Originally Posted by
Happy
Before CSR was available, the KLM lounge was ultra quiet and we once spent HOURS there with our AMEX related PPs while we were waiting Air China to open its check in counter so we could exchange our UA issued BPs to CA's before we could get into their contracted lounge (used by Emirates as well). The contract lounge attendants were absolutely adamant we NEEDED the CA BPs to gain access. So we moored ourselves at the KLM/AF lounge until their closing time. Very quiet and quite acceptable F&B offerings.
Those have continuously insisted that CSR has not brought noticeable impact are just keeping their arguments for argument sake because those posters insisted on "hard proof"
The reality has been, due to the overly generous guest policy of the CSR PP, domestic PP lounges have become exceedingly difficult to use. I just hope PP continue to expand its partnership with the airport eateries for a mutually benefit set up that is win win win for all 3 parties - PP, eateries, and the cardholders.
It's only going to get worse with two of the Hilton AM EX offering PP benefits.
Something PP should do is limit admission to the cardholder +1. I'm a Delta skyclub member and usually there are more american express cards swipped than skyclub membership cards presented. There are still a lot of issues with overcrowding (I wish Delta would do what Alaska does and restrict admission to their own members and those on eligible tickets when the clubs are packed) but since they stopped allowing guests on Am Ex swipes the clubs aren't nearly as packed.
I haven't been that impressed with the PP lounges. It has been nice to use at Vegas since Delta doesn't have a lounge, but the other Airports I have been at I prefer the Delta or partner lounges. At LHR the Virgin lounge only admits people on Virgin and Delta flights who are top tier elites or riding in the J cabin and the service is amazing. I hope the Virgin lounge never accepts PP.