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.
IMO EK should have come to some deal with a 3rd party pay-in lounge, maybe half usual price for EK silvers. Or 2000 miles compensation would be fairer than the mean 1000 offered. They have not dealt with this well at all, as goodwill is very important to maintain their frequent flyers like me.