Diners Club Club Rewards - Airport Lounge access is confusing

I tried to enter the Premium Plaza Lounge in SIN last week and was told my DC card wasn't supported. A few days later I called CS and after talking to a supervisor, I'm still confused.

She cleared up that there are two types of cards, Carte Blanche (maybe also called Corporate ?) and Professional (also Personal ?). I have the Personal, so I didn't get lounge access in SIN. She then said that I would get access in some lounges, and to check the website. I told her that the website says to "Check with my card issuer" which is her. She agreed that the website isn't clear and that she would pass it up to her superiors.

I barely use my DC (and I'm thinking of closing it), so I don't follow the perks closely. Does my Personal ($95/yr) card get me into any of the DC airport lounges? Rather than call CS, I should have just posted here for the experts.

Carte Blanche is a higher-annual-fee version of Diners Club, issued by Citi in the United States. Both Diners and Carte Blanche are available as Professional (formerly called Personal) cards, and as Corporate cards.

Diners Club Professional cards do offer access to most of the lounges listed here...

http://dinersclub.com/en/DCIHome/airport.jhtml

Did she say that entry required a Corporate card, or a Carte Blanche card, or ... ? It wouldn't surprise me if there were lounges offered only to Corportae carholders because it appears Corporate accounts are Diners' primary business now, the Professional accounts are a holdover.

I suspect that this has something to do with US issued Diners Club cards that are actually Master Cards. With my SEB issued personal DC card I have never had an issue entering any DC lounges listed on that website.

I just had a 26 (!) minute phone call with DC, simply to get info about their various lounges in the Gulf.

This was extraordinarily frustrating.

I called a few hours ago, and was told that the computer with the international lounge info was updating, so they couldn't pull anything and suggested I call back.

When I called back, the call went like this:
- ... I am looking to see if I have access to several Diners Club lounges. The first is Bahrain
- [After a pause while he pulled that up]
- Is this in the US
- No. Bahrain
- What country is that
- Bahrain is a country
- Can you spell it
- B-A-H-R-A-I-N

The rep managed to mispronounce almost every proper noun in the conversation. After a while he transfered me to someone else, maybe a supervisor, who also had to put me on hold.

For calibration, I also asked about Singapore.


I was told a few facts, neither of which I entirely believe:
- The type of DC card is irrelevant
- DC has no access to any lounges in Singapore. When I mentioned the web site, they said that it is out of date.
- No other lounges apparently have been dropped recently. "There were a bunch after 9/11" nearly 8 years ago (!)

Both the rep and the agent seemed to have any explanation for why every lounge on the web site says to contain them regarding lounge access policies.

I had not used this feature in a number of years -- there are few enough of them, and I usually have other lounge access so I don't take advantage of them on the few occasions when I have DC lounge acccess.
There are lounges in DXB, AUH, KWI, and BAH -- I am going to bring printouts, and if I can't get it I will fire off some nastygrams to DC.

DXB is supposed a 24-hour lounge, so at the margin DC lounge access will factor into several decisions about which flight to take and how long of a layover I am willing to have.

when trying to gain entry to the Amber Lounge in SVO and was told that because my Diners card started with "55" (Canada) that I wasn't eligible for lounge access. :td:

I've never had any such problems though often must explain the conflict with the Mastercard logo and the Diners Club one. This applies in Europe and South America, so can't speak for other parts of the world.

A few days ago, I was able to access the lounge in Bahrain with my US-issued DC.

Yesterday, I was turned away at the Kuwait lounge -- was told something similar to what the SVO passenger was told, that because mine didn't start with a real DC number they wouldn't let me in. They said that this policy has been in effect since March. Meanwhile, the DC website says nothing about 37xx vs. 55xx cards and lounge access.

I have never had problems with my Scandinavian Diners. Maybe you should contact Discover Financial Services, instead of Diners CS in NA (Citi?). It must be in the interest of Discover to know about this problem.
BTW it was Discover who made a press release that the lounges in Singapore were now open for Diners members, ½ year ago?
"DC has no access to any lounges in Singapore. When I mentioned the web site, they said that it is out of date". What a joke, I think it was opdated with Singapore and Mexico one or two month ago.
It seems that NA CS doesn't have any clue of what they are talking about. :eek:

Any recent experiences in accessing the Singapore DC lounges? I have an Australian issued DC (starting with 3647), and will be passing through Sin shortly, and was wondering if I will have any problems accessing the lounge:confused:

Australian DC cards work well at Heathrow Terminal 3 lounge. Haven't tried the Singapore lounge.

Lounge access seems to be an ongoing source of confusion. And it appears that DC Customer Service is less than completely knowledgable on the subject.

Would there be any point in having a thread ( perhaps as a sticky ) where FTers could report their successes ( or failures ) at accessing lounges using their DC card ?

when trying to gain entry to the Amber Lounge in SVO and was told that because my Diners card started with "55" (Canada) that I wasn't eligible for lounge access. :td:

Same here.
Was denied access to both SVO lounges - been told "this card number is not valid for access"

The only place I EVER had luck was Prague airport

Any recent experiences in accessing the Singapore DC lounges? I have an Australian issued DC (starting with 3647), and will be passing through Sin shortly, and was wondering if I will have any problems accessing the lounge:confused:My parents were told that they were entitled (with an Australian issued DC) to use the lounge ONCE per year:confused:. The lounge is landside in terminal 3, and airside in terminal 2. Apart from the showers, they found the lounge not overtly exciting; there was free tea/ coffee and soft drink. You had to pay for alcoholic drinks. Limited choice but sufficient food if you were very hungry.

After read all of the posts above, I did not see even one person to defend DC.
The entry conditions don't have anything to say for sure that one can get in:


Singapore:
Entry Conditions: Valid Diners Club card

Austria, Japan, Spain and many more:
Entry Conditions: Conditions of entry to any Diners Club Airport Lounge may change from time to time, subject to policies and procedures imposed by airport security.

