This is the story that I got last week (southbound) from a very tough and unbendable matron in Lima. This matron ABSOLUTELY insisted that I was traveling on an upgraded ticket and that upgraded tickets are NOT eligible for admission to the SALONES VIP in Lima.

(On admission what they look for is a 'D' on your boarding pass. And 'D' to them meant upgrade and this is a 'NO GO' for admission. In other words, the bridge is not controlled by more knowledgeable TACA employees).

I tried to explain to her that I was on a totally free Clase Ejecutiva ticket - not an upgraded ticket - and that I was, in fact, entitled to admission. She wasn't willing to even listen. So I tried to pull out a copy of an e that I had from SALONES VIP which indicated that free biz ticket holders are entitled to use the lounges, but as luck would have it, I couldnt find it! (Do a search for that old post of mine if you are interested in TACA's response. I suggest that you print a copy).

So I asked her to use the internet to print another copy of it. 'Not here, sir, as you are not entitled to use the lounge,' was the response that I received.

Well, to try and make a long story short, I tracked down a TACA agent... and then asked to speak w the TACA station mgr. This took about an hour. Surprisingly, the manager was well versed on the Salones VIP admission policy. 'Oh yes, sir!... free Clase Ejecutivo tickets are eligible for admission to the Lounge.'

So all of this brings me to what I want to tell you: I'm impressed with the Lima Lounge!

As you may know, some of the Salones VIP Lounges are 'contracted out' and Lima falls into that category. IIRC, the Lounge is located down an alley way to the left around Gate 17 (dont quote me on the gate no. tho.). The entrance is kind of impressive and you wont miss it due to the ante-room's impressive bright orange decor. The actual name of the Lounge is SUMAQ... at least that's the name on the entrance.

The Lounge sports the following: a self serve business center w fax, internet 4free, and a copy machine. And get this...

THERE'S A SLUMBER ROOM!

Yes, there are 5 or 6 of those slumber type of chairs (like the ones you will find in SQ's SIN or LH's FRA Lounges).

AND THERE ARE SHOWERS!

And there is wireless TV that one can watch via headphones.

But you are gonna have to wanna watch the latest soccer match because that is what it is tuned to. And there is food. Finger sandwhiches, chips, olives, fruits, juices, and coffees were on offer while I was there. And there is a bar with top shelf stuff 4free. And there's an enclosed outside 'garden' area for smoking.

Soooo, ok ok... the food's not top notch like the Silver Kris Lounge, but this little oasis in the middle of South America was a bit of a nice find.

Enjoy. But be prepared to meet a matron.

Cos your admission may vary....aka YMMV... if you are unprepared!