SQ SKL access @ SFO permanently denied for *G domestic
#46
In memoriam
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: NYC
Programs: UA, AA, SPG - Gold, LM
Posts: 589
While it lasted, I had been admitted without much hasitation, most of the time, and at times, simply turned away, citing "we are experiancing full flight" and things like that.
I was wondering if this rule was only for the US/UA/CO *Gs or for all other *G. I being a 1K and *G from BD, could use BD *G, if this still ok with SKL.
Anyone tested lately.....
I was wondering if this rule was only for the US/UA/CO *Gs or for all other *G. I being a 1K and *G from BD, could use BD *G, if this still ok with SKL.
Anyone tested lately.....
#47
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: PHL
Programs: AA EXP MM, HHonors Lifetime Diamond, Marriott Lifetime Ti, UA Silver
Posts: 5,036
yes -- always easy to look up the rules, Star Alliance Lounge Access
#48
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 1999
Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Programs: OWEmerald; STARGold; BonvoyPlat; IHGPlat/Amb; HiltonGold; A|ClubPat; AirMilesPlat
Posts: 38,186
I was told this when I used the lounge on the 31st in conjunction with an AC flight to Canada. Reception dragon said it would be the last day for such admission. Even used my AC STARGold, not my UA STARGold card. Not sure if she realized that Canada is not a domestic destination. I will be back at SFO Wednesday morning for another AC flight to YYZ and maybe give it a debate. Of course, SQ has introduced this change because it has been overwhelmed by UA STARGolds who use this lounge as they don't have RCC memberships and thus exploit the loophole when flying domestic.
#49
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: GVA (Greater Vancouver Area)
Programs: DREAD Gold; UA 1.035MM; Bonvoy Au-197; PCC Elite+; CCC Elite+; MSC C-12; CWC Au-197; WoH Dis
Posts: 52,133
The rules also say that all *G should have access. That doesn't stop SQ from making up their own.
#50
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: YYC - not the centre of the universe
Programs: AC*S100K 1MM, LH FTL, Hyatt Globalist, Accor Plat
Posts: 4,768
SQ is not much of a *A airline. Redemption sucks, now this, and also awarding miles for flights isn't very good with them either...
#52
Formerly known as CollegeFlyer
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: JRA
Programs: UA 1K MM, AA PLT, Hyatt Diamond, Marriott Gold, Hertz 5*
Posts: 6,716
The loophole punched by UA does not apply to other airlines' lounges (except CO and US), so normal *G rules apply. Until now when SQ is making their own rule.
Also, plenty of UA *Gs who use the SQ lounge are RCC members, so it's incorrect to assume that they are "exploiting a loophole" because they don't have RCC members. Instead, they may prefer the SKL because it's better than the RCC. It's not like AC *Gs are somehow "better" than UA *Gs. Besides, doesn't AC still give away *G easily at 35K EQM?
#53
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: YYZ
Programs: BA GGL, UA 1K, AC 35K, Accor Diamond, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 441
This thread has also appeared on the Air Canada Aeroplan thread as many AC flyers also make use of this lounge. Since no has brought up this point yet, I'll raise it...
...I was under the impression that SQ receives a fee from UA or AC everytime a *Gold member uses their lounge. I was told this is why they are so religious about scanning or signing people in. Why would SQ pass up on this source of revenue. I have heard this fee that Air Canada is charged everytime I use an non-AC lounge is between $18-$35 as told by the lounge agents. It seems odd to me that SQ would drop such a source of revenue.
It's also a shame that SQ is considering Canada as a domestic destination.
Will this mean the end to using the SQ lounge to shower on a INCOMING UA flight from SYD/MEL with an onward connection to Canada or another "U.S." destination?
...I was under the impression that SQ receives a fee from UA or AC everytime a *Gold member uses their lounge. I was told this is why they are so religious about scanning or signing people in. Why would SQ pass up on this source of revenue. I have heard this fee that Air Canada is charged everytime I use an non-AC lounge is between $18-$35 as told by the lounge agents. It seems odd to me that SQ would drop such a source of revenue.
It's also a shame that SQ is considering Canada as a domestic destination.
Will this mean the end to using the SQ lounge to shower on a INCOMING UA flight from SYD/MEL with an onward connection to Canada or another "U.S." destination?
#54
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 1999
Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Programs: OWEmerald; STARGold; BonvoyPlat; IHGPlat/Amb; HiltonGold; A|ClubPat; AirMilesPlat
Posts: 38,186
More than likely, UA has instructed SQ to impose the restriction since it costs UA $25 for every entry. So unless you're an RCC who has paid UA something to offset this, the loophole was getting abusive for the carrier, particularly since the shuttle was no longer needed to get from/to the domestic to the international terminals.