My conclusion is that I would stay away from DC.
One looks stupid when get denied access. I hate this confrontation, it ruins your vacation.

Here is the web site with the details of the available airports that are accessible: http://www.dinersclub.com/en/DCIHome/airport.jhtml

I have been using the Dubai Airport Lounge for many years as I believe it is the best one at the Dubai Airport Airport. In fact I never use the *A lounge as it is too crowded and not nearly as comfortable as this first class lounge near gate 113.It operates as the First Class Lounge for several Middle Eastern bassed airlines as well and frankly is one of the main reasons I have maintained my USA issued DC card. I have also accessed the lounge in Abu Dhabi without any difficulty. I am sorry I did not see this OP a few months ago as I would have set the record straight for other FT.

Just another few data points: I've been able to access the Bellevue Lounge in ZRH and the DNATA lounge in GVA with a corporate (Australian) DC. The GVA DNATA lounge only allows DC access in the 2 hours preceding scheduled flight time, however. And there's a thread on the Swiss forum stating that the Bellevue in ZRH is closed for refurbishment and will open under a different name, so it's not clear whether it will still be DC or not.

I agree, though, with the earlier posts that the system is confusing and inconsistent.

Same here.
Was denied access to both SVO lounges - been told "this card number is not valid for access"

The only place I EVER had luck was Prague airport

Another interesting point about the Amber Lounge at SVO.

My Slovenian DC card was accepted, but I had to go to the lady at the entrance to "register" every 2 hours. So I repeated it 1 time on my outbound trip (4 hrs layover) and 4 times (!!) on my return trip (10 hrs layover) ...

Since lounge availability was the decisive factor to fly over SVO instead of a less favorable routing through IST (where I could use my lufthansa card to get into a lounge), I was quite happy with the outcome.

No charges were ever posted for using the lounge for such a period of time.

It is confusing ! But the more you travel, the more you will be familar with the lounge access rules. :(


Lucky enough, since I got *G status, now I just need to look for the *G signs on the doors for my international flight.

Well, *G lounges are better than nothing! But if you had ever been to an EK lounge or to the DC lounge at the airport of Dubai, then you can forget the *lounges. Well, and the DC UK lounges are really only worth to go to toilet or to have a drink. But nothing more!

PS: Dubai DC lounge (First Class lounge) offers very delicious warm food and drinks with a quantity not compareble with European lounges!!! Well, similar to EK lounge, but not so crowded. Free internet on computers is included, of course!

Also I would be interested about SIN lounge. I would like to use the arrival lounge and also the departure lounge next September! Then I will tell you!:)

I am confused about the number of times you can use the DC lounge in Singapore.

I would be flying in to Singapore on April 20 (arrival 11:35pm) and I would be using their arrival lounge since my check in at my hotel would be the next day(at least I can eat for free at the lounge and spend the night there). I have heard of stories here that you can only use the lounge 1 time a year. I am holding a Philippine issued DC card, and they are also confused if the lounge in Singapore is restricting people to use the lounge only one time per year. Do they need a boarding pass or just the credit card of Diners to gain access to their lounge then, as I would be using arrival lounge of Plaza Premium.

I read in their rules that DC holders of these countries(Malaysia, Singapore and New Zealand) are only allowed access to any lounge in the world ONE TIME ONLY a year. I have used my DC card in Premium Plaza Lounge in HK without any problems as I was able to gain access to two of their lounges in a days time, without being restricted to one lounge, and I have used it numerous times in a year, without any problems.

Does this one time usage of lounge only applies for certain DC countries then? I am worried since I am planning to go back to Singapore June and would be using their lounge again. Does that mean when I use my lounge access now, I cant use the lounge again till next year? DC airport lounges are very confusing, and I hope someone can shed light on this matter thanks.

I was able to email the lounge directly and this is where I am confused at:

There is a Diners Club Promotion access entry into our lounge, we will register your card on the Diners Card Validation machine (Extended to Principal card holder. Supplementary cards and guests will be charged at SGD $32.10 for each person) and the usage is for 5 hours if the vaildation is successful, if unsuccessful, payment will be charged at SGD $32.10. However, if your Diner Card is issued from Singapore, Malaysia and New Zealand, it will be only ONE complimentary visit to any participating lounges (choose 1 lounge) around the world. Diners vailidity period is till 8th March 2010, there maybe a renewal of contract.

I used my card in HK(Premiere Lounge as well) with my 2 extensions(supplementary) who had their diners card with them and they were not charged for the lounge fee. How would they know if the cards are linked to you in the first place, as my supplementary cards number ends in another number(not the same as my card number).

I thought it was for every diners member to access the lounge, as long as you have a diners card, it does not matter if you are a principal or supplementary. This rule is very confusing for the singapore lounge.

Well, once I flew to Thailand via Dubai and Hongkong, so I used my DC in Dubai and Hongkong at the same day! No problem! Not charged at all. But my DC is from Austria. But it would be no sence if somebody could use lounge entrance only once. But maybe her English was not that clear, so she meant: It is not allowed to enter the Arrival Lounge, and few hours later (at the same day) the departure lounge inside the airport (so only 1 lounge is allowed within 1 day). But that's the only thing what I could immagine.
At the phone of DC Austria they told me I could use any lounge, also more lounges at the same day - if I could only show them a boarding pass from me.

I'm thinking of dropping my card over this issue with the lounges. I've had the card for 11 or 12 years now and I use the lounges a few times a year. The only other thing I really value about the card is the more comprehensive rental car coverage than one normally gets from a credit card company. Maybe I'll just channel that $95 into Priority Pass. I really think this is something DC needs to tackle. They break it down to the card issuing company, but for international travelers, like us, I just see Diners Club International from a branding standpoint and the inconsistent treatment is bad business.

