Aegean Airlines Miles&Bonus - A3 for *G/Bag Fee Waivers/Lounge Access: An Analysis for UACO flyers

I am 1,050 miles short of A3 *G...I'll cross the 20k threshold in December. I put together an analysis of the costs and benefits of making A3 your *A program of choice.

I've not yet been to Greece...but when I get there over the next two years, I'll have my A3 Gold Card!

Here is LINK REMOVED BY MOD DUE TO REPEATED MALWARE SECURITY ALERTS. I'd welcome any comments or suggestions!

I'm gonna lock this down until the OP has contacted his blog site administrator and had it swept for malicious code. We'll open it again at that point. When ready NYBanker - just hit the little red report post icon and we'll get things moving again.
The article link was to a blog that point to A3 *G status as the cheapest way to get UACO RCC access.


GoldCircle
Aegean Airlines forum Mod

I think the biggest value of the program is for people like you (or me) who primarily fly other alliances, or who just don't fly much. If you're a star alliance flyer, you're giving up some combination of EQMs and RDMs (and bonus RDMs) in your primary program, while as a flyer from another alliance you're not giving up nearly as much.

I'm generally crediting my *A flights to A3. Lounge access via gold is an especially useful complement to those who get domestic lounge access via Amex, as it fills most of the holes in that program.

I agree with some of the analysis, but not all of it.

For example, a 1P would have absolutely no use for A3 status, unless they want to continue crediting to A3 (and I'm not sure why that would happen).

A3's policy that in order to recieve benifits, you must credit to them makes this strategy not effective.

For example, a 1P would have absolutely no use for A3 status, unless they want to continue crediting to A3 (and I'm not sure why that would happen).


Do you not get UA lounge access while flying UA on domestic US service if you are a *G member from a foreign carrier? That is a valuable benefit.

Do you not get UA lounge access while flying UA on domestic US service if you are a *G member from a foreign carrier? That is a valuable benefit.
Sure, it's a valuable benifit, but at what cost?

A3 has a policy that in order to use your benifits, you must credit to them, or your account will be closed after multiple infractions. I assume this is because they offset the lounge fees, etc. with the income from selling miles to the operating carrier.

Therefore, A3 has basically made it so that they must be your primary *A FFP to be of any use.

...A3 has a policy that in order to use your benifits, you must credit to them, or your account will be closed after multiple infractions...I fully understand this, and I am not afraid of such a policy as B&M is my primary programme and A3 the airline I use most of the times. Still, this policy is not stated anywhere by A3 and it sort of goes against what *A describes. Where do you have the info from?

I fully understand this, and I am not afraid of such a policy as B&M is my primary programme and A3 the airline I use most of the times. Still, this policy is not stated anywhere by A3 and it sort of goes against what *A describes. Where do you have the info from?

A contact who used to work for A3.

Apparently it is covered in the clause which goes something like "your A3 number must be reflected on your Boarding Pass to use benifits."

Do you not get UA lounge access while flying UA on domestic US service if you are a *G member from a foreign carrier? That is a valuable benefit.
A contact who used to work for A3.

Apparently it is covered in the clause which goes something like "your A3 number must be reflected on your Boarding Pass to use benifits."

Interesting. I am going for Gold mainly for the UA/CO lounge access.

A friend of mine who has reached A3 gold says he just presents his A3 card at the UA lounge - though his booking and boarding pass have his UA number for miles accrual. I haven't been with him when he enters the lounge, so I don't know the procedures they go through.

If you have a different FF number in your record, do the UA lounge dragons swipe the A3 card or manually note it in the PNR? How does the info get back to A3?

When I had a BA Gold (OW-E) card but started accruing on American, I just presented my BA card at the AA lounges and they'd let me straight into the Flagship Lounges - without any sort of notation. (This was in 2008.)

Interesting. I am going for Gold mainly for the UA/CO lounge access.

A friend of mine who has reached A3 gold says he just presents his A3 card at the UA lounge - though his booking and boarding pass have his UA number for miles accrual. I haven't been with him when he enters the lounge, so I don't know the procedures they go through.

If you have a different FF number in your record, do the UA lounge dragons swipe the A3 card or manually note it in the PNR? How does the info get back to A3?

