Does anyone know what is required to access the Kenya Airways Simba lounge in Nairobi? I will be flying NBO-JNB in first class on KQ, also Skyteam Elite+. Will I be able to access the lounge?
A business ticket will get you into the lounge. A Gold or Platinum ST card when travelling in economy will not but will get you into and even more basic lounge upstairs..
The lounge is pretty basic to say the least: do not have high expectations!
Sorry, I meant business. Is the lounge really that bad? I thought it was relatively new... are there other lounges in NBO that are more desirable? KLM mentions on their website only "Kenya Airways – KLM Lounge Simbala Lounge (C-class only)", and Northwest makes no mention of any partner lounges in Nairobi (only the AF lounge in JNB).
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What is the difference between the Business Class lounge and the "upstairs" lounge for Elite Plus pax in Y? I will be coming in around 5am on the JNB-NBO flight before connecting to an AMS flight. Do they have shower facilities at all? free wifi?
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The upstairs lounge also has slow, free wifi. It also appears there is a lounge for Y pax connecting on KQ where they get a breakfast voucher although it looked more like a cafeteria or DMV waiting room! But, the "Premier Lounge" upstairs is just as shabby albeit with leather seating. The Simba Lounge looks quite nice, the small buffet in the center offers basic snacks and drinks are well-stocked in the fridge. I think there were two Internet stations in addition to the wifi. It is just such a small lounge for NBO as their hub and it is quite far from the gates compared to the Diners Club lounge which is across from some of the gates.
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Why arent Y pax allowed into the KQ Simba Lounge at NBO? It only seems fair that SkyTeam Elite Plus pax get access to the lounge since KQ Elite Plus pax get access to other partner lounges. Is it still the case that partner airline Elite Plus pax in Y are directed upstairs to that despicable holding room?
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From what I remember, all the lounges have basic sandwiches, wine, and beer...although the thought of that awful Premiere lounge upstairs for Elite Plus pax would drive someone to drink after sitting there for a few hours!
Oh and the constant run-down announcement where they list the dozen flights departing within the next hour literally every 10 minutes is the most annoying thing!
The Simba Lounge is for J class passengers only. It has seating capacity for maximum 40 pax including bar stools. In the mornings it is packed as there are so many departures. I always go to the Java coffee house, and pay for a decent coffee.
Above simba is the "old" lounge which was for both J class, and Elite members. This is now for Elite Members only.
Next to it, is the holding area for Y passengers who are entitled to meal vouchers, etc.
Slightly different question - I am flying LHR - NBO - JNB. The LHR flight gets in 45 minutes before the first JNB flight (I'm ticketed on a flight two hours after that). Will I need to pass through any sort of passport control in NBO? Do you think there is any chance of getting on that earlier flight on a standby basis? I won't have any checked bags.
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I don't know quite how to put this, but I'm kind of a big deal - I'm a Silver Elite. My flight memory.
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Quote:
Originally Posted by idayvuelta
Slightly different question - I am flying LHR - NBO - JNB. The LHR flight gets in 45 minutes before the first JNB flight (I'm ticketed on a flight two hours after that). Will I need to pass through any sort of passport control in NBO?
No.
Quote:
Originally Posted by idayvuelta
Do you think there is any chance of getting on that earlier flight on a standby basis? I won't have any checked bags.
I have no idea, but there is a transit desk right before you get to the ramp that takes you to passport control (and the lounges), so you could ask there.
What are the guest policies for the lounges in NBO for award travel in biz class, but no other SkyTeam status?
The Simba Lounge only allows J class passengers (award and paid). If you have a guest that is in Y, they will not be allowed in. The other lounge follows normal SkyTeam policies.
