Originally Posted by
DWFI
I read this and got a sick feeling to my stomach about Open Doors.
Yes, that was exactly my feeling when I read the title... only for it to be confirmed when opening the thread.
Originally Posted by
HIDDY
Not surprised....it was a weird benefit to give.
KL used to do but AF put an end to this when they took over.
LH used to do it too until a couple of years ago.
It was not such a strange benefit but it was certainly a disappearing one.
I was one of those who used it every now and then, even when I had access to another lounge, primarily to have access to UK newspapers and, very occasionally better catering.
As others have pointed out, though, it seriously diminishes the incentive to be gold. Apart from access to the Flounge and the soft landing, benefits are minimal over silver.
It will probably mean that I won't bother requalifying for Gold every year (one out of two will be enough) and push more flights towards Skyteam in the off-year so as to retain status in the 3 major alliances.