Other European Frequent Flyer Programs - Flying J from MEL to VIE... what to expect

Dear NG/OS experts,

I am flying Lauda Air's Business Class next month from MEL to VIE via KUL, as part of Star Alliance RTW. What to expect in Lauda's J class? I know the service is legendary.

How is the transit at KUL?

Any comments! How full are these flights? D class is pretty hard to book on some of the days. The KUL-VIE flights tend to be fuller than the MEL-KUL segment.

Thanks,
Carfield http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

Carfield,

before starting all the praises again, I'd just like to refer you to the following links:

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/Forum119/HTML/000041.html

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/Forum119/HTML/000060.html

You are right, business is quite full these days on NG. Especially on KUL-VIE vv., as this is also a codeshare with MH.

Regarding the lounge experiences in KUL: flying in business, you'll get access to the Plaza Premium Lounge in KUL, which is ok, but nothing to write home about.

Enjoy your trip! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

Thorsten

KUL transit (my experience from jan-31-2002):

* everybody must leave the plane. Take your valuables with you (at least your passport and original boarding pass from MEL), you may leave your hand-luggage in the overhead bin).
* NG says to be ready for reboarding in 10-15 minutes. Don't bother, take your time in this very modern and clean airport (Shops are still open). The Reboarding doesn't start before an at least 45 minutes waite (new security check and identification).
* For reboarding as a business-class passenger, dont bother to line-up early as many others do - when boarding starts just go through 'at the other side'.
* The Plaza Lounge does only allow passengers with a NG voucher (new business-class-passengers cheching in at KUL get one) in, my business-boarding-pass and StarGold-card were not accepted, my Priority-membershiup worked (they have great/fast Internet-connected Computer-Terminals).
* and yes, enjoy Lauda's (food) service, but please keep in mind that European taste (brekfast!) dominates.

Just some additional Info from KUL transit on Jan 25, 2002:

- The Plaza Premium Lounge in fact really wants vouchers, but I was able getting in with my LH Sen (* Gold) card, although the Upgrades (for the first time) didn't work out and we travelled Economy. They clearly stated this to be an exception, though.

- They called a NG responsible on site to ask if I might get access and I guess that when travelling Business you'll get an "official" ok without having a voucher.