Originally Posted by
Thai-Kiwi
I disagree entirely. My $$ spend to achieve ROP Gold well exceeds that spent by a non-status business class passenger. But that is my biased (loyalty-orientated) perspective
Our $$ spend (well over $125,000/year on
United alone) to achieve status (now Lifetime GS with United) far exceeds the majority of anyone in this forum (including MP forum), let alone those flying heavily in Y, enough to achieve Gold status. My Partner has done over 5.5mm on United, >1mm on CX, >1mm on BA, I manage all his travel needs so I do know a thing or two about LOYALTY. Count me in as one of the "loyalty-oriented" - I'm just not loyal to TG
Originally Posted by
worldclubber
Isn‘t that the old story: Those who don‘t have status wish the best benefits should be provided based on cabin class only. It’s, however, the end of any loyalty program, because why should we show any loyalty, if we get lounge access with any airline just through a J or F ticket?
I do NOT disagree with you. To the contrary I totally agree! I guess I just wasn't being clear and left out my train of thoughts when I quickly posted my reply. What I had in mind was that since TG has many lounges in BKK, why not make this new one (or any other for that matter) an exclusive lounge just for J and F pax. Heck I wouldn't mind even if it was exclusive to only TG J and F or just F - just like LH's First terminal in FRA.
To be clear, this is coming from my business point of view, not as a paying pax. Something to differentiate. An attraction/reward to premium flyers - to generate more revenue. Think about it, most TG lounges are mediocre at best, even the F lounge. Make this new one truly premium, with food, beverages, decor and the whole enchilada. It won't be sustainable, business-wise, if anyone with mere Gold status are allowed access.
It will also be the end of any Loyalty program if one just do mileage runs just to get the status and then start to demand heaven and earth because they are now so and so. That's why many airlines are starting to impose qualifying $$$ spend on top of BIS miles to achieve status. It won't be long before TG follow suit.