Swiss International Airlines - Access to the new ZRH Arrival Lounge

Dear SWISS Lurker,

[Note: I have appended additional questions and SWISS Lurker's replies below to save others having to read through the whole thread.]

I wonder if you could clarify the access rules for the new ZRH Arrival Lounge. According to swiss.com (http://www.swiss.com/web/EN/fly_swiss/swiss_lounges/Pages/zurich_lounges.aspx?1335559939189&Country=CH#arrival) the Arrival Lounge may be used by LX/LH First & Business Class passengers and HON Circle members, and by "only SWISS Senators" and "only SWISS Frequent Flyers" (flying in Economy).

Does it mean SENs and FTLs arriving on LX only (but not on LH) can access the lounge when flying in Economy, or only SENs and FTLs with the SWISS logo on their M&M card can access the lounge when flying in Economy? The wording is not very clear.

Also the access rules do not mention anything about eligible flights. Is access to the Arrival Lounge limited to passengers arriving on longhaul flights or can those arriving on shorthaul flights also use the lounge?

Thanks for any clarification.

-----

This question has been answered by SWISS Lurker in posts #5 and #9 as follows:

- All Miles&More status customers (FTL, SEN, HON), irrespective of the logo or branding of their Miles&More status card, have access to the SWISS Arrivals Lounge, also irrespective of where they are arriving from (both EU and IC flights), and irrespective of whether arriving on LX or on LH (FTL/SEN: Star Alliance flights; HON: any carrier).
- Star Gold status customers are not eligible for SWISS Arrival Lounge access when travelling in Economy on any carrier.
- Business Class passengers without M&M status only of SWISS and Lufthansa are admitted, both long- and shorthaul for SWISS, longhaul only for Lufthansa.
- First Class passengers without M&M status only of SWISS and Lufthansa are admitted.

SWISS Lurker also responded to a question about guest access in post #17.

The companion access policies are the same as for departing passengers in SWISS' own lounges. Please note that the companions need to be passengers as well (holding a boarding card), and that, obviously, the guest himself/herself needs to be eligible for access according to the previous posts:

- First Class, no status: 1 companion arriving on a Star Alliance flight, plus own family (spouse/partner and children younger than 18 years) arriving on the same flight
- Business Class, no status: no companion
- HON Circle: 1 companion, plus own family (spouse/partner and children younger than 18 years), all arriving on any flight
- Senator: 1 companion, plus own children younger than 18 years, all arriving on a Star Alliance flight
- Frequent Traveller: no companion

Access is dependent on the flight/class the passenger is arriving on, not on any connecting flights.

SENs and FTLs with the SWISS logo on their M&M card can access the lounge when flying in Economy? .

When flying economy on LX or any class of service on a *alliance carrier ????

"only SWISS Senators" -- there goes the official myth that the branding of the Miles&More card is irrelevant...

HTB.

When flying economy on LX or any class of service on a *alliance carrier ????
I don't know about the new Lounge, but last year I got in no problem with my LH branded FTL Card arriving in AC Y, so it would seem any M&M Status member arriving on ANY *A Flight, as Gianrico has previously stated you could use it arriving Shorthaul, too.

Dear SWISS Lurker,

I wonder if you could clarify the access rules for the new ZRH Arrival Lounge. According to swiss.com (http://www.swiss.com/web/EN/fly_swiss/swiss_lounges/Pages/zurich_lounges.aspx?1335559939189&Country=CH#arrival) the Arrival Lounge may be used by LX/LH First & Business Class passengers and HON Circle members, and by "only SWISS Senators" and "only SWISS Frequent Flyers" (flying in Economy).

Does it mean SENs and FTLs arriving on LX only (but not on LH) can access the lounge when flying in Economy, or only SENs and FTLs with the SWISS logo on their M&M card can access the lounge when flying in Economy? The wording is not very clear.

Also the access rules do not mention anything about eligible flights. Is access to the Arrival Lounge limited to passengers arriving on longhaul flights or can those arriving on shorthaul flights also use the lounge?

Thanks for any clarification.

Dear FlyerTalkers

First of all, let me apologize for my late reply, and for the confusing communications in this matter.

