Definitely more AA than BA in style (not sure if some elements like the glass panels are meant to borrow BA galleries style) but it looks perfectly fine to me and in line with what to expect for a route served with one 3 class 777 a day.
BA are due to move in with AA at T8 JFK at some point - one can almost hear WW and the Bean Counters (could be the name of Band) licking their lips and rubbing their hands at the prospect of charging for 'premium' drinks and food.
A non-self service bar - how nice! I bet you're also expected to tip the staff.
Programs: BA Silver, Emirates Silver, Lufthansa Senator. IC Plat RA.
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I don't have any problems with shared lounges, but I do hope BA has got a good deal. If BA is responsible for lounges in Europe, and AA pax are getting access to Galleries concept lounges, then I think BA would be getting the bad end of the deal.
I think it's a great idea though. It means that BA can offer an enhanced premium service. DEN is served by one 777 (3-class) every day -it's not a big destination for BA. AA is also struggling at DEN -UAL are big players there, and AA have been downsizing their fleet -i think they use RJs now instead of 737s. So, if they club together, they can get a better overall lounge than either of them would acting individually. Would BA really have built a galleries club lounge at DEN? No.
At JFK, on the other hand, I'd imagine that BA would still invest -after all, AA operates a lounge at LHR alongside Galleries T3. Equally, AA has a bigger network ex-JFK, so maybe they could come up with something a bit better as a shared lounge.
But, I really do support these ideas -shared savings are much better than CUTS. I'd rather have a shared lounge than no lounge; I'd rather have a codeshare flight than no flight at all.
It CAN work -provided BA don't allow AA's sloppy standards to infect its brand. A key selling point of BA is quality -if you allow the AA brand/service to permeate, this can be undermined. I trust BA on this.
What about the existing BA lounge at DEN? It's convenient as it's right above the BA gate. After years of doing LHR-DEN in WT, i've finally got my first CW flight there later this month. Not gonna be impressed if i have to use a disappointing Admirals Club, especially if it's a long way from BA's gate. Rather just hang out in the Denver Chophouse.
BA's original lounge in DEN will just go back to the airport as available space for rent. This new lounge is located in the same lounge complex as BA's original. Actually it is in the same location as the previous Continental President's Club.
I don't have any link for the following information. But I have been told by numerous BA DEN staff that all food/drink, including premium drinks, will be complimentary for all BA pax and guests. They will just need to show a BA boarding pass. This lounge is much nicer then the old one and has more food and drink to offer. I hope this helps.
