velocity Gold on a KLM marketed, Etihad operated flight. It seems both points and status earn are out of the question without an EY flight number but what about lounge access?

I've had a look around and haven't found any commentary on this, but apologies if it has been asked and answered elsewhere.

 

[esseeeayeenn]

I would say probably no chance unfortunately.
If the flight was being marketed by an Etihad partner it might work but KLM/AF are part of Skyteam and not Etihad partners (AFAIK).
Do you have status with any Skyteam member airlines? Alitalia would be a good bet as they are both Skyteam members and Etihad partners.
But you might as well try your luck!

Edit:
I may be wrong.
Regarding Etihad lounge access for Velocity Gold members, the Velocity website says:
"Based on your eligibility status and operating airline, pre-departure lounge is available to you from the following international airports."
There is no mention of the marketing airline. This could, however, just be a lack of detail on this page.
I don't know your flight details so I couldn't see if the relevant airport was listed.

 

[travel193]

Thanks for the quick response. No Skyteam status so the only hope would be the lack of detail you mentioned regarding marketing airline.
I'm guessing they'll ask to see the ticket though and when they see a KLM flight number I wonder how lenient they'll be.

Haven't booked anything but just thought it was interesting to see KLM ticketed, Etihad operated significantly cheaper than the same flights with Etihad.

 

[esseeeayeenn]

You can buy access to some EY lounges now, so that might be worth considering.

 

[odysseus]

Haven't booked anything but just thought it was interesting to see KLM ticketed, Etihad operated significantly cheaper than the same flights with Etihad.

The difference between operating cost (and interline agreement pricing) vs retail markup.

KLM has a lower profile and customer preference here, so their pricing is cheaper to attract custom. They codeshare with Etihad but don't apply the premium to their product.

Etihad is popular, so prices higher here as it can get the business.

 

[travel193]

The difference between operating cost (and interline agreement pricing) vs retail markup.

KLM has a lower profile and customer preference here, so their pricing is cheaper to attract custom. They codeshare with Etihad but don't apply the premium to their product.

Etihad is popular, so prices higher here as it can get the business.

Very interesting. Wasn't aware.

 

[BNEFlyer]

I'm wondering if one can access the Etihad lounge with Velocity Gold on a KLM marketed, Etihad operated flight. It seems both points and status earn are out of the question without an EY flight number but what about lounge access?

I've had a look around and haven't found any commentary on this, but apologies if it has been asked and answered elsewhere.

Yes you can access the EY lounge as you're a VA Gold travelling on EY. If the ticket is a KL ticket you can credit to EY and depending on the amount of points awarded, use them to book VA flights. There probably won't be any status credits though, but add your Velocity FF number to the booking on the EY site and see what happens.