Asiana Club - Priority Check-in Change

On my most recent OZ flight out of ICN, there was a short line at the F check-in and I had to wait a bit. This was the first time I've ever had to wait at the F check-in as they normally have two or three counters open and normally without passengers. So I mentioned about it being unusually busy that day and the check-in lady told me it was because Diamond members flying in Business class were allowed to use the F check-in. According to the Asiana Club rules, only Diamond Plus or Platinum lets you use the F check-in when not flying in F. Diamond only allows you to use the dedicated Diamond counter, or Business counter if that's not available, and naturally you can use the Business counter if flying in Business, regardless of if you have Diamond status or not. So I'm guessing this may be a new 'feature' of Asiana Club. In my opinion, it's not a good feature as it's now allowing the F check-in to be overcrowded, though admittedly this is the peak travel season for Koreans (their summer vacation season), so perhaps it won't be such an issue at other times.

After checking in, I went to the F lounge and was the only person there, so evidently everyone else using the F check-in was Diamond members flying in Business which does not give them access to the F lounge.

Well spotted.

The old rule read:

Dedicated counter (Business class counter if not available)

and the new rule says

The Diamond member can use the Diamond member dedicated check-in counter or the check-in counter for the next class at the airport, regardless of the seat class.

This is still less generous than most other airlines which allow their (and other) *G to use the F check-in.
In reality this shouldn't make a real difference. The mount of people eligible for Business or First check-in is the same, just the ratio has changed. A simple change in staffing should bring the service level back to what it used to be.

This is still less generous than most other airlines which allow their (and other) *G to use the F check-in.Which ones? I can only think of LH...

Which ones? I can only think of LH...

Good point. I have used the F check-in at UA and NH as a *G (and LH of course). Maybe LX allows this as well but I am not sure.

Good point. I have used the F check-in at UA and NH as a *G (and LH of course). Maybe LX allows this as well but I am not sure.Internationally, I've seen a number of airports where *G can only use the Business Class counter. Only 1Ks, and sometimes only UGS, can use the First Class counter at those cities.

For example, LHR only allows UGS to use First check-in, and NRT of course has separate islands for *G check-in.

ANA used to allow First check-in for all Star Golds but I remember only seeing the *G logo at the Club ANA check-in recently - perhaps they've changed policy, or just at LHR, but either way it's no longer an overall rule.

Different question regarding priority check-in. OZ makes a point on its website and in its hard copy guide that priority check-in is only available to the elite member himself/herself, not any accompanying companions. I was wondering how strictly is this enforced. TIA.

LAX

Different question regarding priority check-in. OZ makes a point on its website and in its hard copy guide that priority check-in is only available to the elite member himself/herself, not any accompanying companions. I was wondering how strictly is this enforced. TIA.

LAXI have yet to hear about any instances of priority check-in being refused to travelling companions under normal circumstances.

If you bring 10 non-status companions to the C line then they may well tell you no, but as long as you're being reasonable (I.e. your family members travelling together) then it should be absolutely fine.

At ICN I recently saw a family of four at the F check-in who were flying in C but I assume one or both of the parents had a Diamond card so got to use the F line. Being children weren't allowed to even join Asiana Club until recently (they had to join the Magic Miles program), I doubt seriously they had their own Diamond cards. So the answer seems to be from what I've seen that it's not strictly enforced at all at ICN.

Obviously if you're traveling together you probably want a seat together and if you checked in separately it would be a big hassle not only for you but for the staff after you told them you want a seat together with your companion who's "checking in over there in that line." The agent then has to go over to the other line and coordinate it, etc. So I'm sure they prefer you stay together.

At ICN I recently saw a family of four at the F check-in who were flying in C but I assume one or both of the parents had a Diamond card so got to use the F line. Being children weren't allowed to even join Asiana Club until recently (they had to join the Magic Miles program), I doubt seriously they had their own Diamond cards. So the answer seems to be from what I've seen that it's not strictly enforced at all at ICN.

