Originally Posted by
TabTraveller
I would encourage you to read the comments in the article where the author discusses how payments work further with one of his readers. It is clear that neither has an authoritative answer to the question.
I really think this very much a wild goose chase and the changes have little, if anything, to do with cost cutting / crowding especially with regard to lounges.
While noting what you say, from a management accounting perspective I find the subject fascinating.
An economy return on MH from SIN to KUL, after deducting taxes is about GBP60. If I am a BA Gold card holder dining in the QANTAS First lounge every Friday before taking that flight, and QANTAS invoice MH for that meal, how much is MH left with to contribute to the fare if they are paying for my BA elite perks? Indeed after funding my elite perks in the KUL lounge on the return sector are they actually making a loss on me every time I fly?