When I had a BA Gold (OW-E) card but started accruing on American, I just presented my BA card at the AA lounges and they'd let me straight into the Flagship Lounges - without any sort of notation. (This was in 2008.)
I'd assume it's not too hard for them to figure out when they are paying the lounge fees for him but don't get the revenue?

Not sure about the specifics, sorry...

I'd assume it's not too hard for them to figure out when they are paying the lounge fees for him but don't get the revenue?

Not sure about the specifics, sorry...
It is however a valid question; yesterday I took a short flight from DUS to ZRH and when entering the lounge, the woman only scanned the bar code printed on my boarding card, without doing anything with the information on my Aegean card. I was billing the miles to A3 (as they give 500 instead of the 125 I would get with M&M) but had I used a different FFP, there would be no link to A3 whatsoever by just scanning my boarding card.

This actually supports the claim of others, that it is the operating carrier paying for the lounge access and not the gold card issuer.

It is however a valid question; yesterday I took a short flight from DUS to ZRH and when entering the lounge, the woman only scanned the bar code printed on my boarding card, without doing anything with the information on my Aegean card. I was billing the miles to A3 (as they give 500 instead of the 125 I would get with M&M) but had I used a different FFP, there would be no link to A3 whatsoever by just scanning my boarding card.

This actually supports the claim of others, that it is the operating carrier paying for the lounge access and not the gold card issuer.

I agree with that statement.
And there is nothing in the T&C that state that A3 can cancel the member's status. Just cause 1 agent said so doesn't make it true.
And I don't see that clause anywhere in the rules.

It is very clearly stated that A3 can cancel a membership, miles and status:

Terms and conditions (http://en.aegeanair.com/milesandbonus/program-description/terms-conditions/)

General terms
...
5. Violation of the Terms by the Member may lead to cancellation of all Member’s Miles, offers, as well as their entire membership.

I've always understood that the operating carrier pays for the lounge access. Membership of the alliance comes with its costs as well as its benefits for the airlines.

Very often a lounge has shared costs and that's why they record the entry via BP of the operating carrier; recording of status could be down to internal accounting (i.e. what's the cost of servicing alliance generated business).

It is very clearly stated that A3 can cancel a membership, miles and status:

Terms and conditions (http://en.aegeanair.com/milesandbonus/program-description/terms-conditions/)

General terms
...
5. Violation of the Terms by the Member may lead to cancellation of all Member’s Miles, offers, as well as their entire membership.

yes, but where does it say that by not having the A3 miles credited and using the lounge, that they can cancel it?

It is however a valid question; yesterday I took a short flight from DUS to ZRH and when entering the lounge, the woman only scanned the bar code printed on my boarding card, without doing anything with the information on my Aegean card. I was billing the miles to A3 (as they give 500 instead of the 125 I would get with M&M) but had I used a different FFP, there would be no link to A3 whatsoever by just scanning my boarding card.

This actually supports the claim of others, that it is the operating carrier paying for the lounge access and not the gold card issuer.
In this case the boarding card is linked to your A3 gold number, which is providing the access. The big question is whether personally-identifiable information makes its way back to A3, or just notification that one of their elites used the lounge.
yes, but where does it say that by not having the A3 miles credited and using the lounge, that they can cancel it?
There's a fair bit of ambiguity, but it's at least close enough that if they want to they could enforce a broad interpretation of this clause:
Miles&Bonus Gold Members reserve the right to use the Star Alliance network’s lounges globally. Mandatory for access is the demonstration of the Gold Card which bears the Star Alliance logo along with the boarding pass with the distinctive *G, as testimony to the Member’s level in the Miles&Bonus programme, and to the fact that his/her flight is operated by a Star Alliance member-carrier.

I saw that, but *G can also be my UA *G or BD *G, but I do see the point. I'm just stating that if A3 went ahead and cancel people's accounts one can argue back that they closed the account without a T&C violation.

I saw that, but *G can also be my UA *G or BD *G, but I do see the point. I'm just stating that if A3 went ahead and cancel people's accounts one can argue back that they closed the account without a T&C violation.
One can argue, but there's a question of how much good that it would do. They're also free to change the terms at any time. In any case, the program makes much more sense for people who are not *G with other airlines most of the time.

I agree with that statement.
And there is nothing in the T&C that state that A3 can cancel the member's status. Just cause 1 agent said so doesn't make it true.
And I don't see that clause anywhere in the rules.

