I witnessed a terse standoff at the non-Schengen Crown Lounge a few weeks ago when an exasperated Petroleum Card holder was steadfastly being refused admission despite his increasing exasperation.

He eventually sloped off, defeated, and muttering expletives. I can't see him putting much more business KLM's way. Pretty short-minded view really!

In fact, although I'm not visiting the Crown Lounge as much this year as I used to - in fact I can no longer gain admission myself now as I've lost the required status - in the last several months, there has nearly always been someone ahead of me, blocking the line, while trying to plead admission (and not necessarily always Petroleum Card holders).