Fliar

Hello everyone,

I recall reading somewhere on this forum about a *Alliance rule that gives you *lounge access when connecting on a non-* flight to a destination not served by *Alliance. I searched for it on this forum but couldn't find it. My questions:

- I'm flying from CAI via AKL on * to Santiago on Lanchile. Does this qualify?
- if my flight is the same day, can I leave the airport for this rule to apply?
- Where in the *Alliance rules is this rule mentioned? I would imagine not many people know about it so would like to print it out to show the lounge staff.

Thanks!

19103_aa

I attempted this at the UA RCC at JFK T7 when flying to KEF on FI (NYC-KEF) is not serviced by any *A carrier. I was cooly rejected at the door. I asked them to call RCC corporate and they sided with the desk agent.

I agree it would be nice, if this is indeed a policy, to have it published somewhere as a reference point.

stut

Is it routes or destinations? If destinations, you're out of luck, as at least LH, RG and AC fly to SCL.

kempis

CAI, AKL and SCL are all operated by * airline so I am not sure how you could apply this rule here.

KEF is actually served by *. OS flies out of VIE once a week.

Fliar

Good point. I guess it depends, as was mentioned, on whether it's routes or destinations as no * carrier flies this route. Still, it might come in handy one day but I can't find an official reference to this anywhere.

BlondeBomber

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=68165

might give some ideas. You have to check with your star carrier for its policy. You might quote Air Canada's . . .

BlondeBomber

also http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=324089

gives some nuances with SQ at HKG

MapleLeaf

LH does allow all SEN's to use any LH operated lounge on day of travel, regardless of carrier. *G lounges do not qualify.

Kiwi Flyer

Yes, and similarly SQ Raffles lounge available to PPS regardless of carrier.

Neither helps Fliar (I think).

Fliar

Well...after reading through all the relevant links/threads it seems that some airlines may allow this. However, the only 'hard' reference I have found was a useful excerpt from the AC members' guide posted by Blondebomber which says "Additionally, Star Alliance Gold members can access Star Alliance lounges when connecting to a Non-Star airline if a Star carrier does not provide air transportation to the customer's next destination." The way it is phrased it sounds as if it is a general Staralliance rule but no one seems to be sure if it really is. Nor is it clear if it pertains to destinations or routes.

I have emailed Staralliance about this (and also Air NZ to see if they will allow me access on my next trip when I have a connecting OW flight).

I'll post their replies here.

Fliar

I emailed both Star Alliance and Air NZ on July 18 but have not received a reply from either. I'll keep trying.

Edited to add. Got a very quick reply after emailing the Gold Helpdesk which basically says what it tells you on the website (which doesn't mention non-* destinations). This was a nice way of saying 'no' I guess.




Thank you for your email

The following is found on our website under Airpoints, Airpoints
status,Airpoints Gold and finally Lounge Privileges.

* Access for you and one travelling companion to
Star Alliance Gold Lounges operated by
Star Alliance airlines worldwide, when departing on any Star Alliance
carrier operated flight.

Note: In order to access these lounges, you need to present your Airpoints
Gold Card and you and your guest need to present your respective Air New
Zealand or Star Alliance Airline boarding passes.

Also on the website under www.airnz.co.nz <http://www.airnz.co.nz> if you

go to Airpoints,Airpoints Partners.put your cursor over Star Alliance
network and then go down to Lounge Access the following :

Lounge Access

If you are a qualifying member (for example Airpoints Gold or Gold Elite
which equate to Star Gold status), or travelling in Business or First Class
on any Star Alliance airline, you are welcome to use any Star Alliance
airport lounge worldwide.