There was a time back in history when most airline rules said that employees could not join the clubs, which implied that even if the employee were flying on a revenue ticket, there would be no lounge access unless it was a premium cabin ticket that permitted lounge use. Of course, one suspects that there were exceptions for high level executives.

In fact, I remember a time at a DO when we were first meeting in the airline lounge upon arrival and several employees participating in the event (who were meeting us as we arrived) were very careful to explain why they were entering the lounge with us and did not partake of F&B.