I could clarify the SWISS Arrival Lounge access policies with the responsible colleagues, and they are as follows:

All Miles&More status customers (FTL, SEN, HON), irrespective of the logo or branding of their Miles&More status card, have access to the SWISS Arrivals Lounge, also irrespective of where they are arriving from (both EU and IC flights), and irrespective of whether arriving on LX or on LH (FTL/SEN: Star Alliance flights; HON: any carrier).

I hope I could clarify the open questions with this. Once again, I'm sorry for the confusion caused.

Kind regards,
Gianrico

Dear FlyerTalkers

First of all, let me apologize for my late reply, and for the confusing communications in this matter.

I could clarify the SWISS Arrival Lounge access policies with the responsible colleagues, and they are as follows:

All Miles&More status customers (FTL, SEN, HON), irrespective of the logo or branding of their Miles&More status card, have access to the SWISS Arrivals Lounge, also irrespective of where they are arriving from (both EU and IC flights), and irrespective of whether arriving on LX or on LH (FTL/SEN: Star Alliance flights; HON: any carrier).

I hope I could clarify the open questions with this. Once again, I'm sorry for the confusion caused.

Kind regards,
Gianrico
Dear Gianrico,

Thank you for the reply and clarification. It's good to know that the SWISS Arrivals Lounge access policies are very generous to M&M status customers.

The question arose because of rather strange wording in the access policy table on swiss.com which mentioned:

Arrival Lounge: only SWISS Senators
Arrival Lounge: only SWISS Frequent Travellers

and their equivalent in German, French and Italian. Also another FTer has pointed out that in the German version there is a footnote:
"* Lufthansa Business Class Passagiere haben nur nach einem Langstreckenflug via Düsseldorf, München oder Frankfurt Zutritt zur SWISS Arrival Lounge"

Also in the last couple of days there have been reports on FlyerTalk from passengers who were denied access to the Arrivals Lounge:

SEN travelling CDG-ZRH in Y (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/18540902-post16.html) was denied access to the Arrival Lounge. The lounge lady explained that LH SEN travelling in Y are granted access only when connecting from an intercontinental flight via FRA/MUC/DUS.

SEN arriving on LH shorthaul in C (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/miles-more-lufthansa-austrian-swiss-other-partners/1344361-lx-out-scoreing-lh-swiss-arrival-lounge-closed-lh-guests.html) was refused entry to the new Swiss arrivals lounge in Zurich "because LH does not pay us for the access."

SEN arriving in ZRH from FRA, LH flight, C class. (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/18543684-post14.html) "I showed the BP and told that I cannot enter. I had to show my LX SEN card and than there were no problem to enter."

I very much hope these reports represent isolated cases and that lounge staff are reminded of the access policies.

Also can you please alert those responsible for the website that the access rule tables might be in need of amendment to reflect the policies.

Thank you.

Thank you very much Gianrico for these clarifications. Much appreciated.

In order to complete the picture, could you perhaps also state the access policies for Star Gold cardholders in Economy, which carrier Business Class pax (short-, longhaul), which carrier First Class pax, which carrier.

Sooner or later, questions along the lines of "I am a UA *G member arriving on SQ in Economy..." are bound to pop up.

Dear FlyerTalkers

First of all, let me apologize for my late reply, and for the confusing communications in this matter.

I could clarify the SWISS Arrival Lounge access policies with the responsible colleagues, and they are as follows:

All Miles&More status customers (FTL, SEN, HON), irrespective of the logo or branding of their Miles&More status card, have access to the SWISS Arrivals Lounge, also irrespective of where they are arriving from (both EU and IC flights), and irrespective of whether arriving on LX or on LH (FTL/SEN: Star Alliance flights; HON: any carrier).

I hope I could clarify the open questions with this. Once again, I'm sorry for the confusion caused.

Kind regards,
Gianrico

Maybe you should tell your lounge wardens because what you describe here is not reality ... non-LX status travellers (e.g. LH SENs) do not have access yet.

Thank you very much Gianrico for these clarifications. Much appreciated.

In order to complete the picture, could you perhaps also state the access policies for Star Gold cardholders in Economy, which carrier Business Class pax (short-, longhaul), which carrier First Class pax, which carrier.

Sooner or later, questions along the lines of "I am a UA *G member arriving on SQ in Economy..." are bound to pop up.

