vernonc

I believe three-four years back but that's just my memory. I could be wrong. Started when all the enhancements began.

yyznomad

Yes, this is my recollection as well.

International MLL access definitely was allowed with MLL Passes a few years back. Then when it was yanked, there was the expected uproar here.

vernonc

Lets wait for 24L our resident archivist to post the correct response along with all relevant threads

songsc

International MLL access benefit got axed in 2014 I believe. I used them for international MLL in 2013.

rankourabu

While at LHR, why would you want to use the MLL when there are better options at T2?

Your friend is not missing out on much.

vernonc

Correct.

RangerNS

YHZ has the same self-service bar as the other DOM and TB lounges in the country. Hard to pound $50 of booze in you for a one hop, I grant, but I had no moral qualms about expencing MLL lounge access before I had status on two hops trips. Cheaper than 2 meals in airports.

RatherBeInYOW

You have got to be kidding me. There is no question that the new LHR and FRA are the nicest MLLs, but for $50??? No chance. There is a cafe in the new T2 with comfy chairs and a view of the tarmac where you can grab some food and sit on your laptop for a lot less than $50.

I'd take the airport food/drink options over any domestic / intl MLL in Canada if I had to pay.

The only MLL I'd ever pay for is EWR, and that is just because EWR terminal A is a dumpster fire.

songsc

I think paying $50 for MLL is only reasonable if you need to take a shower, use the computer, or for places like EWR where the push factor of sitting in the gate area is too strong. As for meal, I think $15 is enough to beat MLL meal.

SparseFlyer

Alcohol is pretty pricey at the airport though.

songsc

I don't drink much, so I may underestimate alcohol price. But still, for the drinks offered in MLL, for which one can you drink for about $30 in one visit? And what state will you be after that much drink?

RangerNS

That would be no more than 4 short pours of hard stuff or cheap draft in an airport. That isn't "at lunch" drinking, but it is "handle a 3 hour rouge Y" necessity. Or a "finally away and safe from those ....... clients" celebration.

Plus the estrogen beans and salad soup.

Jasper2009

Depends on how you look at it:

- if you use retail / liquor store prices as a point of reference, that's 400-1000ml of hard liquor, which isn't particularly healthy (and potentially deadly for most non-alcoholics)

- if you use airport bar/restaurant prices as a point of reference, $30 will often get you maybe two double G&Ts or similar (incl. tax/tip) which is an amount many guests at a bar would actually consume / pay for

jc94

Each to their own right?

Depending upon your desires, and given a 1.7x rate on the pound I know many people who could easily validate that $50 stay. Especially in 3 hours.

That said, I've only used the LHR lounges (MLL and whatever Icelandic air uses) when flying J or PY when it's $25.

But I might pay $50. But if I did it would be more for the environment and space, the food would be a plus but personally I'm not going to consume food and drink worth $50. I honestly don't know though as I avoid flying TATL Y when possible and haven't done it in years. For 7h I consider the upspend worth it.

Some do not. Regardless it depends how much it's worth to you, for some $50 is 4h work, for some its 30 mins.

And end of the day, AC vouchers don't work so unless OP is flying out of a non location specific MLL either pay up or don't go in

Edit - LHR MLL would be about $20 (Ł12) at a restaurant. Easily, without drink. Plus it's a buffet, which for breakfast I find better than menu options. I've never been there for lunch.

canadiancow

Exactly.

I recently refunded a DL F flight to book AA F for a savings of $130.

I have DL lounge access.

I ended up spending ~$35 at the bar instead of visiting a lounge.

I had better alcohol, and an arguably better snack.

But that was two drinks and an appetizer.

It wouldn't take much for an airport bar to exceed $50 (especially since the $35 was USD and the $50 is CAD).