Originally Posted by
Wolkenwandler
- Lounge cost would still be borne by Cathay
Result: This would turn a financially optimal case into a financially worse case for Cathay and for the future. Is this outcome rational from Cathay’s own financial and loyalty perspective?
D3 assumes operating airline pays for access even if access is by partner status.
OMAAT disagrees
https://onemileatatime.com/insights/...ess-economics/
Note that some people claim that with oneworld, the operating carrier is always on the hook for paying for lounge access, even if status is through another program. However, it’s my understanding that this used to be the policy, but it changed a few years back. If anyone knows definitively, please do let me know…
I prefer to believe OMAAT’s belief, because if D3 was true, BA will flood the AA North American market with status matches a lot more:
BA Status Match Offer for US/Canada Residents
https://onemileatatime.com/insights/...s-gold-status/
with the expectations AA will be footing the bill - these status matched North American members will be flying AA and accessing Admirals Clubs without BA being charged.