Obviously if you're traveling together you probably want a seat together and if you checked in separately it would be a big hassle not only for you but for the staff after you told them you want a seat together with your companion who's "checking in over there in that line." The agent then has to go over to the other line and coordinate it, etc. So I'm sure they prefer you stay together.

That obviously makes sense. Thus, I am kind of puzzled by OZ's intentions with that little blurb. Perhaps to prevent people from bringing 10 different strangers to the elite counter!:p

LAX

That obviously makes sense. Thus, I am kind of puzzled by OZ's intentions with that little blurb.

The *G benefit of priority check-in only extends to the member. Some programs have created specific rules for accompanying family (SQ for example) but technically the Star Alliance benefit is only for the person holding the card.

In reality however there will be very few cases where a family is turned away from priority check-in anywhere.

The situation is different of course when it comes to lounge access where outside the US families can be refused access.

The *G benefit of priority check-in only extends to the member. Some programs have created specific rules for accompanying family (SQ for example) but technically the Star Alliance benefit is only for the person holding the card.

In reality however there will be very few cases where a family is turned away from priority check-in anywhere.

The situation is different of course when it comes to lounge access where outside the US families can be refused access.

While I haven't tried bringing more than 1 person into any *A lounge, but I would imagine the domestic RCCs won't allow more than 1 person in either, family or not.

LAX

While I haven't tried bringing more than 1 person into any *A lounge, but I would imagine the domestic RCCs won't allow more than 1 person in either, family or not.

LAX

Actually, a RCC membership allows access with your partner and all of your 8 children. AAdmirals Club even allows you to bring your spouse, children and in-house nanny and the resident doctor.

Actually, a RCC membership allows access with your partner and all of your 8 children. AAdmirals Club even allows you to bring your spouse, children and in-house nanny and the resident doctor.

All 8 of them, huh?! Maybe the RCC membership is actually worthwhile, then!:D

LAX

All 8 of them, huh?! Maybe the RCC membership is actually worthwhile, then!:D

LAX

Is there an RCC in SLC? ;)

Is there an RCC in SLC? ;)

UA is flying almost all RJ into SLC and you expect an RCC ?

Even stations with mostly mainline got their RCC closed like MSP.

Actually, a RCC membership allows access with your partner and all of your 8 children. AAdmirals Club even allows you to bring your spouse, children and in-house nanny and the resident doctor.

There is never mentioned RCC allows access with your partner and all of your 8 children. Generally is your spouse plus one child, equal to the rules 2 guest for domestic.

http://www.united.com/page/article/1,,52713,00.html?navSource=rccMemb&linkTitle=rccTerms

Member guest limit for Clubs in the United States is two, or spouse and dependent children. Member guest limit in Clubs outside the United States is one, or spouse and dependent children.

There is never mentioned RCC allows access with your partner and all of your 8 children. Generally is your spouse plus one child, equal to the rules 2 guest for domestic.

http://www.united.com/page/article/1,,52713,00.html?navSource=rccMemb&linkTitle=rccTerms

Member guest limit for Clubs in the United States is two, or spouse and dependent children. Member guest limit in Clubs outside the United States is one, or spouse and dependent children.

:confused:

or spouse and dependent children

Either two guest OR your spouse and children. Not just one child. Plural.

What makes you believe you can only bring one child?

UA is flying almost all RJ into SLC and you expect an RCC ?

Even stations with mostly mainline got their RCC closed like MSP.

Jeez, you can't even see a tongue in cheek comment if it bit you. 8 children, Utah, c'mon man.

Jeez, you can't even see a tongue in cheek comment if it bit you. 8 children, Utah, c'mon man.

Perhaps that's why UA decided not to put a RCC there, not because it's an all RJ station!:D

LAX

Jeez, you can't even see a tongue in cheek comment if it bit you. 8 children, Utah, c'mon man.

Now I get it. My brain is a bit slow obviously. ;)