Dear airoli

Thanks for your question. Here are the respective answers:

- Star Gold status customers are not eligible for SWISS Arrival Lounge access when travelling in Economy on any carrier.
- Business Class passengers without M&M status only of SWISS and Lufthansa are admitted, both long- and shorthaul for SWISS, longhaul only for Lufthansa.
- First Class passengers without M&M status only of SWISS and Lufthansa are admitted.

I hope I could help you with this information.

Kind regards,
Gianrico

Dear Gianrico,

I very much hope these reports represent isolated cases and that lounge staff are reminded of the access policies.

Also can you please alert those responsible for the website that the access rule tables might be in need of amendment to reflect the policies.

Thank you.

Dear NewbieRunner

Thanks for your input.

Both the swiss.com department as well as the lounge personnel have been informed.

Best regards,
Gianrico

Dear NewbieRunner

Thanks for your input.

Both the swiss.com department as well as the lounge personnel have been informed.

Best regards,
Gianrico
Dear Gianrico,

Thanks for the update. Let's hope information on the website will be amended to reflect the access policies which you have clearly explained in your replies.

It looks like the lounge access information on SWISS website has been amended in all four languages including the correction posted by Gianrico yesterday about the Business Class access policy.

I think the rules are quite clear now though somewhat complex and the information on the website is not as comprehensive as what has been posted here .

Also I would like to add that considering the generous access policy for M&M status customers it's a shame that the lounge is only open until 13:00.

OK so I am a little confused with my particular situation as to whether I and my wife will access to the Arrivals lounge.

We are both flying into ZRH on UA. She will be in F and I will be in Y. I am *G and she does not have status. We are departing later that day on LX. She again will be in F and I will be in Y for another IC flight. Our plan is to go into Zurich for a few hours but wanted to freshen up and grab a bite to eat first. Does she have access because of the LX F flight later that day?

OK so I am a little confused with my particular situation as to whether I and my wife will access to the Arrivals lounge.

We are both flying into ZRH on UA. She will be in F and I will be in Y. I am *G and she does not have status. We are departing later that day on LX. She again will be in F and I will be in Y for another IC flight. Our plan is to go into Zurich for a few hours but wanted to freshen up and grab a bite to eat first. Does she have access because of the LX F flight later that day?
I don't see how either of you would have access to the Arrival Lounge arriving on UA, without M&M Status, however, with a departing Flight on LX, your wife does have access to the LX F Lounge, while you have access to the SEN/*G Lounge. Assuming you're both on the same departing Flight, you can also guest each other in to either (though obviously the F Lounge outranks *G ;-))

Follow signs for transfer gates A to the F Lounge, and she can guest you in there for Breakfast/a Shower (you'll need your onward Boarding Passes, if you don't already have them, pick them up airside at a transfer desk). You could then leave the Airport (follow 'Exit Zurich' signs) to go downtown.

I don't see how either of you would have access to the Arrival Lounge arriving on UA, without M&M Status, however, with a departing Flight on LX, your wife does have access to the LX F Lounge, while you have access to the SEN/*G Lounge. Assuming you're both on the same departing Flight, you can also guest each other in to either (though obviously the F Lounge outranks *G ;-))

Follow signs for transfer gates A to the F Lounge, and she can guest you in there for Breakfast/a Shower (you'll need your onward Boarding Passes, if you don't already have them, pick them up airside at a transfer desk). You could then leave the Airport (follow 'Exit Zurich' signs) to go downtown.

Thanks for the info and yes I was banking on being guested in. I just wasn't sure if the inward LX connection allowed us into the arrival lounge. Going to the F lounge (yes we are on the same flight) seems easy enough with the onward boarding card and then exiting to Zurich.

Thanks for the info and quick reply.

PHLyer82's post raises another question which hasn't been asked before. The lounge access policy table on swiss.com doesn't mention anything about guest access.

I wonder if SWISS Lurker can confirm whether or not a guest on the same flight is allowed into the Arrival Lounge in ZRH. Thanks.

PHLyer82's post raises another question which hasn't been asked before. The lounge access policy table on swiss.com doesn't mention anything about guest access.

I wonder if SWISS Lurker can confirm whether or not a guest on the same flight is allowed into the Arrival Lounge in ZRH. Thanks.

