Hello,

I did not wish to start a brand new thread, but could not find an appropriate thread to post my queries.

I have an upcoming flight to Kansas, USA via Abu Dhabi (Travelling on Economy class with a 3-hour layover at AUH):

• Leg-1 : India to Abu Dhabi via Etihad
• Leg-2 : Abu Dhabi to Chicago via Etihad
• Leg-3 : Chicago to Kansas via American Airlines

I am a Gold member and was hoping to use the extra 23kgs that is allowed for this status (C.A). But Customer Care says that since the last leg of my trip is not via an Etihad flight, I am not eligible to those extra 23kgs .

Just wanted to double-check as Flyertalk is always correct .

In case I cannot use the extra baggage .. I see very limited benefits with the Gold status..except maybe the extra miles that I get for each trip.

Lounge access:

1. Etihad will only allow me to access the Al-reem lounge (First Class Lounge & Spa in T3, Etihad Premium Lounge in T1 & T3, Etihad Arrivals Lounge T3 seem to be out of bounds)
2. However, am a Priority pass member. And its website states I can access the Al Dhabi and Al Reem lounges in Terminal-1

Any suggestions on which lounge would be better i.e. Al Dhabi or Al Reem?

Look forward to your comments .

Thanks in advance,
Monk