Originally Posted by
eightblack
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.
You are right, it is Emirates prerogative to withdraw services, (subject to terms and conditions, and any laws in any country they do business regarding fair trading).
It is also my prerogative to chose who I fly with.
I think it is fair also to make my views on why I choose or choose not to fly with any airline aware to the airlines so they can improve services.
I think I am also right in assuming that comments FT do feed back to Emirates.
As for why my next flight is with Emirates it certainly not for the benefits of the Skywards membership, more to do with convenience and price.
I have now lost my Silver statues but had I been I think I certainly would very annoyed to turn up at DXB to find no lounge access particularly if had I known in advance I may have chosen to fly with another airline, probably another route.