Dear NewbieRunner

The companion access policies are the same as for departing passengers in SWISS' own lounges. Please note that the companions need to be passengers as well (holding a boarding card), and that, obviously, the guest himself/herself needs to be eligible for access according to the previous posts:

- First Class, no status: 1 companion arriving on a Star Alliance flight, plus own family (spouse/partner and children younger than 18 years) arriving on the same flight
- Business Class, no status: no companion
- HON Circle: 1 companion, plus own family (spouse/partner and children younger than 18 years), all arriving on any flight
- Senator: 1 companion, plus own children younger than 18 years, all arriving on a Star Alliance flight
- Frequent Traveller: no companions

Access is dependent on the flight/class the passenger is arriving on, not on any connecting flights, i.e. PHLyer82 would not be eligible for access, since his incoming flight is not eligible and he does not hold Miles&More status.

Once again, I hope I could help you with this.

Kind regards,
Gianrico

Dear NewbieRunner

The companion access policies are the same as for departing passengers in SWISS' own lounges. Please note that the companions need to be passengers as well (holding a boarding card), and that, obviously, the guest himself/herself needs to be eligible for access according to the previous posts:

- First Class, no status: 1 companion arriving on a Star Alliance flight, plus own family (spouse/partner and children younger than 18 years) arriving on the same flight
- Business Class, no status: no companion
- HON Circle: 1 companion, plus own family (spouse/partner and children younger than 18 years), all arriving on any flight
- Senator: 1 companion, plus own children younger than 18 years, all arriving on a Star Alliance flight
- Frequent Traveller: no companions

Access is dependent on the flight/class the passenger is arriving on, not on any connecting flights, i.e. PHLyer82 would not be eligible for access, since his incoming flight is not eligible and he does not hold Miles&More status.

Once again, I hope I could help you with this.

Kind regards,
Gianrico
Dear Gianrico,

Thank you again for the reply. I think your post answers all the questions about companion access for M&M status customers and premium class passengers. Can I assume Star Gold members can also invite one companion into a lounge that they are eligible to access? (Obviously not to the Arrival Lounge if they are travelling in Economy.)

Having searched swiss.com I have not been able to find any information about companion access to SWISS lounges. I may have missed it but it would be very helpful if the information you have posted here is also readily available on the website. After all not everybody who flies SWISS is savvy enough to come to FT for information. ;)

One final (hopefully!) minor point. The list of lounges worldwide (http://www.swiss.com/web/EN/fly_swiss/swiss_lounges/Pages/lounges_worldwide.aspx) still mentions "SWISS Senator" and "SWISS Frequent Traveller" as having access to the ZRH Arrival Lounge. I realise the rules are somewhat complex but should it not read "Miles & More Senator" and "Miles & More Frequent Traveller" instead?

Dear Gianrico,

Thank you again for the reply. I think your post answers all the questions about companion access for M&M status customers and premium class passengers. Can I assume Star Gold members can also invite one companion into a lounge that they are eligible to access? (Obviously not to the Arrival Lounge if they are travelling in Economy.)

Having searched swiss.com I have not been able to find any information about companion access to SWISS lounges. I may have missed it but it would be very helpful if the information you have posted here is also readily available on the website. After all not everybody who flies SWISS is savvy enough to come to FT for information. ;)

One final (hopefully!) minor point. The list of lounges worldwide (http://www.swiss.com/web/EN/fly_swiss/swiss_lounges/Pages/lounges_worldwide.aspx) still mentions "SWISS Senator" and "SWISS Frequent Traveller" as having access to the ZRH Arrival Lounge. I realise the rules are somewhat complex but should it not read "Miles & More Senator" and "Miles & More Frequent Traveller" instead?

Dear NewbieRunner

*Gold customers - when eligible for entry to the specific lounge - are allowed 1 companion who is leaving on any Star Alliance flight for SWISS-owned lounges, or 1 companion who is leaving on the same LX flight for contracted lounges. Like you rightly say, this does not apply to the SWISS Arrival Lounge, as *Gold customers do not have access there.

I have forwarded your comments and suggestions to the SWISS.com department accordingly.

Kind regards,
Gianrico

use this lounge if you are allowed access I used it 2 days ago - nice dayroom nice shower good breakfast and very gemuetlich lounge staff - like the Frankfurt Arrivals lounge except nicer - only variation on this theme is that there is no smoking room - FRA Arrivals has a smoking room Good staff both lounges

Incidentally, I recently flew into ZRH and purchased an upgrade at check-in. None of the agents were certain whether the check-in upgrade would include arrivals lounge access. It turns out it does (which I assume is intentional, it would be odd not to I think).