It is very clearly stated that A3 can cancel a membership, miles and status:

Terms and conditions (http://en.aegeanair.com/milesandbonus/program-description/terms-conditions/)

General terms
...
5. Violation of the Terms by the Member may lead to cancellation of all Member’s Miles, offers, as well as their entire membership.

yes, but where does it say that by not having the A3 miles credited and using the lounge, that they can cancel it?

You were just saying that there was nothing stating that A3 can cancel memberships, and as it is very clear from the T&C that they can, I just pointed that out to you.

Others are giving you their educated guesses and insights of what might be a violation of the T&C, but the final decision about what is a violation or not is of course in A3's hands. Therefore, IMHO, it is of little use to try to convince others that it is or isn't.

As this thread is rapidly heading in the direction that GoldCirlce asked us to stay away from in the house rules (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/17512242-post1.html), I will not further participate in the discussion.

In this case the boarding card is linked to your A3 gold number, which is providing the access. The big question is whether personally-identifiable information makes its way back to A3, or just notification that one of their elites used the lounge.

There's a fair bit of ambiguity, but it's at least close enough that if they want to they could enforce a broad interpretation of this clause:
In this case, yes, as I was actually using M&B as my FFB as well. That was exactly my point - had I credited the miles to my M&M account then no connection whatsoever was made to A3.

Furthermore, my wife traveled with me on that flight, and got in as my partner. For her they also just scanned the boarding card, after they gave me back my stuff already. She could be collecting with any program. Would that program then be charged, although she is theoretically only "blue" member in that program?

I am still inclined to believe that the operating carrier actually pays for lounge access, but it would be good if someone knew for sure how this works.

In this case, yes, as I was actually using M&B as my FFB as well. That was exactly my point - had I credited the miles to my M&M account then no connection whatsoever was made to A3.And if no connection was made, what reason would they have to grant you access, absent being eligible through eg M&M? You'd need to show the M&B card, and based on that they'd once again have the documentation of why you get access, and on whose tab.

Your BP had your M&B info on it. That info was used to grant you entry, and to arrange for billing. They did not need the card because they already had the information they needed to confirm access and bill the right party.

I guess I'm confused regarding the source of your confusion.

Furthermore, my wife traveled with me on that flight, and got in as my partner. For her they also just scanned the boarding card, after they gave me back my stuff already. She could be collecting with any program. Would that program then be charged, although she is theoretically only "blue" member in that program?You already said she was granted access as your guest. You are correct that she could be collecting with any program, but there is a requirement that she be departing on a Star Alliance flight, which is verified by scanning her boarding pass. As she was granted admittance as your guest, her admission is billed along with yours.

And if no connection was made, what reason would they have to grant you access, absent being eligible through eg M&M? You'd need to show the M&B card, and based on that they'd once again have the documentation of why you get access, and on whose tab.

Your BP had your M&B info on it. That info was used to grant you entry, and to arrange for billing. They did not need the card because they already had the information they needed to confirm access and bill the right party.

I guess I'm confused regarding the source of your confusion.

You already said she was granted access as your guest. You are correct that she could be collecting with any program, but there is a requirement that she be departing on a Star Alliance flight, which is verified by scanning her boarding pass. As she was granted admittance as your guest, her admission is billed along with yours.
Err.. Whatever.. I think we are talking on different frequencies so better leave it at this.

Would still be interested to know if it is the card issuer or the flight operator who pays for the lounge access.

I have a friend that has A3 Gold and he has used his benefits on 10 AC flts while crediting his UA acct.
His acct hasn't been cancelled.
The 10 flts occurred over 3 weeks.

I have a friend that has A3 Gold and he has used his benefits on 10 AC flts while crediting his UA acct.
His acct hasn't been cancelled.
The 10 flts occurred over 3 weeks.

Yep, they aren't doing it now. However, when they hit the cash crunch (which will be soon if people keep doing this), they will start... At least that's my understanding.

A contact who used to work for A3.

Apparently it is covered in the clause which goes something like "your A3 number must be reflected on your Boarding Pass to use benifits."

I am yet to see or hear with any confirmation from anyone, whose membership with A3 was withdrawn or cancelled, because of 'non-compliance' with the above rule.

