Star Alliance - Air China lounge question

When I went to Beijing last year, I could not get in as *G to the Air China lounge since I was not traveling within China in C. As Air China and United have grown closer (I think) and Air China is preparing to join *A, has this changed? Will be in China in a few weeks. Thanks.

Until Air China joins *A later this year (in October??) you will not be able to use the Air China lounge when traveling in Y. However, if you are flying UA in Y and are *G you can use the Air China lounge, since it is the contract lounge for UA at PEK. Where are you going? If it is a domestic flight, you should consider just buying a C ticket. I fly Air China for domestic flights w/in China and the C fares are often just slightly higher than the Y fares (for example, I am on Air China next month from SHA to PEK and the Y fare was $160 versus $200 for C).

Until Air China joins *A later this year (in October??) you will not be able to use the Air China lounge when traveling in Y. However, if you are flying UA in Y and are *G you can use the Air China lounge, since it is the contract lounge for UA at PEK. Where are you going? If it is a domestic flight, you should consider just buying a C ticket. I fly Air China for domestic flights w/in China and the C fares are often just slightly higher than the Y fares (for example, I am on Air China next month from SHA to PEK and the Y fare was $160 versus $200 for C).

Well, that is brilliant! I didn't realize this. Just called my travel agent and she has me one way in C for $31 more. The other way depends upon whether she can reach someone at UA since by Monday it will be more than 4 days.

I am heading from PEK to Chongqing (CKG) and then later from CKG to PVG (already upgraded thanks to your sage advice!).

Really appreciate it.

I fly Air China for domestic flights w/in China and the C fares are often just slightly higher than the Y fares (for example, I am on Air China next month from SHA to PEK and the Y fare was $160 versus $200 for C).

The problem is that very few people pay $160 to ride in economy; $60 is a better benchmark. While Expedia (et al) can't sell discount fares, they are easy to buy in China, even on a walk-up basis.

Im on my way to PEK today. I will be leaving this coming Sunday on UA in C. Is the BGS lounge still my best option? Thanks.

Was in PEK last week, checked out both lounges. Personally I thought the food and the *air conditioning* was better in the Air China lounge -- but BGS has better light. YMMV.

DJD

Was in PEK last week, checked out both lounges. Personally I thought the food and the *air conditioning* was better in the Air China lounge -- but BGS has better light. YMMV.

DJD

Thanks!

I'm flying on Air China tomorrow in domestic Y (PEK-Shenzhen), I'm a UA 1K and a Red Carpet Club member, is there a lounge I can use? I've used the Air China lounge on numerous occasions, however that has always been in conjunction with an international flight on UA.

TravelMan, I'm guessing you found this out yourself, but just to close out the thread: UA elite status only gets you into the AC lounge in PEK on international itineraries. I've tried it myself on a PEK-SHA flight and no luck.

This should change when AC joins *A later this year, as was stated elsewhere in this thread.

DJD

This should change when CA joins *A later this year, as was stated elsewhere in this thread.


I'm not sure this is a given. IIRC, the *A lounge benefit applies to international flights only (and doesn't even include US-Canada-Mexico).

TravelMan, I'm guessing you found this out yourself, Yeah, got stoned trying to use the club in Beijing, Shenzhen and Hangzhou - no luck.

Moving this to the * Alliance forum.

iluv2fly
Moderator, UA

I'm not sure this is a given. IIRC, the *A lounge benefit applies to international flights only (and doesn't even include US-Canada-Mexico).Domestically U.S. Air allows the use of its club if you're a Red Carpet Club member and traveling on a U.S. Air ticket. Does anyone know if LH allows use of its club for RCC members when traveling only intra-Germany?

Yes. It is only north america travel for UA & US *G (and not other *G) that lounge access is not provided.

Yes. It is only north america travel for UA & US *G (and not other *G) that lounge access is not provided.

This was primarly done with the number of elites located in the U.S. and the location of the lounges. Airports in other countries tend to seperate internaional and domestic departures. I was in Oslo, for example, flying on a domestic SAS ticket and was unable to use the lounge as it's on the international side of the airport.

In essence those airports are more restrictive than the RCC as no *G can use these lounges unless they are traveling internationally

I will be travelling on a domestic Air China flight from Shenzhen (SZX) to Beijing (PEK), and there is a lack of lounge information on *A website for SZX.

As a *G member travelling in Y, which lounge will I be entitled to use? Is there a Air China lounge in SZX?

Thanks in advance for your responses.

I will be travelling on a domestic Air China flight from Shenzhen (SZX) to Beijing (PEK), and there is a lack of lounge information on *A website for SZX.

As a *G member travelling in Y, which lounge will I be entitled to use? Is there a Air China lounge in SZX?

Thanks in advance for your responses.

You will probably get a voucher at check in for use one of the lounges.

You will get a voucher. Don't expect much in the lounge which I believe may be a contract lounge. Beijing lounges are much nicer.

Another question from me. If taking an Air China (CA) flight from HKG, which will be the contract lounge?

If you look at this page (http://www.hongkongairport.com/eng/passenger/transfer-transit/all/airline-information/airline-lounges.html) from HK International Airport, there is a whole host of lounges which Air China premium passengers (*G members included) can use. It would be great if I can use either The Pier or The Wing from CX.

Thanks in advance for your responses.

Another question from me. If taking an Air China (CA) flight from HKG, which will be the contract lounge?

If you look at this page (http://www.hongkongairport.com/eng/passenger/transfer-transit/all/airline-information/airline-lounges.html) from HK International Airport, there is a whole host of lounges which Air China premium passengers (*G members included) can use. It would be great if I can use either The Pier or The Wing from CX.

Thanks in advance for your responses.

I've only taken CA from HKG to PEK once, but I did get to use one of these.

Another question from me. If taking an Air China (CA) flight from HKG, which will be the contract lounge?

If you look at this page (http://www.hongkongairport.com/eng/passenger/transfer-transit/all/airline-information/airline-lounges.html) from HK International Airport, there is a whole host of lounges which Air China premium passengers (*G members included) can use. It would be great if I can use either The Pier or The Wing from CX.

Thanks in advance for your responses.

I have flown CA from HKG, and have used TG, SQ and UA lounges. You will be given a pass to use a lounge (not sure the exact name is) that is shared by the the Chinese carriers, OZ and CO, but that lounge is fairly average. TG lounge is the best, and it is also closer to the UA lounge. You need to watch out where your gate is as there may be a lot of walking to do from the lounges to your departure gate.

If you only have time for one lounge, use the TG lounge. Make sure you bring your *G card with you.