How can I gain lounge access during 4+ hour layover @ CDG?
Sep 2, 2018, 10:41 pm
#1
Original Poster
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How can I gain lounge access during 4+ hour layover @ CDG?
Long story short: next Monday I am facing 4+ hours in one of EU's worst airports (CDG) without access to MLL or *A lounge because I somehow missed that my second leg (CDG-DUS) is on EW, a non *A airline.
Just had a thought that there is probably a one way I could buy for that second leg and then cancel and get a refund shortly before the flight. How do I safely do this? I've never played the game but if it's simple then why not, right? Which flight and which fare should I buy, and when is the cutoff for a refund?
I won't do it a hundred times so that I face a years long court battle and become infamous on FT
Just had a thought that there is probably a one way I could buy for that second leg and then cancel and get a refund shortly before the flight. How do I safely do this? I've never played the game but if it's simple then why not, right? Which flight and which fare should I buy, and when is the cutoff for a refund?
I won't do it a hundred times so that I face a years long court battle and become infamous on FT
Sep 2, 2018, 10:43 pm
#2
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Long story short: next Monday I am facing 4+ hours in one of EU's worst airports (CDG) without access to MLL or *A lounge because I somehow missed that my second leg (CDG-DUS) is on EW, a non *A airline.
Just had a thought that there is probably a one way I could buy for that second leg and then cancel and get a refund shortly before the flight. How do I safely do this? I've never played the game but if it's simple then why not, right? Which flight and which fare should I buy, and when is the cutoff for a refund?
I won't do it a hundred times so that I face a years long court battle and become infamous on FT
Just had a thought that there is probably a one way I could buy for that second leg and then cancel and get a refund shortly before the flight. How do I safely do this? I've never played the game but if it's simple then why not, right? Which flight and which fare should I buy, and when is the cutoff for a refund?
I won't do it a hundred times so that I face a years long court battle and become infamous on FT
He's the expert, and you knew that already.
Sep 2, 2018, 10:45 pm
#3
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You need to buy a fully refundable ticket in business class. You can apply for a refund anytime, but be aware that it will be some time before the refund shows up in your credit card account, possibly in the next cycle. Is this worth lounge access? Also you’ll need to make sure that it’s not on the same flight/airline you really are flying on, as some systems detect duplicates.
Sep 3, 2018, 2:53 am
#4
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Sep 3, 2018, 3:00 am
#5
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Careful, a ticket originating in CDG will almost certainly be priced in Euros, so you'll probably end up eating any foreign currency surcharge your CC issuer charges + any currency fluctuations not in your favour.
Sep 3, 2018, 3:04 am
#6
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I know, but he's not flying on AC, so that is irrelevant. He could buy a EW fully flex ticket that allows him lounge access, but it is entirely possible that this is detected and one or both bookings are cancelled. In another thread on this same subject I advised the OP that the LH lounge is not worth any kind of additional effort, and I truly wonder why anyone would go to the length of buying a refundable ticket to access it. There are, of course, various options to buy a refundable business ticket for another airline, possibly in another terminal, to sample that lounge, but at this stage it is probably easier to invest in PP or buy lounge access somewhere.
Sep 3, 2018, 3:37 am
#7
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I know, but he's not flying on AC, so that is irrelevant. He could buy a EW fully flex ticket that allows him lounge access, but it is entirely possible that this is detected and one or both bookings are cancelled. In another thread on this same subject I advised the OP that the LH lounge is not worth any kind of additional effort, and I truly wonder why anyone would go to the length of buying a refundable ticket to access it. There are, of course, various options to buy a refundable business ticket for another airline, possibly in another terminal, to sample that lounge, but at this stage it is probably easier to invest in PP or buy lounge access somewhere.
Edit: just realized I've never connected CDG. It's always my final if I'm going there. Also if you have skyclub membership (part of some statuses) you can use AF, with or without BP.
Last edited by DrunkCargo; Sep 3, 2018 at 3:46 am
Sep 3, 2018, 3:43 am
#8
Join Date: Nov 2017
Posts: 3,359
Purchasing lounge access is probably the most practical option at this point - way cheaper than getting a new fare or refunding a ticket!
Here are your options:
Ironically, if you had *A Gold status on either UA or NH, you'd still have access to the LH lounges when flying EuroWings basic.
Safe Travels,
James
Here are your options:
- Purchase MLL access (Terminal 2A): 35 Euros - anyone can buy in, no requirement for holding AC/* Ticket (on airport in MLL network that offers this benefit)
- Star Alliance Lounge or iCare Lounge (Terminal 1)
Ironically, if you had *A Gold status on either UA or NH, you'd still have access to the LH lounges when flying EuroWings basic.
Safe Travels,
James
Sep 3, 2018, 3:49 am
#10
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Purchase MLL access (Terminal 2A): 35 Euros - anyone can buy in, no requirement for holding AC/* Ticket (on airport in MLL network that offers this benefit)
Last edited by tcook052; Sep 3, 2018 at 4:51 am
Sep 3, 2018, 5:29 am
#11
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Alternative to this is to purchase off a third party website, or call airline directly to have them issue in CAD. At which point, the ROE will be fixed and printed on ticket, and everything charged/refunded in CAD.
Sep 3, 2018, 7:31 am
#12
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Someone doing this as a one off would likely be okay.
Doing this after posting about it on a public forum is an extremely bad idea. Especially if one has status and any posts that might allow AC to identify them.
Doing this after posting about it on a public forum is an extremely bad idea. Especially if one has status and any posts that might allow AC to identify them.
Sep 3, 2018, 8:27 am
#13
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: PHL, NYC, DC
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why go through all the hula hoops just for 1 access. At the risk of withholding fares, cancellation fees, exchange rates, delays in refund etc etc..... Just buy a $30-40 one-time lounge access?
Even better get a PP with your bank or a supplementary card from a friend that has AMEX Platinum etc.....
Even better get a PP with your bank or a supplementary card from a friend that has AMEX Platinum etc.....
Sep 3, 2018, 8:37 am
#14
Original Poster
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I know, but he's not flying on AC, so that is irrelevant. He could buy a EW fully flex ticket that allows him lounge access, but it is entirely possible that this is detected and one or both bookings are cancelled. In another thread on this same subject I advised the OP that the LH lounge is not worth any kind of additional effort, and I truly wonder why anyone would go to the length of buying a refundable ticket to access it. There are, of course, various options to buy a refundable business ticket for another airline, possibly in another terminal, to sample that lounge, but at this stage it is probably easier to invest in PP or buy lounge access somewhere.
I wasn't aware I could buy access to the MLL or *A lounge as some have mentioned. I'll look into that because that's the most sensible action.
Sep 3, 2018, 8:51 am
#15
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@Global happy traveler
great idea.
As evidently OP is is need of some financial help, how about we crowd source the purchase of a Priority Pass for this cnx?
I'll put up the first five dollars, so we only need another 6-8 more FT participants (which is fewer than those who have already posted on this Thread)
AC and every airline will certainly thank us for such a selfless offer to OP.
So who do I make the cheque out to, and where can I send - OP please PM with details.
great idea.
As evidently OP is is need of some financial help, how about we crowd source the purchase of a Priority Pass for this cnx?
I'll put up the first five dollars, so we only need another 6-8 more FT participants (which is fewer than those who have already posted on this Thread)
AC and every airline will certainly thank us for such a selfless offer to OP.
So who do I make the cheque out to, and where can I send - OP please PM with details.