Originally Posted by
threeoh
....The issue here is they are denying entry when the lounge is not full, is not likely to be full during your stay, ...
IME, when the signs are up, the UC is crowded. When no signs, it is not as crowded. Not sure how the OP knew that state without entering and I take a lounge agent's statements with a grain of salt. However, the original premise that non-crowded lounges decline OTPs, and more specifically, there is no written statement on the restriction, I dispute.
Originally Posted by
threeoh
....and they are even willing to sell you a single-use pass for $59 on the spot!.
Is that your experience, because I have not heard that reported
Yes, at times access is restricted, peak times. Places like DEN are more common due to one UC closed for renovation, soon to be re-opened. The hub UCs, due to flight banking, can cycle from full crowded to light back to crowded. Understand the frustration that OTPs are not automatic admission.