I'll detail some of my recent experiences over the last year, for what it's worth.

4/10:
NBO: Turned away. They said it was because my US issued card starts with 5528, which sounds consistent with other people's experiences.

11/09:
JNB: Success. Success entering the lounge at the domestic terminal with my wife, for no extra charge. On the return I went to the DC lounge internatiol terminal without my wife. No problem.

9/09:
JNB: Success. Used the international lounge.

CPT: Success, used the domestic lounge in its temporary location

4/09:
DXB: Success entering 2 times that month on two diferent days. Perhaps the best of the DC lounges I've been to perhaps behind the one in TPE.

DME: Failure. I actually got in and sat down with a beer only to have an agent coming to kick me out after I sat down and started drinking. She let me finish, but talk about embarrassing. This was the same trip at the two DXB entries.

Really, DME and NBO are the only places I've been turned away at.

Other lounges I've been able to access over the years are MIA, PRG, CPH (many times), AMS, TPE, ISB (which wasn't even on the list at the time. Just saw the DC sign), SHA (Honquiao)

For what it's worth there is no Priority Pass lounge at DME.

I am the primary DC card holder and my wife has her card as authorized user. Can both of us use the lounge together by just presenting each individual card?

I am the primary DC card holder and my wife has her card as authorized user. Can both of us use the lounge together by just presenting each individual card?

In my opinion, Yes, should be no problem.

Can cardholders of US Diners Club cards still get into lounges?

Can cardholders of US Diners Club cards still get into lounges?

I haven't tried for a year, but it was hit-or-miss. Got into lounges in DXB and BAH, declined at KWI citing the 5528.

While I can sort of deal with US card holders being treated worse (since they are Mastercards now, and perhaps the issuer isn't willing to pay the lounges), I cannot undertand why the communications are so p*ss-poor.

4/10:
NBO: Turned away. They said it was because my US issued card starts with 5528, which sounds consistent with other people's experiences.


For what it's worth, I got into the NBO lounge in May when I was transiting to KGL. There was only one person at the desk and the lounge wasn't crowded at all. I think it was probably a fluke. I didn't get the chance to test it on the way back because my connecting flight was delayed.

Ryan

Can cardholders of US Diners Club cards still get into lounges?I would be quite surprised if US cardholders can't get into lounges at MIA, LAX and EWR but who knows... Just saying, it should not be a general thing...

Came across this link and almost flipped out:

http://www.dinersclub.com.sg/en/travellersaid/singaporeairportl.asp

Turns out that it is exactly what BingoWingo said...only for cards issued in SQ.

I tried to enter the Premium Plaza Lounge in SIN last week and was told my DC card wasn't supported. A few days later I called CS and after talking to a supervisor, I'm still confused.
Came across this link and almost flipped out:

http://www.dinersclub.com.sg/en/travellersaid/singaporeairportl.asp

Turns out that it is exactly what BingoWingo said...only for cards issued in SQ.The Plaza Premium lounge at Changi, Singapore has closed:eek::td:, I believe as of 30.06.2010. Apparently Diners are trying to negotiate with another lounge provider, but I wouldn't be holding my breath...:rolleyes:

Hi all,

Hope it is OK to tag on to this thread rather than starting a new one.

I have a UK issued British Airways Diners club card. I've had it for over 15 years now but rarely use it. I've just discovered the Airport lounge access benefits.

As it happens I'm travelling from Gatwick North Terminal in the UK this September. I notice that the Servisair Wentworth Lounge in the North Terminal is on the list of lounges.

The stories of failed accesses to lounges in this thread has worried me somewhat.

Has anyone successfully gained access to this particular lounge on presenting their Diners Club card?

I have used the Servisair lounge at Heathrow with an Australian Diners Club card without any problems.

I have used the Servisair lounge at Heathrow with an Australian Diners Club card without any problems.

Thanks for that - Sets my mind at rest somewhat.

I'll see how I get on in September.

http://bodybuilderspro.info/pictures/35/1274732818/random.gifHi all,

Hope it is OK to tag on to this thread rather than starting a new one.

I have a UK issued British Airways Diners club card. I've had it for over 15 years now but rarely use it. I've just discovered the Airport lounge access benefits.

As it happens I'm travelling from Gatwick North Terminal in the UK this September. I notice that the Servisair Wentworth Lounge in the North Terminal is on the list of lounges.

The stories of failed accesses to lounges in this thread has worried me somewhat.

Has anyone successfully gained access to this particular lounge on presenting their Diners Club card?

So did I, with my Corporate Diners card.

I have recently travelled from Manchester to Phuket and the DC card is now accepted for entry at the Escape Lounge at Manchester Airport and Coral Executive Lounge at Phuket Airport........I hope they can add lounges at Bangkok and Terminal 3 Dubai and I will be very happy :)

...the DC card is now accepted for entry at .....Coral Executive Lounge at Phuket Airport........Is that right? It must be a very new thing as it is not listed on the Diners Club airport lounge guide as yet:
http://www.dinersclubinternational.com/airport-lounges.html
I was in Phuket recently (mid July) and had to wait in the common area as I was flying FD; would have been nice to have had access to the Coral Executive Lounge:)

I think both lounges had just gone live very recently and I also had checked the website and they dont appear yet. DC do seem to bringing more lounges into the programme so hopefully we will will see more available to us cardholders soon

Can cardholders of US Diners Club cards still get into lounges?

Yes, but apparently there are some restrictions. Last year, no problem for me at the Travelers Lounge at HKG.

