Originally Posted by
anabolism
Once, flying AA 137 LHR-LAX, I got to the gate well before departure time. After a very long wait (past departure time) the GA announced that there was a mechanical problem, that there would be an update in xx minutes, and we were free to go have a drink or snack or whatever elsewhere in the airport. I headed to the BA lounge, relaxed there for a bit, then headed back to the gate just before the xx minutes. The gate was deserted and they were paging me! Apparently the mechanical had been fixed much earlier then expected, they'd trying paging me in the AA lounge. (Of course, since I was the only passenger there, LHR security decided to do the full treatment on me, while I they continued to page me.)
A two-part response:
First, what LHR security did you encounter between the BA lounge and the T-3 departure gate? I have flown AA137 many times. I know where the AC lounge is and cannot recall any LHR security between that lounge and the departure gate. Is the BA lounge nearby or did you go to another terminal? What do I not understand about your scenario quoted above?
Second, I am not a lounge lizard for the simple reason I like to "be where I am supposed to be". I occasionally get one-day passes and if I have plenty of time, yes, I have visited the AC a few times. However, I always leave the AC so I have AMPLE time to get to the gate. (T-45, eg.) I don't mind waiting at the departure gate, not really. I like to hear of any changes, early boarding, etc.
I have concluded that running a chance of missing a flight due to early boarding, gate change, etc, is one of the few drawbacks of lounge lizard-ness. Based on your experience quoted above, what are your thoughts on this? Did you try to cut it too close that day in LHR?