The basis of recording or collecting info on the BP has been for record keeping purpose, (more like segregating your own elite from *A ones). I have confirmed this when I was accessing the SQ lounge in SFO as a BMI *G.

YMMV

Yep, they aren't doing it now. However, when they hit the cash crunch (which will be soon if people keep doing this), they will start... At least that's my understanding.

I tend to agree with this theory. A3 are a small airline, they would not be able to sustain the costs.

I am yet to see or hear with any confirmation from anyone, whose membership with A3 was withdrawn or cancelled, because of 'non-compliance' with the above rule.

The basis of recording or collecting info on the BP has been for record keeping purpose, (more like segregating your own elite from *A ones). I have confirmed this when I was accessing the SQ lounge in SFO as a BMI *G.

YMMV


But in the case of the UA/CO flyer doing this over and over, surely Aegean are picking up the cost (from UA/CO) of the lounge access (at the time the Aegean card is swiped in the lounge) without getting the payback from UA/CO for the miles flown?

I don't really know how this works but surely it's set up so that the airline being credited with the FF points gets paid for them?

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Are there any minimum requirements for A3 Gold to actually fly on A3 (like AC has both mileage & segments requirement)?

Are there any minimum requirements for A3 Gold to actually fly on A3 (like AC has both mileage & segments requirement)?

no

Interesting discussion. How does it work when you're flying on a reward redemption? Your FF # and status aren't attached to your BP, and there are no miles to earn, but you do swipe your *G card for lounge access (assuming you're flying in Y). Does the airline you have status with pay for the lounge access, or does the operating airline?

Just an observation I've made at several airports, which may or may not relate to who pays for the lounge access: I have my A3 number added at check in and when I visit the lounge indicated by the check in staff, they have just scanned my BP and let me in, but when I've gone to a different *A lounge they have asked for my A3 gold card too and had to do a bit of typing. I get the feeling that the lounge agreements/charges between *A members may in fact be rather complicated.

+1 probably the best kept secret in the airline industry ;)

Just an observation I've made at several airports, which may or may not relate to who pays for the lounge access: I have my A3 number added at check in and when I visit the lounge indicated by the check in staff, they have just scanned my BP and let me in, but when I've gone to a different *A lounge they have asked for my A3 gold card too and had to do a bit of typing. I get the feeling that the lounge agreements/charges between *A members may in fact be rather complicated.

Interesting discussion. How does it work when you're flying on a reward redemption? Your FF # and status aren't attached to your BP, and there are no miles to earn, but you do swipe your *G card for lounge access (assuming you're flying in Y). Does the airline you have status with pay for the lounge access, or does the operating airline?

Actually I am on TLL airport right now waiting a flight with Estonian Air to CPH. However, I booked the flight with BLUE1 and my boarding pass displays an SK number. Wanted to enter the lounge with Aegean gold card, but was rejected. The woman literally told me "Estonian Air only pays for Eurobonus gold members, not for other Star Alliance gold members". So I asked her about that and she firmly confirmed that it is the operating airline paying and not the gold card issuer. Had my flight been operated by SAS or LH it would not have been a problem to enter the lounge.

Check out pages 14 & 15 of this document for some color around how costs are shared between *A carriers:

http://www.starallianceemployees.com/uploads/media/01.12.10-NETWORKall_IN._PAGES__01.pdf

Check out pages 14 & 15 of this document for some color around how costs are shared between *A carriers:

http://www.starallianceemployees.com/uploads/media/01.12.10-NETWORKall_IN._PAGES__01.pdf

Interesting read, but still not much detail on if FFP or the operating airline paying ..

OTOH, can OP just cut and paste his blog (in text) and post it here? I am interested to read.

The woman literally told me "Estonian Air only pays for Eurobonus gold members, not for other Star Alliance gold members". .

I'm not sure this proves anything about who pays. She was absolutely correct as far as *A rules go, it's the operating carrier that determines whether you have a *A boarding pass which is a requirement to use *G privileges.

I'm not sure this proves anything about who pays. She was absolutely correct as far as *A rules go, it's the operating carrier that determines whether you have a *A boarding pass which is a requirement to use *G privileges.

Estonian is not part of Star Alliance, but they do use EuroBonus as their official FF-program. That's why you can enter the lounge with a EB*G, which is "their own" gold card, but not with any other Star Alliance gold card. *G privileges are not valid on Estonian.