MLL Access
 

This was quite a recent experience-- while checking in at a MLL I was told that people who have been upgraded to Business Class using coupons ( transborder, Canada, international) do not have access to the lounge unless they have status. Is this new? I haven't heard of it before and am wondering if others have noticed it.

If I am not mistaken this has always been the case ... I believe this is what is says on the AC web site also ... only those who are entitled to access via Elite or SE I think and/or have purchased a J ticket are entitled.

From the website:

- Customers holding an International Executive First or First Class same-day confirmed ticket for a flight on any Star Alliance carrier are entitled to access the Maple Leaf Lounge.

- Customers holding an Executive First, Executive or Business Class same-day confirmed ticket on an Air Canada, Air Canada Codeshare or Star Alliance carrier flight are entitled to access the Maple Leaf Lounge. Upgrade certificates are not applicable for lounge access.

- Super Elites with a valid membership card and a same-day confirmed ticket on an Air Canada, Zip, Air Canada Jazz, Star Alliance or Air Canada Codeshare flight are entitled to access the Maple Leaf Lounge.

- Elite members with a valid membership card and a same-day confirmed ticket on any Air Canada, Zip, Air Canada Jazz, Star Alliance or Air Canada Codeshare flight are entitled to access the Maple Leaf Lounge.

- Any customers who present a valid card with the Star Alliance Gold logo are entitled to access the Maple Leaf Lounge when traveling on an Air Canada, Zip, Air Canada Jazz, Star Alliance or Air Canada Codeshare flight.



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PB

Interesting inquiry as it may appear that an upgraded passenger who has been upgraded prior to getting to the gate would indeed have a J class BP as the above paragraphs suggest. All the upgrade certificates say is "this certificate does not allow MLL access". You are not using the certificate to access the lounge but your BP. Practically speaking would an agent look that carefully at a BP to determine it was upgraded anyways?

Also, paid includes award travel if that is the interpretation du jour.

I think (at least it did in 2003) that a BP for an upgrade would indicate "CERT REQUIRED" or something to that effect ... so that may be the tip off?




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PB

In order to use upgrade coupons, you need to have status already, so for E + SE, if they're upgrading to J, they're already allowed access.. I don't know if this counts for Prestige.

However, you can buy books of upgrade coupons for transborder/RapidAir flights here and the small print says:

Not having experience using AC certs, do they take them at the check-in counter if it has been confirmed in advance or do they all get lifted at the gate?

1) My experience has been that they take the certs at the gate, especially in YYZ when I only use the machines to check-in and I never travel with checked luggage.

2) A travelling companion with no status can use a cert, however, this individual is not permitted access to the MLL solely based on the cert, but rather is admitted based on a $10.00/$20.00 fee (before or after 11:00am) to access the MLL if accompanied by the status member.

That's right. Because some people could be upgrading on a corporate upgrade cert (those given by Sales to TAs) and they have no status at all. Whether you can enter the lounge depends on your status or fare paid or MLL membership/Diners/... and the cabin you're sitting in does not determine whether you are getting access (Just like you could have paid D but sitting in Y, you can still use the MLL).