#55
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: GVA (Greater Vancouver Area)
Programs: DREAD Gold; UA 1.035MM; Bonvoy Au-197; PCC Elite+; CCC Elite+; MSC C-12; CWC Au-197; WoH Dis
Posts: 52,133
I suggest you read the lounge access rules on staralliance.com. There is no loophole here, so this statement doesn't make sense.
#56
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: SF, CA, US
Programs: AA Plat Pro, UA MM Gold, HHonors Silver, Marriott Bonvoy Plat, IHG Ambassador
Posts: 1,236
I was admitted w/o comment on the 31st, flying UA F to San Antonio. The matron took down my info and welcomed me into the lounge, I stayed there for about an hour until it closed just before the ICN flight. There were not many people there.
#57
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: TUS and any place close to a lav
Programs: UA 1.6MM
Posts: 5,423
I don't blame SQ for this. Their lounge at SFO is really too small (its too small for just the SQ preimum passenger use!)
#58
Suspended
Join Date: Jul 2007
Programs: United GS+
Posts: 1,889
I don't understand the continual references to RCC being eligible for access here. RCC rules explicitly state that the member must be on an international ticket to access *A lounges.
# Reciprocal club privileges provide access worldwide to the following lounges:
* All Continental Presidents Club® locations. Red Carpet Club members are limited to one guest when visiting any Continental Presidents Club location outside the U.S.
* All US Airways Club® locations.
* All Star Alliance® member airline lounges. Red Carpet Club members may access Star Alliance member airline lounges when departing on a same-day international flight on any Star Alliance carrier.
* All Continental Presidents Club® locations. Red Carpet Club members are limited to one guest when visiting any Continental Presidents Club location outside the U.S.
* All US Airways Club® locations.
* All Star Alliance® member airline lounges. Red Carpet Club members may access Star Alliance member airline lounges when departing on a same-day international flight on any Star Alliance carrier.
#59
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: GVA (Greater Vancouver Area)
Programs: DREAD Gold; UA 1.035MM; Bonvoy Au-197; PCC Elite+; CCC Elite+; MSC C-12; CWC Au-197; WoH Dis
Posts: 52,133
I've never seen more than 6 or 8 people in it.
#60
Moderator: United Airlines
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: SFO
Programs: UA Plat 1.995MM, Hyatt Discoverist, Marriott Plat/LT Gold, Hilton Silver, IHG Plat
Posts: 66,831
on the Star Alliance Lounge Access Rules state
Paid Lounge Membership Customers: Eligible Paid Lounge Membership Customers have access to any Star Alliance member carriers' owned Business Class lounges.
Eligible Paid Lounge Membership Customers include United Airlines Red Carpet Club, US Airways Club, Air Canada Maple Leaf Club – Worldwide and Continental Airlines Presidents Club.
Customer must present a valid eligible paid lounge membership card
Customer must also present a boarding card for a same day Star Alliance flight departing from the local airport.
Customer is entitled to one guest
Eligible Paid Lounge Membership Customers include United Airlines Red Carpet Club, US Airways Club, Air Canada Maple Leaf Club – Worldwide and Continental Airlines Presidents Club.
Customer must present a valid eligible paid lounge membership card
Customer must also present a boarding card for a same day Star Alliance flight departing from the local airport.
Customer is entitled to one guest
and
on RCC site
Reciprocal club privileges provide access worldwide to the following lounges:
• All Continental Presidents Club® locations. Red Carpet Club members are limited to one guest when visiting any Continental Presidents Club location outside the U.S.
• All US Airways Club locations
• All Star Alliance® member airline lounges. Red Carpet Club members may access Star Alliance member airline lounges with up to one guest when departing on a same day flight on any Star Alliance carrier.
• All Continental Presidents Club® locations. Red Carpet Club members are limited to one guest when visiting any Continental Presidents Club location outside the U.S.
• All US Airways Club locations
• All Star Alliance® member airline lounges. Red Carpet Club members may access Star Alliance member airline lounges with up to one guest when departing on a same day flight on any Star Alliance carrier.
and
www.united.com > Services & information > Airport clubs & lounges > Star Alliance lounges
For admission to one of our designated Star Alliance® member clubs or lounges listed below, you must be departing on a Star Alliance flight and present your same-day ticket on the appropriate carrier along with your boarding pass and United Red Carpet Club membership card.
the preponderance of references clearly have no international flight requirement