When a Business Class Lounge is better than the CCR
Jun 29, 2015, 4:01 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2013
Posts: 153
When a Business Class Lounge is better than the CCR
Currently waiting for a delayed CX flight at HKG. Went to The Wing to start with and had some food but was quite busy and we had time to kill so we are now relaxing in The Bridge and I can't help but wonder - why can't BA do lounges this well? Just one like this at Heathrow would be good.
The amount of fresh food choices from noodles to smoothies is staggering and the staff are so friendly.
This is certainly the most comfortable delay I have ever had!!
The amount of fresh food choices from noodles to smoothies is staggering and the staff are so friendly.
This is certainly the most comfortable delay I have ever had!!
Jun 29, 2015, 4:06 am
#2
Moderator: British Airways Executive Club
Join Date: Jan 2009
Programs: Battleaxe Alliance
Posts: 22,127
Currently waiting for a delayed CX flight at HKG. Went to The Wing to start with and had some food but was quite busy and we had time to kill so we are now relaxing in The Bridge and I can't help but wonder - why can't BA do lounges this well? Just one like this at Heathrow would be good.
If you look at a lot of airlines' J class lounges around Europe, you will see similar (or lower) standards.
Jun 29, 2015, 4:14 am
#3
Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: London
Programs: BAEC Silver, HH Diamond, Avis President's Club
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Yes I suppose ideally T5 would have a long-haul lounge (in B or C for example) that had decent dining options, and then the standard lounges in A that have the light snacks and drinks for short haul customers, or something to that effect.
Jun 29, 2015, 4:19 am
#4
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: London
Programs: BAEC
Posts: 2,644
I think part of the problem at LHR T5 is that it's available to domestic and short haul passengers - particularly status ones, who may be on very low fares with barely any profit.
If you look at a lot of airlines' J class lounges around Europe, you will see similar (or lower) standards.
If you look at a lot of airlines' J class lounges around Europe, you will see similar (or lower) standards.
It is true though, that the average shorthual fare on CX or KA is more than the average shorthual BA fare. The cost of catering and staff is also lower in HKG than LHR, so it's easier to see why there is a difference in quality of F&B and service.
Jun 29, 2015, 4:21 am
#5
Ambassador, British Airways; FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2012
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I am not sure why shorthaul & domestic needs to have a separate offering to longhaul. Tbh this sounds like a bit of a red herring. Yes for the ticket on the day there may not be much money in it for BA, but isn't that the whole point of status?
For any individual booking sometimes BA gets lots of profit from me, sometimes they don't. Status irons that out and means that I can access a good lounge even when just doing a domestic flight.
For any individual booking sometimes BA gets lots of profit from me, sometimes they don't. Status irons that out and means that I can access a good lounge even when just doing a domestic flight.
Jun 29, 2015, 4:27 am
#6
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: London, UK
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This ended with the latest change to HBO fares - status no longer allows you to choose your seat. And just wait until the next HBO enhancement kicks in - bye bye lounge access (speculative, but pretty much on the cards)
Jun 29, 2015, 4:31 am
#7
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: BOS
Programs: BA - Blue > Bronze > Silver > Bronze > Blue
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BA doesn't do it for the same reason why no other European or US airline does it and the same reason why hotel standards at an equivalent cost are similarly sub standard
Jun 29, 2015, 4:34 am
#8
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2013
Posts: 153
But the CX lounges in HKG are also open to all the Sapphires flying economy on Dragonair etc. They're not just for longhual premium class passengers.
It is true though, that the average shorthual fare on CX or KA is more than the average shorthual BA fare. The cost of catering and staff is also lower in HKG than LHR, so it's easier to see why there is a difference in quality of F&B and service.
It is true though, that the average shorthual fare on CX or KA is more than the average shorthual BA fare. The cost of catering and staff is also lower in HKG than LHR, so it's easier to see why there is a difference in quality of F&B and service.
Flight has just been delayed another 46 mins so we are off to The Pier!!
Jun 29, 2015, 4:46 am
#9
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Jun 29, 2015, 4:47 am
#10
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Join Date: Oct 2008
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While a comparison between CCR and HON is difficult (mainly because HON is CCR on steroids). The Lufty and LX FCL and FCT are available to pax on European and domestic German/Swiss itineraries. Also bare in mind LH and LX plus OS have a Business Cabin domestically on flights just as short if not slightly shorter than LHR-MAN.
Hence, I don't think it rings true that simply because the lounges (esp CCR) are open to domestic and European pax as LH/LX lounges have a much, much higher cost base plus one is driven to the plane where appropriate.
Plus, LH have a full serviced bar in the FRA/MUC SEN lounges that is only available in the CCR.
Hence, I don't think it rings true that simply because the lounges (esp CCR) are open to domestic and European pax as LH/LX lounges have a much, much higher cost base plus one is driven to the plane where appropriate.
Plus, LH have a full serviced bar in the FRA/MUC SEN lounges that is only available in the CCR.
Jun 29, 2015, 4:47 am
#11
Join Date: Sep 2014
Posts: 278
Not just Sapphire - CX gives business lounge access to their Silver level Marco Polo Club members who are OW Ruby! I believe they are removing this in the near future though and it doesn't extend to other OW Ruby (eg BA Bronze). And to think people on here don't like OWR having priority boarding...
Jun 29, 2015, 5:00 am
#13
Join Date: Dec 2014
Programs: British Airways Executive Club Gold
Posts: 1,073
Not just Sapphire - CX gives business lounge access to their Silver level Marco Polo Club members who are OW Ruby! I believe they are removing this in the near future though and it doesn't extend to other OW Ruby (eg BA Bronze). And to think people on here don't like OWR having priority boarding...
Jun 29, 2015, 5:13 am
#15
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: North West, UK
Programs: BA GfL (GGL/CCR), Hilton Diamond
Posts: 1,998
When a Business Class Lounge is better than the CCR
I have just come back from a TP run to Kuala Lumpur, Hong Kong and Jakarta. I was over whelmed by the quality of the Cathay lounges at HKG. The Pier First Class lounge was amazing. I popped in to the Bridge Business Class lounge and I agree its far better than anything at LHR.
My Trip Report (available on the link in my signature) covers some of the lounges in HKG. Note this is my own blog and is not part of FT.
My Trip Report (available on the link in my signature) covers some of the lounges in HKG. Note this is my own blog and is not part of FT.