-David

I think both lounges had just gone live very recently and I also had checked the website and they dont appear yet. DC do seem to bringing more lounges into the programme so hopefully we will will see more available to us cardholders soon
Are you sure you card wasn't charged? There are a lot of pay per visit lounges out there and Phuket sounds like an unlikely place for a DC airport lounge... I hope I'm wrong though!

Are you sure you card wasn't charged? There are a lot of pay per visit lounges out there and Phuket sounds like an unlikely place for a DC airport lounge... I hope I'm wrong though!

At both airports my card details were entered into a recording system and was told their was no charge and the visits were complimentary. Both had signage both inside and outside the lounges advising that DC was accepted.

[Moderator action...]

I have merged the thread titled New Lounges for Diners Club ? into this one, because the experience reported is a classic example of confusion. Lounge accessed, but not listed in the online database.

Went lounge hopping at LHR T3 this Friday equipped with a Priority Pass, a Star Gold and a Diners Club Card.
But I was unsuccesfull in finding the Diners Club lounge. The DC web pages simply lists a "Terminal 3 Lounge" - a rather generic term. But the directions and description sounds like it could be the Servisair Lounge. Had access there anyway with the Priority Pass, but I wonder if I missed out of a lounge ?

It appears to be the Servisair lounge.

Diners provides these directions: Terminal 3. From departure lounge follow signs for Gates 1 - 55, Airline Lounges B to J, then follow signs for Airport Lounge F. Take stairs/lift to 2nd floor, go through double doors, turn right and follow corridor.

http://www.dinersclubinternational.com/airport-lounge.html?cityList=United+Kingdom--London&type=city&x=23&y=12

BAA provides these directions: The Servisair Terminal 3 Lounge is located airside after security. Go through the Departure Lounge and follow the signs for Gates 1-55, Airline Lounges B to J. Then pick up the signs for Airline Lounge F (Gate 12A). Take the lift or stairs to the 2nd floor, go through the Double Doors, turn right and follow the corridor round. The Servisair Lounge is clearly signed.

http://secure.baa.com/baa/BAABook.ASP?WCI=LoungeInfo&WCE=LHRSR3Servisair%20Executive%20Lounge%20%20%20% 20

Hi all,

Hope it is OK to tag on to this thread rather than starting a new one.

I have a UK issued British Airways Diners club card. I've had it for over 15 years now but rarely use it. I've just discovered the Airport lounge access benefits.

As it happens I'm travelling from Gatwick North Terminal in the UK this September. I notice that the Servisair Wentworth Lounge in the North Terminal is on the list of lounges.

The stories of failed accesses to lounges in this thread has worried me somewhat.

Has anyone successfully gained access to this particular lounge on presenting their Diners Club card?


I had no problems getting in to that one. Went there in feb. with my wife that has a familycard (both Swedish).But mostly a quiet place to sit down though. No hot food. A lot of alcohol though ^

Last week, I was able to access NBO without a problem -- was actually able to access two (the first directed me to another, closer to my gate). I have a US card. I noticed several pages ago that one pax was denied, and another was allowed entry.

The Diners Club airport lounge listing doesn't show anything for the UAE, in particular Dubai, any longer. Is this an error or did the agreement with the lounge there expire?

http://www.dinersclubinternational.com/airport-lounges.html

I think they are still there

Abu Dhabi International Airport – Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Lounge Name Airport Hotel Lounge
Lounge Location Located in T1 transit, on the right side just after the Departure Immigration Hall
Telephone +971 (0)2 5757377
Fax +971 (0)2 5757458
Hours Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Languages Spoken English and Arabic
Entry Conditions Conditions of entry to any Diners Club Airport Lounge may change from time to time, subject to policies and procedures imposed by airport security. Visit is limited to a maximum of 4 hours.
Amenities Offered Flight information, Internet, Magazines, Fax, Fully-equipped business center, Hot and Cold beverages and Shower facilities. One time use of 4 hours maximum.
Fees Cardmembers please check with your issuer for terms and conditions of lounge access; Guests - AED 80.00 each.

Dubai International Airport – Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Lounge Name Dubai Civil Aviation First Class Lounge
Lounge Location Between gates 112 and 114 - coming from airport duty-free, go to the left, coming from arrivals go to the right.
Telephone +9714-2244000 Ext. 4061
Fax None
Hours Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Languages Spoken English and Arabic
Entry Conditions Conditions of entry to any Diners Club Airport Lounge may change from time to time, subject to policies and procedures imposed by airport security.
Amenities Offered Telephone within UAE, magazines, satellite TV channels, food and beverages. For a fee: fax, internet, and bedrooms.
Fees Cardmembers please check with your issuer for terms and conditions of lounge access; Guests AED 55.00; AED 27.50 for children under 12 years.

Dubai International Airport – Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Lounge Name Dubai Civil Aviation First Class Lounge, Terminal 1
Lounge Location Between gates 112 and 114 - coming from airport duty-free, go to the left, coming from arrivals go to the right.
Telephone +9714-2244000 Ext. 4061
Fax 9714-2245118
Hours Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Languages Spoken English and Arabic
Entry Conditions Conditions of entry to any Diners Club Airport Lounge may change from time to time, subject to policies and procedures imposed by airport security.
Amenities Offered Internet, Telephone, Magazines, Satellite TV, Food, Beverages, Shower facility and Massage chair. Fax and sleep rooms available for an additional fee.
Fees Cardmembers please check with your issuer for terms and conditions of lounge access. Guests AED 55.00; children under 12 years are free.

Dubai International Airport – Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Lounge Name Marhaba Lounge Terminal 1
Lounge Location Between gates 123 and 125
Telephone 009714 2164840
Fax N/A
Hours Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Languages Spoken English and Arabic
Entry Conditions Conditions of entry to any Diners Club Airport Lounge may change from time to time, subject to policies and procedures imposed by airport security.
Amenities Offered Internet, Wi-Fi, Fax, Telephone, Telex, Magazines, Satellite TV, Snacks, Beverages and Shower facilities.
Fees Cardmembers please check with your issuer for terms and conditions of lounge access. Children under 2 years are free. For extended entry (4 hours and above), Guests, or Children above 2 yrs, please contact Marhaba lounge Reception Desk for special rates; rates will be directly charged to the Diners Club card.

