Packed lounges
Aug 25, 2015, 7:50 am
#61
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IMO time spent in the lounge is not an issue.
The issue is really how easy it has become to attain lounge access.
The issue is really how easy it has become to attain lounge access.
Aug 25, 2015, 8:04 am
#62
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The problem with the 2.5 hour approach, a problem that could probably be easily handled however, is the case of an itinerary like mine. On an upcoming award flight I have a little over 4 hours between flights in YVR. I suppose the 2.5 hour rule could be waived for those with connections longer than 2.5 hours.....
(Bolding mine)
This is a point I made upthread and repeated by others.
As for the nonsense of administering something like a 2.5 hour limit, really, which lounge staff would you like in charge of this? Would it be the people at the desk? The people who bring out the food?
If volume is the problem in the MLLs, it needs to be dealt with BEFORE people enter, not once they are there - and to Dorian's point, how easy it is to have access.
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Aug 25, 2015, 8:30 am
#63
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(Bolding mine)
This is a point I made upthread and repeated by others.
As for the nonsense of administering something like a 2.5 hour limit, really, which lounge staff would you like in charge of this? Would it be the people at the desk? The people who bring out the food?
If volume is the problem in the MLLs, it needs to be dealt with BEFORE people enter, not once they are there - and to Dorian's point, how easy it is to have access.
This is a point I made upthread and repeated by others.
As for the nonsense of administering something like a 2.5 hour limit, really, which lounge staff would you like in charge of this? Would it be the people at the desk? The people who bring out the food?
If volume is the problem in the MLLs, it needs to be dealt with BEFORE people enter, not once they are there - and to Dorian's point, how easy it is to have access.
Just because one is a SE should not be more entitled to enter than someone who is not.
If a flight is sold out and the SE could not book a seat on J or Tango, how upset should the SE be? If the lounge is filled up, it's filled up. If the flight is sold out, it's sold out. What's the difference?
Aug 25, 2015, 8:33 am
#64
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Seriously, the limited capacity of the lounge is no different from a flight. If the flight is sold out, it is sold out. Seats are sold on a first come first get basis.
Just because one is a SE should not be more entitled to enter than someone who is not.
If a flight is sold out and the SE could not book a seat on J or Tango, how upset should the SE be? If the lounge is filled up, it's filled up. If the flight is sold out, it's sold out. What's the difference?
Just because one is a SE should not be more entitled to enter than someone who is not.
If a flight is sold out and the SE could not book a seat on J or Tango, how upset should the SE be? If the lounge is filled up, it's filled up. If the flight is sold out, it's sold out. What's the difference?
Aug 25, 2015, 8:34 am
#65
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I guess this is why United doesn't allow their own *G in to their lounges on domestic itineraries.
Aug 25, 2015, 8:45 am
#66
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If one is flying F/J on UA but solely between two U.S. points, e.g. BOS-SFO via a connection at ORD, one is allowed lounge access at ORD and SFO but not BOS, regardless of status (i.e., connecting and arrival airports).
At BOS, one must have either a UC membership or a credit card that allows the cardholder access to the UC.
Exception: Those flying F/J on p.s. may also access the lounge at the departure airport in addition to the arrival airport.
Should AC go that route?
Last edited by Clipper801; Aug 25, 2015 at 8:51 am
Aug 25, 2015, 8:56 am
#67
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AC needn't worry about that. The same FT legion that enforces zoned boarding and upgrade policies will be there with stop watches.
Aug 25, 2015, 9:04 am
#68
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The lounge situation is always worse at Christmas and over the summer when families are traveling and lots of biz award tickets are "sold". Unlike paying biz travelers during normal periods who don't linger in the lounges that long, families tend to spend more time in the lounge and of course bring 2/3 additional people with them (i.e. kids). There's really no solution since lounge agents can restrict entry at heavily crowded times already...what other controls can you really suggest that is not already in place?
Aug 25, 2015, 9:08 am
#69
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Aug 25, 2015, 9:09 am
#70
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It's based on fare.
If one is flying F/J on UA but solely between two U.S. points, e.g. BOS-SFO via a connection at ORD, one is allowed lounge access at ORD and SFO but not BOS, regardless of status (i.e., connecting and arrival airports).
At BOS, one must have either a UC membership or a credit card that allows the cardholder access to the UC.
Exception: Those flying F/J on p.s. may also access the lounge at the departure airport in addition to the arrival airport.
Should AC go that route?
If one is flying F/J on UA but solely between two U.S. points, e.g. BOS-SFO via a connection at ORD, one is allowed lounge access at ORD and SFO but not BOS, regardless of status (i.e., connecting and arrival airports).
At BOS, one must have either a UC membership or a credit card that allows the cardholder access to the UC.
Exception: Those flying F/J on p.s. may also access the lounge at the departure airport in addition to the arrival airport.
Should AC go that route?
Aug 25, 2015, 9:12 am
#71
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Maybe a standing policy that when lounge capacity hits ~80% no passes can be used and E50/E35 cannot bring a guest.
I have no evidence but I assume credit cards are a big part of the problem.
I have no evidence but I assume credit cards are a big part of the problem.
Aug 25, 2015, 9:14 am
#72
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However, because E50K is *G as you know, I don't think this can ever happen.
Aug 25, 2015, 9:15 am
#73
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Aug 25, 2015, 9:16 am
#74
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Which they do if there's no seating at all. That you and your friend could not find seats together does not mean the lounge was full. Lots of airline lounges are crowded but not necessarily full. True, the YUL Domestic MLL is inadequate considering this is a major hub and city through which an extra large number of elites are going to pass through. I am sure AC recognizes this and would like to expend the lounge, but given the physical structure of the terminal, there's no place to expand unless you build out the second level further which may not be cost-effective. Can't always build for the occasional peak loading.
Aug 25, 2015, 9:18 am
#75
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But hey, given how i'll be E50K next year, I dislike the idea, LOL
