Lounge access for eUpgrade

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Jun 20, 2017, 6:01 pm

therightway86

Original Poster

Join Date: May 2016

Location: YYZ

Programs: AC Altitude E35K

Posts: 27

Lounge access for eUpgrade

If I get eupgraded to business class prior to reaching the gate for a domestic or transborder flight, how do I know which lounges I can access with my boarding pass? I know I can get into the MLLs, but are there others (eg. United Club, Star Alliance lounges, Plaza Premium, Amex, others, etc.)? I'm a P25K, so no *G access, and no lounge memberships. Specifically asking about YYZ and LAX, but any general rules of thumb would be helpful.

Jun 20, 2017, 6:04 pm

longtimeflyin

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Posts: 2,167

If you're flying on Air Canada, you will have access to the respective MLL, and that's about it. You will not have access to any Plaza Premium lounge and there are no United clubs at Toronto

Jun 20, 2017, 6:09 pm

canadiancow

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In LAX, you'd have access to the United Clubs and the TBIT Business Lounge.

Jun 20, 2017, 7:24 pm

yyznomad

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Beware, you still might get an old school agent applying old school rules who might deny your access.

Jun 21, 2017, 8:32 am

vernonc

Join Date: Sep 2009

Location: YYZ

Programs: AC SE MM, Bonvoy Plat, Hilton G,Nexus, Amex MR Plat,IHG Plat

Posts: 4,428

Quote:

Originally Posted by canadiancow

In LAX, you'd have access to the United Clubs and the TBIT Business Lounge.

And the new MLL

Jun 21, 2017, 8:48 am

jc94

Join Date: Jan 2016

Location: YYZ

Programs: FOTSG Tangerine Ex E35k (AC)

Posts: 5,612

I thought there was no official access on eUps? Just the fact that the pass says J normally means you get in anyway.

So I'd take a voucher just in case. I've had to do the walk of shame from a MLL once, it isn't fun.

Jun 21, 2017, 10:18 am

longtimeflyin

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Quote:

Originally Posted by jc94

If it's confirmed business class at the time you walk into the lounge, you can get in.

If you're waitlisted for an upgrade and it hasn't cleared by the time you walk into the lounge, you can't get in.

(for those without Star Gold status)

Jun 21, 2017, 12:30 pm

Jebby_ca

Join Date: Dec 2002

Location: Toronto, ON, CANADA

Programs: AC SE100K, Marriott Bonvoy LTE

Posts: 1,881

Please see https://www.aircanada.com/ca/en/aco/...onditions.html

Under Fare Rules:

Quote:

Fare Rules
Although you will be seated in the Business Class or Premium Economy cabin when your upgrade is confirmed, your booking will remain subject to the fare rules and restrictions of the booking class you originally purchased. These rules include, but are not limited to, mileage accumulation, change and cancellation fees, access to airport lounges, and baggage allowance.

Technically, if you are only AC P25K, you do not have access to any lounge, even if you have been upgraded using eUpgrades. Carry a voucher for the MLL just in case.

Jun 21, 2017, 1:11 pm

jc94

Join Date: Jan 2016

Location: YYZ

Programs: FOTSG Tangerine Ex E35k (AC)

Posts: 5,612

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jebby_ca

Please see https://www.aircanada.com/ca/en/aco/...onditions.html

Under Fare Rules:

Technically, if you are only AC P25K, you do not have access to any lounge, even if you have been upgraded using eUpgrades. Carry a voucher for the MLL just in case.

Thanks. I knew I'd been told his myself but hadn't found the thread. A paste of the official rules is better.

Strange that the scanner doesn't throw up a large red
eUp deny access !!! error. Or perhaps as it only affects P25s and to a lesser extent E35k its low on ACs IT fix list.

Jun 21, 2017, 2:02 pm

#10

longtimeflyin

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Jebby_ca

Interesting. I have never been denied access to a lounge when my eUp has cleared (this year being the first for me). I am also not a Star Alliance gold member either.

Jun 21, 2017, 3:22 pm

#11

Jebby_ca

Join Date: Dec 2002

Location: Toronto, ON, CANADA

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Posts: 1,881

Quote:

Originally Posted by longtimeflyin

Interesting. I have never been denied access to a lounge when my eUp has cleared (this year being the first for me). I am also not a Star Alliance gold member either.

Most MLL agents will let you in without any problems... but you may come across one that is a stickler for the rules.

Jun 22, 2017, 11:23 am

#12

yyznomad

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Jebby_ca

Ok, so my old school reference ain't so old school after all!

Jun 22, 2017, 11:39 am

#13

Adam Smith

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So we've established there's a risk at the MLL, but how about UCs? Would an AC J BP be good enough to get in there?

Jun 22, 2017, 12:26 pm

#14

Jebby_ca

Join Date: Dec 2002

Location: Toronto, ON, CANADA

Programs: AC SE100K, Marriott Bonvoy LTE

Posts: 1,881

Quote:

Originally Posted by Adam Smith

So we've established there's a risk at the MLL, but how about UCs? Would an AC J BP be good enough to get in there?

I guess it depends on what the agent sees when they scan your boarding pass, and if they have access to Air Canada's fare rules? Never been in that situation as i've always held *G when using eUpgrades and trying to access lounges.

Again, technically, you are not entitled to access the United Club or the Star Alliance Business Class Lounge at LAX if you have a confirmed eUgrade unless you are also *G, as the purchased fare did not include lounge access based on the rules published by Air Canada.