Dubai International Airport – Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Lounge Name Marhaba Lounge Terminal 3
Lounge Location Located at the east end of Level 4 on the north side of the concourse, close to gate 230. The entrance to the Marhaba lounge is via a dedicated elevator from Level 3 departures.
Telephone +009714 5057018
Fax N/A
Hours Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Languages Spoken English and Arabic
Entry Conditions Conditions of entry to any Diners Club Airport Lounge may change from time to time, subject to policies and procedures imposed by airport security.
Amenities Offered Internet, Wi-Fi, Fax, Telephone, Telex, Magazines, Satellite TV, Snacks, Beverages and Shower facilities.
Fees Cardmembers please check with your issuer for terms and conditions of lounge access. Children under 2 years are free. For extended entry (4 hours and above), Guests, or Children above 2 yrs, please contact Marhaba lounge Reception Desk for special rates; rates will be directly charged to the Diners Club card.

Sharjah International Airport – Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
Lounge Name Business Class Lounge
Lounge Location Opposite transfer desk
Telephone 06-5581111/ +9716 5581100 Extn:-4014
Fax +9716 5580150
Hours Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Languages Spoken English and Arabic
Entry Conditions Conditions of entry to any Diners Club Airport Lounge may change from time to time, subject to policies and procedures imposed by airport security.
Amenities Offered Internet, Wi-Fi, Fax, Telephone, Telex, Magazines, Satellite TV, Snacks, Beverages and Shower facilities.
Fees Cardmembers please check with your issuer for terms and conditions of lounge access. Guests AED 85.00 each; children under 12 years are free.

I think they are still there


Yes, it appears the link has been repaired.

Whew, good! I am planning to visit the lounge in a couple of weeks to kill some 6 hours between flights!

Diners does a poor job of updating their lounges at: http://www.dinersclubinternational.com/airport-lounges.html . Yesterday I was at FRA and had planned to use the Diners lounge there that I saw online. At FRA, I found out that it has been closed for months.

They are also slow to add lounges online.

Diners does a poor job of updating their lounges at: http://www.dinersclubinternational.com/airport-lounges.html . Yesterday I was at FRA and had planned to use the Diners lounge there that I saw online. At FRA, I found out that it has been closed for months.

They are also slow to add lounges online.I think someone posted earlier that there is a substitution lounge at FRA.

FRA was mentioned as having a "new" lounge in the very first post of this consolidated thread:

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/diners-club-club-rewards/1122671-new-airport-lounges-2010-a.html

FRA was mentioned as having a "new" lounge in the very first post of this consolidated thread:

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/diners-club-club-rewards/1122671-new-airport-lounges-2010-a.html

Ah, ok, you may want to see post #18 (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/13563169-post18.html)for the FRA substitute lounge. Don't know if that info is still valid, though.

At FRA, I asked at two different info desks about the Sky lounge/ Diners Club lounge and was told that it had been closed due to construction. That made sense since there was a lot of construction at FRA.

I just saw at the consolidated thread that FRA was used by a FT member in March, but it could have been closed afterward.

FRA was mentioned as having a "new" lounge in the very first post of this consolidated thread:

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/diners-club-club-rewards/1122671-new-airport-lounges-2010-a.html

...lot of construction at FRA.


Indeed, we were there in November and were entitled to use the lounge that BA shares with JL (IIRC), but when Ms Mia saw that it was outside security we kept walking :( .

Indeed, we were there in November and were entitled to use the lounge that BA shares with JL (IIRC), but when Ms Mia saw that it was outside security we kept walking :( .

Were you entitled to use the BA/JL lounge by virtue of your Diners card? I'll be back in FRA next month with a non Schengen flight, so it'd be nice to use it if I can.

Diners really should do a better job of updating their lounge page. They seem to be lax about it. I just checked Columbia under the "Country" option and the same lounge at BOG comes up multiply times. However, BOG doesn't show up under the "City" option.

Were you entitled to use the BA/JL lounge by virtue of your Diners card?

No, we were flying in BA Club Europe (business) class. Our flight was departing from a pod with only a few gates and a single shop but it own security checkpoint, and all lounges were in the main part of the terminal building. Don't know if this is the permanent design of that terminal or a by-product of construction.

Hi there. OK, for Diner Club holders who are US residents, I think that lounge access is not a feature on their account. Meanwhile, the international DC cards with are still connected with DISCOVER do get that privilige. For example, I live in Kuwait and I have a DC issued by a local bank here and it's connected to Discover and I do get all the international lounge access worldwide as listed here

http://www.dinersclubinternational.com/

and this is the lounge list for DC in SIN

http://www.dinersclubinternational.com/airport-lounge.html?countryList=Singapore&x=8&y=10

....Diner Club holders who are US residents, I think that lounge access is not a feature on their account.

Why do you think this? USA and Canadian issued cards do have the lounge access feature, the same as cards issued elsewhere.

For what it's worth, I was at MEX (T2) the other day, and went to the Salon Premier lounge to wait out a multi-hour layover. I had completely forgot about DC lounge access, so I pulled out my card to pay the one-time use fee, and the agent remarked, "But sir, you get free access to the lounge with this card!"

This was with a Canadian corporate card, MasterCard logo on the front, first four numbers 5528. Got in without any problems, paid no fee of any kind.

-RS.

