Originally Posted by
Sabasi
I don't understand why she could not carry a pre-purchased South African SIM card just in case something unpredictable happens, particularly because her clients apparently demand near instantaneous service. Takes about 30 seconds to switch them out.
She does not live in South Africa, nor does she visit South Africa regularly. She was simply transiting through JNB airport for 2 hours en route from Abu Dhabi to Blantyre. Where exactly should she purchase a "pre-purchased South African SIM card" and what use would it serve when she already has a phone that has international data roaming?
The issue is not about her clients demanding anything. She had to respond to an email and would prefer to do that from her laptop sitting at a desk in the lounge as she was entitled to do, rather than tapping a response out on a phone from a common waiting area as she eventually had to.
None of this is relevant though. There is no reason that needs to be provided for *G to be granted lounge access. It is an advertised and published entitlement when flying on a Star Alliance carrier. It was not provided due to the fault of the carrier. Therefore an explanation and compensation are due. Whether she wanted to access the lounge to send emails, take a nap, eat stale biscuits or keep up with the Kardashians is not the issue.