This is especially nice because I didn't have access to the departure lounge for my connection even though I arrived from longhaul C :( Must get *G back asap...

I concur with others that the lounge is very nice. Hopefully I'll have a chance to use it again.

I had no problem accessing the lounge a few weeks ago as an FTL when arriving on a LX Y ticket. Very nice to be able to spend 3 hours here while waiting for my next flight.
The only complaint I have is that the coffee out of the machine is rather cold.

I paid my first visit to the Arrival Lounge last week. (I actually booked a later connecting flight for a chance to try the lounge!)

When I showed my arriving BP at the desk the lounge receptionist asked "Which airline?" so I answered "Swiss". When she saw my HON card she said "Ah, Lufthansa", so it looks like they take note of the logo on your card rather than the flight you arrived on. Could it be because I arrived in Y and would it have been different had I arrived in C?

Don't think so.... they probably charge LH for access for anybody they can.

Quick question:

Arriving on TK in Y, I am allowed access as SEN (LX) to the LX arrival lounge in ZRH - is this correct?

But I can't guest in a *G arriving on the same flight (also in Y) - correct?

Quick question:

Arriving on TK in Y, I am allowed access as SEN (LX) to the LX arrival lounge in ZRH - is this correct?

But I can't guest in a *G arriving on the same flight (also in Y) - correct?
As quoted in the first post SEN (LH or LX ;)) has access to the ZRH arrival lounge when arriving on a *A flight. It was confirmed in post #17 that SEN may bring a guest arriving on a *A flight.

As quoted in the first post SEN (LH or LX ;)) has access to the ZRH arrival lounge when arriving on a *A flight. It was confirmed in post #17 that SEN may bring a guest arriving on a *A flight.

Thank you NewbieRunner, I was only reading the #1 entry with the updates from the SWISS lurker added from page 1, and was missing that information - my bad.

Could the information in post #17 maybe be added to the entrance posting, to make it more convenient for less smart people like myself? ;)

Great news we can enjoy the LX arrival lounge together ^

Could the information in post #17 maybe be added to the entrance posting, to make it more convenient for less smart people like myself? ;)
Done. :)

I've another question, I think it hasn't been asked before (searched through, but couldn't find anything about it)

If I have a Flugzug (Airtrain), ZDH (Basel) to ZRH ticket prior to a flight out of ZRH, I know I can access the Arrival Lounge in ZRH upon arriving the airport.

Now, for an upcoming flight out of ZRH in the evening, I booked a Flugzug as well which departs Basel sometime around 5pm.

As I know, I can take any train to ZRH from Basel on the same day, so I'll be travelling in the morning to ZRH (like every day anyway, this saves me a day I can drop my SBB GA Swiss travel card earlier)

As it wouldn't be a big detour for me, could I access the Arrival lounge in the morning with my (evening) arriving boarding pass for the Flugzug/Airtrain?

If the conditions are "same day arriving BP (+Status/C/F)", then I would qualify, is this correct?

I know I could just go airside and have breakfast in the SEN lounge, but the breakfast in the arrival lounge is better, and it would spare me security check and quite some walking too.

Thank you ^

As it wouldn't be a big detour for me, could I access the Arrival lounge in the morning with my (evening) arriving boarding pass for the Flugzug/Airtrain?Anything for a free breakfast, eh? :rolleyes:

Anything for a free breakfast, eh? :rolleyes:

You got anything to say or you just like to rant around? :td:

So you're taking a Flugzug from Basel to ZRH and then you'll be taking a Flugzeug.

It's maddening when the Swiss use English words instead of the German I learned - the German word for 'airline' used to be 'Fluggesellschaft', but now it's 'Airline'. And for me a 'Postcard' is something with a pretty picture that you mail from your holiday except in Switzerland where it's a payment card from the Post Office. :eek:

Here's a case where English words might help. :D

ETA: No, wait. A Flugzeug is a Maschine, isn't it?

Arrived this morning on US 710 from PHL in Eco and as LX SEN could use the showers of the LX Arrival Lounge!
As a first timer to this lounge I must admit I was impressed and I highly appreciated this service and the great infrastructure as I needed to go to work directly after arrival ^
Thx, LX :)

The companion access policies are the same as for departing passengers in SWISS' own lounges. Please note that the companions need to be passengers as well (holding a boarding card), and that, obviously:

- Senator: 1 companion, plus own children younger than 18 years, all arriving on a Star Alliance flight

Gianrico

As quoted in the first post SEN (LH or LX ;)) has access to the ZRH arrival lounge when arriving on a *A flight. It was confirmed in post #17 that SEN may bring a guest arriving on a *A flight.