From the lounge directory, the Menzies Executive Lounge (Schengen) at AMS:

"Cardmembers please check with your issuer for terms and conditions of lounge access." I have a faint recollection of reading somewhere at FT that this lounge no longer is free to enter with DC. Does anyone have any recent experienses one way or the other reagrding this lounge?

From the lounge directory, the Menzies Executive Lounge (Schengen) at AMS:

"Cardmembers please check with your issuer for terms and conditions of lounge access." I have a faint recollection of reading somewhere at FT that this lounge no longer is free to enter with DC. Does anyone have any recent experienses one way or the other reagrding this lounge?

I used the Menzies Lounge in the non-Schengen part of AMS twice while I was in transit in the beginning of September with no problem. I have a U.S.-issued DC (w/Mastercard logo). The agents didn't bat an eyelash when they swiped me in. If the lounge in the Schengen area is also run by Menzies I can't imagine the policy being any different.

I used the Menzies Lounge in the non-Schengen part of AMS twice while I was in transit in the beginning of September with no problem. I have a U.S.-issued DC (w/Mastercard logo). The agents didn't bat an eyelash when they swiped me in. If the lounge in the Schengen area is also run by Menzies I can't imagine the policy being any different.

Indeed, the free access has been recently resumed! ^

The Menizies lounges were for fee only with Diners for a year or two, but luckily they seem to have reached a better deal again. Used the Schengen side lounge myself in December without problems.

I used the Menzies Lounge in the non-Schengen part of AMS twice while I was in transit in the beginning of September with no problem. I have a U.S.-issued DC (w/Mastercard logo). The agents didn't bat an eyelash when they swiped me in. If the lounge in the Schengen area is also run by Menzies I can't imagine the policy being any different.

Indeed, the free access has been recently resumed! ^

The Menizies lounges were for fee only with Diners for a year or two, but luckily they seem to have reached a better deal again. Used the Schengen side lounge myself in December without problems.

Excellent. Thank you for the verifications, TropicalTripper and Pteropous!

I have a SAS Eurobonus DC and in dinersclub.se they said you have access to 130 lounges but they don't tell you which one. They only refer you to the global site which has more than 300 lounges available, however under T&C in diners they said check with your card issuer.

I have a SAS Eurobonus DC and in dinersclub.se they said you have access to 130 lounges but they don't tell you which one. They only refer you to the global site which has more than 300 lounges available, however under T&C in diners they said check with your card issuer.Not long ago there really was only 130 lounges but now there are over 300! My understanding is that you are able to access all lounges, but the issuer may set a charge per visit or allow only a first few visits free. On dinersclub.se it is said that for Swedish cardholders access is free except for the Amsterdam lounges.

Not long ago there really was only 130 lounges but now there are over 300! My understanding is that you are able to access all lounges, but the issuer may set a charge per visit or allow only a first few visits free. On dinersclub.se it is said that for Swedish cardholders access is free except for the Amsterdam lounges.

Where does it state that all Swedish DC cardholders including SAS Eurobonus cobrand are allow access to all lounges? I couldn't find it myself :confused:

Where does it state that all Swedish DC cardholders including SAS Eurobonus cobrand are allow access to all lounges? I couldn't find it myself :confused:

In the left hand column at www.dinersclub.se:
Expand "-> Resa"
Click "Loungeguiden"

Lounger
Flygplatslounger

Ditt Diners Club-kort gäller som entrébiljett till drygt 130 lounger på flygplatser och i storstäder världen över. Här finns allt du behöver för att slappna av eller fortsätta arbeta: färska dagstidningar, TV, förfriskningar, telefon, fax och kopieringsmaskin för att nämna några exempel.

Nya lounger som öppnar i början av september 2010:

Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport , Thailand
Phuket International Airport , Thailand
Hyderabad International Airport, Indien
Mumbai Airport , Indien
London Gatwick Airport, England
Manchester Airport , England
Munich Airport , Tyskland
Orlando Sanford International Airport , USA
Seoul Incheon Airport , Sydkorea
Tel Aviv Ben Gurion Airport , Israel

Sök lounge via loungeguiden på www.dinersclub.com.

Du kommer in i våra lounger oavsett vilken typ av biljett du har eller vilket flygbolag du reser med bara du har ett giltigt boardingpass och ditt Diners Club-kort.

OBS! Besöken är kostnadsfria för kortmedlemmar med ett undantag, Shiphol i Amsterdam. Eventuellt medföljande gäst betalar.

TIPS!
Se till att alltid ta en titt i loungeguiden inför dina resor!

OBS! Besöken är kostnadsfria för kortmedlemmar med ett undantag, Shiphol i Amsterdam. Eventuellt medföljande gäst betalar.


Similar wording on the Danish website for Diners. But they don´t mention any exceptions for Sciphol.The Menzies lounge at Sciphol is listed as one of the lounges you have free access to.

I asked DC Sweden via email about AMS, and got a reply "ask the AMS lounge". :td::td::td:

(If this is representative of DC memberservice, I don't think my new DC card will become my first-hand choice of payment method...)

Indeed, the free access has been recently resumed! ^

The Menizies lounges were for fee only with Diners for a year or two, but luckily they seem to have reached a better deal again. Used the Schengen side lounge myself in December without problems.

Excellent. Thank you for the verifications, TropicalTripper and Pteropous!

March 2011: Swedish Diners Club (the SAS EuroBonus version) card got me in at the Schengen Menzies lounge without any talk of a fee.

I have been in the lounge in Delhi (Plaza Premier Lounge) twice in the past week, and both times something interesting happened. I gave the lounge person my DC card, and she looked at a list of paper. I couldn't see it all that closely, but it might have been a list of valid starting digits of DC cards (e.g. "real" DC cards, as opposed to Mastercards).

Anyhow, I am a US card holder and both times she looked at the list, didn't immediately see whatever she was looking for (which would make sense, if she was looking at "real" DC card numbers) but waved me through anyways.

