Originally Posted by
ung1
We now have A380s with 90 premium seats is no excuse for EK to take away this benefit in the long run. If the number of premium passengers as a percentage of total passengers has increased, then yes, but if sheer volumes have gone up, they need to keep up their resources (you don't see them saying oh we have too many planes, we'll fly each one with fewer pilots or cabin crew).
But why? Surely it is the airlines (in this case, EK's) prerogative to take anything away. It is certainly within the terms and conditions of the program rules (ie Skywards).
As far as I can gather, EK are not saying that they are removing lounge access permanently, they're saying they need to renovate the lounge. As soon as its done, lounge access will be restored.
All the program regulars know of the strain on the current lounge infrastructure in Dubai (and there are equally as many pissed of Golds, quite rightly so, who have had guest access removed) but it is what it is.
Allowing Silvers into the existing J lounge wont work - because of capacity. I'm assuming EK dont want to pay for 3rd party access for Silvers (ie to a 3rd party lounge in DXB) but in the long run, perhaps they should have done so to appease everyone and to maintain some sort of goodwill.