Originally Posted by
alanw
Yeah I didn't figure there was a lot of chance of a match, but I'm glad I posted anyway because I learned a few things (and was reminded of a few things):
Lounge access on VY: did not know that, it's huge since I have probably 20 VY legs/year and have been relying on PP for lounge access (the lounge in BCN is sometimes over capacity lately and PP seems to get parked outside more frequently than with status)
Platino is good for two years. Completely slipped my mind. BA Gold is only doable by accident for me, but I'll almost make Platino without trying since it's two years worth of TPs instead of one.
There's also the "free VIP parking" benefit at BCN and MAD. I can't find details about what that actually means anywhere but my best guess is you have to pay regular parking rates but get the valet parking and EV charging for free? Anyone know?
I'm going to mail them; worst thing they can do is say no. Should that fail I have a trip coming up next week that will put me over the BA Silver threshold for the year so I'm going to start accumulating on IB and...do it the hard way.
As far as parking goes, I don't know anything about EV charging since I have a cheap petrol Corsa, but it's literally no cost. It's probably my favorite IB status benefit. You have to email them prior to make the reservation and it's limited to 3 days in Europe/short haul and a week for long haul, but just walking out and having your car ready to go for you and being able to just leave it at the terminal door is amazing. Note that the first time you go might want to plan some extra time as it can be a bit confusing to find the entrance and it's through a prohibited entry sign and all. That's all at Madrid. no idea for BCN and I believe it has to be IB flights, so BA won't work.