FYI, the lounge in Dhaka, Bangladesh is depressing.

I have a Canadian card and have always been able to get into the Plaza Premium Lounges in HKG, various lounges throughout Japan (however they are all located on the land side). They don't electronically swipe the card.

Tried to get into the ones in SIN. The card swipe failed. Entry was denied at one lounge (1:30am, lounge was empty), but granted at another, despite the failed swipe(8 am rush hour same day).

Hi all,

I have a Corp Diners card will be going through the DTW area and will be in HKG.

Will this card allow me access to any lounges?

I have never used it for access before anywhere as I can never seem to find an accurate list of lounges on the DC web site/ or by calling.

The lounge directory is here:

http://www.dinersclubinternational.com/airport-lounges.html

There are more lounges in the USA than there were a year ago, but still very few and none in Detroit. The Hong Kong lounges are listed here:

http://www.dinersclubinternational.com/airport-lounge.html?cityList=China--Hong+Kong&type=city&x=32&y=7

The lounge directory is here:

http://www.dinersclubinternational.com/airport-lounges.html

There are more lounges in the USA than there were a year ago, but still very few and none in Detroit. The Hong Kong lounges are listed here:

http://www.dinersclubinternational.com/airport-lounge.html?cityList=China--Hong+Kong&type=city&x=32&y=7

Is this list valid for corp cards? I actually tried to call Diners and was told that they could not assist me due to the company being sold to another bank

I have never heard of a distinction between the Corporate and Personal lounge networks.

There are have two sales.

Citibank sold Diners Club International to Discover. Diners Club International does not issue cards, it operates the Diners Club payment network, the lounge network, and it issues franchises to banks to issue cards.

Separately, Citibank sold the Canadian and USA card issuing franchise to Bank of Montreal which operates in the USA as Harris Bank. (But Citi continues to manage the accounts for the new owners.) These cards do not use the Diners Club payment network because they are MasterCards, but they do use the lounge network.

Is your card a pure Diners Club (number begins with "36") or a MasterCard (number begins with "55")? Who did you call?

Is your card a pure Diners Club (number begins with "36") or a MasterCard (number begins with "55")? Who did you call?

Mine is a 55 with the MC logo and a Citi Logo Valid thru 2012, so I'm not sure if they are going to send me a new card or not?

But anyhow I called the customer service number on the back of the card and when I asked about the lounges I was transferred back and forth 3 times before someone told me they couldn't assist due to the sale to Bank of Montreal.

No particular reason to reissue the cards, because Citi is still administering on behalf of BMO. However, BMO seems more interested in the Corporate side than in the personal side, which may mean you will see changes sooner than most of us.

There is a report from August 2010 of a USA cardholder entering one of the lounges in HKG in late 2009:

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/14426774-post40.html

I would just show up, present the card, and smile.

I called Diners again about 20 minutes ago and I was told in HKG I have access to three lounges
The Plaza Hair and Beauty lounge
Plaza Premium lounge
The travelers lounge

I was also told they would mail me a list of lounges in HKG to the address on file.

Now(to make sure I wasn't nuts) I just checked their website at this link (http://www.dinersclubinternational.com/airport-lounge.html?countryList=Hong+Kong&x=31&y=4)

And it lists the following four lounges

Hong Kong International Airport – Hong Kong, Hong Kong
Lounge Name The Travelers' Lounge
Lounge Location The Travelers' Lounge - West Hall, departure level near Gate 35

Hong Kong International Airport – Hong Kong, Hong Kong
Lounge Name The Travelers' Lounge (East Hall)
Lounge Location Near Gate 1, Departures
Telephone (852) 2261 0888
Fax (852) 2261 0815
Hours Open 24hrs/day

Hong Kong International Airport – Hong Kong, Hong Kong
Lounge Name Wellness Salon
Lounge Location Arrival, Terminal 2
Telephone (852) 3543 0232
Fax (852) 3543 0492
Hours Open 0800-2300

Lounge Name China Airlines Dynasty Lounge
Lounge Location Terminal 1:
Airside - Floor 6, Room 6T533, opposite to Gate 1
Telephone 852-22611801/802
Fax 852-23519918

So I do plan on doing this

"I would just show up, present the card, and smile."
But maybe only in the Travelers lounge since it is listed on both of the lists.

I will post success/fail stories at the end of APR

Here is the website for the company which operates the Plaza lounges at HGK, and elsewhere:

http://www.plaza-asia.com/index.php/locations/hongkong

Plaza lists four lounges. Comparing the lists it appears that the first three on the Diners list are all Plaza lounges. No idea if the fourth one is excluded or just missing from the Diners list. Note that one of the lounges (which appears on both lists) is an arrivals lounge, which means you should be able to use it when you arrive, and one of the others on departure.

The fourth lounge on the Diners list is operated by China Airlines. It appears to be near one of the Plaza lounges: 6T530 = Plaza, 6T533 = China Airlines, which should give you two chances if you are in that part of the airport.

I've just read through the six pages of this thread. The utter failure of Diners (under current or past ownership or management, or lack thereof) to maintain a modicum of accessible current and accurate information either by internet or phone, of which cards have access to which lounges, is a disgrace.

I've just read through the six pages of this thread. The utter failure of Diners (under current or past ownership or management, or lack thereof) to maintain a modicum of accessible current and accurate information either by internet or phone, of which cards have access to which lounges, is a disgrace.

I don't think so. The list at http://dinersclubinternational.com/airport-lounges.html is quite up to date and all cardholders have access to all lounges. As I understand it, it is up to the local franchise if they want to charge something from their cardholders since they receive the bill from the lounge visits.

I was just in the Vienna lounge. Different sandwiches and salads and quite an extensive selection of drinks. Didn't cost me anything.

