Originally Posted by
geminidreams
Not really. At many airports I can get into a Diners club lounge. Others have Priority pass. Better to save some money and forego the lounge in that case.
That works until a contract lounges reach capacity and starts denying access (
thread 1,
thread 2), or
charging reservation fees (external link). If many of the business class travelers are now joining the economy and PE passengers in already-crowded lounges, it could reach a tipping point.
I also feel like business class cabins aren't shopped by the same nickle-and-dime customer as economy. I'm not saying I don't sort fares low-to-high, but I will consider the overall experience and elite programs before selecting my flight even if it costs a more (such as choosing DL/AF over BA for my July flight so I don't need to pay seat fees, and even choosing my route based on avoiding DL's 767). And the actual business travelers probably have budget guidance that aren't picky to the $100s digit on a multi thousand dollar fare. My point is, yes this will save some people money, but I still would prefer them to just raise the price $50 per direction and be done with it.