Things to say that verifiably work:

1. Hello, I am flying British Airways First class
2. Hello, I am connecting from a British Airways First class flight to another flight
3. Hello, I am not flying First class but I am a Gold Guest List member of the BAEC
4. Hello, I am not flying First class but I am a Premier member of the BAEC
5. Hello, I am being guested in by this kind lady/gentleman who has access as per the above
6. Hello, CWS is waiting for me inside and gave my name to you earlier…!
7. I guested someone into GF after he asked me inside the lounge and it turned out he was on the run from security (as reported on FT!)

Things to say that verifiably don’t/no longer work:

1. I just need to take a quick short cut through to Galleries First, I am in a big rush!
2. I am a social media influencer with over 5m followers
3. I am connecting from a flight in AA/CX/QR First class
4. This is the flight that will get me to GGL (Ok I’ll admit it….!!)
5. I am travelling BA First next week
6. I am going to write to Willie Walsh because you are being so rude

etc…