Ii wanted to start out a thread a while back but wasn't sure how many are out there on FT, so didn't want the thread to die out.

I have been a Petroleum Club member since 2000. I utilized its one of the best benefits one time when I flew back from the US with one full day stopover in Paris on the way back to BKK. With more than 6 hrs stopover, connecting to a business class flight to BKK, they gave me a one day room at Sofitel for free that I could put my carry on stuffs, took a shower, and went in town for a walk and shopping, then came back, took a shower and took the flight back to BKK. Another time was when I found out (upon arrival at CDG) that my flight was cancelled. Line at Transfer Desk was rediculously long and I just went ahead to Petroleum Club counter to get my new boarding pass within 10 min. It really saved me that day.

Petroleum Club entitles you to use an Arrival Lounge at CDG (not sure if this benefit is still there) and at Sofitel Petroluem Club Lounge (need immigration clearance though to get out). Overall, if you are indeed working for oil & gas industry, it does not hurt to be a member. It is free and renewed every year as long as you fly one trip within oil route, which now is pretty much everywhere you fly to from Paris. And now via/to AMS, with AF-KLM, it gives you more option to use KLM lounge at AMS.

I do not know for sure though if they actually check your employment status with an oil & gas company. All I did was providing them my company address and phone number, and I really don't think they called and checked whether I was actually an employee. However, I am not worried cos I am working in the oil & gas industry anyway.

Benefits are mostly utilized if you fly via/to CDG or AMS often otherwise u won't get to feel much. They have some golf and other activities too throughout the year.