Obviously there has still been some problems accessing lounges with North American cards that are actually Master Cards?

I don't think so. The list at http://dinersclubinternational.com/airport-lounges.html is quite up to date and all cardholders have access to all lounges....

This is not true...

Read my above post... Maybe it is only not true for non master-card diners cards but I think 1/2 of the issue is that they need to either have separate websites or put a * by all of the entries stating that the MC Diners cards can or can not access the lounges.
But to call and ask, to search online, to read posts from others (all of which I have done multiple times) the information given is conflicting to say the least.

Are there any recent reports of problems using a MasterCard Diners for lounge admission? I think the early problems were related to lounge staff training and to software in the swipe terminals which could not distinguish a Diners Club MasterCard from any other MasterCard.

This is not true...

Read my above post... Maybe it is only not true for non master-card diners cards but I think 1/2 of the issue is that they need to either have separate websites or put a * by all of the entries stating that the MC Diners cards can or can not access the lounges.
But to call and ask, to search online, to read posts from others (all of which I have done multiple times) the information given is conflicting to say the least.

Every year I will go through HKG twice and use my Diners Club-Mastercard every time. No any problem.

I remember four years ago, a csr of lounge told me that was not Diners Club, it is a mastercard. I told her, it is an US Diners Club of Diners Club's homeland.

Every year I will go through HKG twice and use my Diners Club-Mastercard every time. No any problem.

I remember four years ago, a csr of lounge told me that was not Diners Club, it is a mastercard. I told her, it is an US Diners Club of Diners Club's homeland.

Which lounges?

The HK lounges use the old style credit card machine to make imprints, and I never had any issue with admission.

I used my Diners Club at China Airlines Dynasty Lounge at HKG in December 2010. They simply photocopied my boarding pass, Diners club card and let me in. I was not charged anything.

I just traveled in Spain with my wife and I am confused.

When consulting the website online, it indicated that a guest would be charged 18 Euros.

My wife is the cardholder and I was the guest -- we were on the same itinerary, and in both MAD and BCN, there was no charge for me. Were we lucky?? :confused:

I just traveled in Spain with my wife and I am confused.

When consulting the website online, it indicated that a guest would be charged 18 Euros.

My wife is the cardholder and I was the guest -- we were on the same itinerary, and in both MAD and BCN, there was no charge for me. Were we lucky?? :confused:

You might have gotten lucky, but I doubt it. They charge the guest fee to the Diners Club card used for entrance. In fact, I don't even think they accept any other form of payment for guest fees. The person who checks you into the club should probably inform you of the fee, but I'm sure that doesn't always happen. You might want to have your wife check her transactions online. I'm guessing she'll see the charges for bringing you into the clubs as her guest.

My recent trip had the chance of using the diners club international lounges in Singapore (SIN) and Berlin (TXL). The SIN Ambassador Transit Lounge (terminal 2) was very nice, with shower, hot Asian food and free WiFi. The TXL lounge was okay, and the WiFi was not free.

The US-issued Diners Club card did not work for SATS Premier Club Lounge (terminal 2) in Singapore when I used it last year.

Just thought that it might be useful for other travellers. The lounge access has not been very consistent.

Does anyone know how it now works the lounge access with italian DC issued Card ? I'm travelling in the next weeks in VCE and DOH airports.
Tx

Hi all, just for other travellers...

Recently I travelled via ZRH and DUB.

ZRH Panorama Lounge located in Terminal E is very nice, great view of the airport, very spacious lounge. No wifi though which is a disadvantage. Warm meal was good. Lots of choices of soft drinks, snakcs, alcohol etc. Would definately go there again.

DUB Anna Livia Business Lounge is located on the 1st floor of terminal 1, just opposite to Eason book store. Small lounge with free Wifi. Not many choices of snacks, just cookies and some chocolate stuff. Great coffee :) and a place for kids to play.

Access to above lounges with DC issued in Poland.

Yes, at this very minute, I've been sitting here at Taipei airport since 5.30am with a connecting flight at 1600 hours and really counting on getting into VIP lounge which was listed in the Diners club site. After lobbing there, I was told I had to have an Eva Air boarding pass to access the lounge. Most disappointing but have used the lounge in Dubai airport which was very good and didn't have any other conditions attached. I am not a corporate member but am also thinking of bailing out of Diners before the next renewal period hits. I had opted to pull out but when I spoke to a consultant on the phone about it last time, they offered to waive my annual renewal fee, then several months later offered me a Citibank Mastercard with 1.25 point per every dollar spent, no membership fees for the first year plus trpple points per dollar on the Diners if I take up their offer. Needless to say, I'm going to score as many points as I can, redeem them and then pull out as one really needs to spend a lot of money to accumulate points that can amount to any significance.

Yes, at this very minute, I've been sitting here at Taipei airport since 5.30am with a connecting flight at 1600 hours and really counting on getting into VIP lounge which was listed in the Diners club site. After lobbing there, I was told I had to have an Eva Air boarding pass to access the lounge. Most disappointing but have used the lounge in Dubai airport which was very good and didn't have any other conditions attached.
The entry conditions, also for this lounge, are stated quite clearly on http://www.dinersclub.com/airport-lounges.html

Welcome to Flyertalk.

...was told I had to have an Eva Air boarding pass to access the lounge.

Why are you disappointed? This is disclosed on the Diners website:

Starting on August 16, 2005, a Diners Club customer must present both his/her Diners Club card and his/her EVA Air boarding pass to enter the EVA VIP Lounge.



...they offered to waive my annual renewal fee, then several months later offered me a Citibank Mastercard with 1.25 point per every dollar spent, no membership fees for the first year plus triple points per dollar on the Diners if I take up their offer.

In which country is your Diners Club card issued?

that sounds like the benefits of the Australian card.....