WARNING !

It was confirmed indeed, but seems simply not being the case anymore.

I always chat with the absolutely charming people at the entrance desk and was yesterday clearly confirmed that Senators incoming on a long haul *alliance flight can NOT bring any guest into the arrival lounge. Even not by paying as they have no cash register.

It would be nice if Gianrico investigates and clarifies this matter with the team working in the arrivals lounge to avoid fellow FTalkers embarassing scenes when attempting to enter with guests.

me (SEN) was allowed to bring a Guest on a TK flight (both same flight) just weeks ago..

WARNING !

It was confirmed indeed, but seems simply not being the case anymore.

I always chat with the absolutely charming people at the entrance desk and was yesterday clearly confirmed that Senators incoming on a long haul *alliance flight can NOT bring any guest into the arrival lounge. Even not by paying as they have no cash register.

It would be nice if Gianrico investigates and clarifies this matter with the team working in the arrivals lounge to avoid fellow FTalkers embarassing scenes when attempting to enter with guests.

Dear all

Investigation started. I'll get back to you as soon as possible.

Regards,
Gianrico

Can I use the arrival lounge while I'm in transit at ZRH flying on LX Int'l-Int'l?

Can I use the arrival lounge while I'm in transit at ZRH flying on LX Int'l-Int'l?
Yes, you can but you'll have to go through passport control and customs to get there. If you are HON why don't you go to the FCL? Though you still need to go through passport control and security to get there the FCL is nicer than the Arrival Lounge.

If you are HON why don't you go to the FCL? Though you still need to go through passport control and security to get there the FCL is nicer than the Arrival Lounge.

I need to meet someone land side during my 7 hours waiting time in ZRH and I like to have the meeting in the arrival lounge since the guy can't be admitted to the FCL (he's not traveling that day).

I need to meet someone land side during my 7 hours waiting time in ZRH and I like to have the meeting in the arrival lounge since the guy can't be admitted to the FCL (he's not traveling that day).
In that case I suggest you check post #17. If you have 7 hours I'd leave the airport and go somewhere nicer than the Arrival Lounge. The lounge is good for breakfast, shower and a short stay but I don't know how suitable it is for a meeting. It closes at 1PM sharp.

Yes, you can but you'll have to go through passport control and customs to get there. If you are HON why don't you go to the FCL? Though you still need to go through passport control and security to get there the FCL is nicer than the Arrival Lounge.

If you have some time to kill I'd go through Pass control and use the arrivals lounge - I find it is nicer and more spacious than the First lounge - also the restrooms are good if you want to relax and maybe nap for an hour or so - good if your coming from Tel Aviv on one of the early morning flights, but your day downtown doesnt start for a few hours - perfect place to relax winddown shower then start the day totally refereshed - it does also beat the old Arrivals lounge

I need to meet someone land side during my 7 hours waiting time in ZRH and I like to have the meeting in the arrival lounge since the guy can't be admitted to the FCL (he's not traveling that day).

He won't be admitted to the arrival lounge, if he's not travelling on that day.

Better meet up somewhere else, like downtown Zurich.

Dear all

Investigation started. I'll get back to you as soon as possible.

Regards,
Gianrico

Dear FlyerTalkers

I'm glad to confirm that Miles&More Senator members arriving on a Star Alliance flight are still allowed to enter with one (1) guest. Please note that this is under the condition that the guest is also arriving on a Star Alliance flight.

I'm very sorry for the wrong information given at the lounge entrance. A reminder will be sent to the lounge reception staff shortly.

Kind regards,
Gianrico

I'm very sorry for the wrong information given at the lounge entrance. A reminder will be sent to the lounge reception staff shortly.
Gianrico

Dear Gianrico, thank you for your quick follow up.

Good news indeed, but unfortunately would I have arrived on the specific day and time I wrote you in my PM there would have been no admittance for my guest traveling with me.

The reception staff at the arrivals lounge are extremely nice people and I do not blame them, but of course thank you very much for reminding them the policy to avoid disappointment and loss of face.