Plaza Premium ending Priority Pass, LoungeKey access [now reversed for PP]
Apr 20, 2021, 4:48 pm
#16
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Join Date: May 2012
Location: MCO
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This would be a bold decision given most business travel is highly unlikely to return by then. Unless there are plans to add a significant new set of benefits, this would price the Amex Plat at a level that generally would make it uncompetitive against other card products in similar price points.
Apr 21, 2021, 7:43 am
#17
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: SFO
Programs: OZ Diamond/*G, IHG Diamond Amb, Hilton Gold
Posts: 2,239
This would be a bold decision given most business travel is highly unlikely to return by then. Unless there are plans to add a significant new set of benefits, this would price the Amex Plat at a level that generally would make it uncompetitive against other card products in similar price points.
Apr 22, 2021, 11:31 am
#18
Join Date: Jul 2020
Posts: 366
FYI: Plaza Premium is ending its lounge access partnership with Priority Pass and LoungeKey as of 30 June 2021.
https://www.executivetraveller.com/n...nge-key-access
https://www.executivetraveller.com/n...nge-key-access
"As a result, it is with regret that we have decided not to renew our contract with Priority Pass and LoungeKey, effective 1 July 2021 except for a small number of lounges which are still under review."
At YYZ, for international and non *A, you can use the AF/KLM lounge. At YVR, for international you can still use the SkyTeam lounge.
Apr 24, 2021, 4:34 pm
#19
Join Date: Jun 2007
Programs: United 1K, Copa Presidential Plat, Hilton Diamond, Bonvoy Gold
Posts: 150
I’m not sure it is. IME plaza lounges are typically at the bottom end of the scale (admittedly I haven't visited the star locations in Asia). Almost zero presence in North or South America (except Canada which is currently off limits) and not much in Africa which is a continent where lounges are essential! Asia is actually the one place I don't need this option, with wonderful SQ, Cathay, Qantas and others.
in any case it appears this does not apply to Amex Plat, which has a separate deal (according to Gleff)
in any case it appears this does not apply to Amex Plat, which has a separate deal (according to Gleff)
Apr 24, 2021, 4:36 pm
#20
Join Date: Jun 2007
Programs: United 1K, Copa Presidential Plat, Hilton Diamond, Bonvoy Gold
Posts: 150
Part of this article also states:
I hope those small number of lounges include ones in Canada like YYZ and YVR. Without Plaza Premium, there is basically no options left for domestic & transborder passengers.
At YYZ, for international and non *A, you can use the AF/KLM lounge. At YVR, for international you can still use the SkyTeam lounge.
I hope those small number of lounges include ones in Canada like YYZ and YVR. Without Plaza Premium, there is basically no options left for domestic & transborder passengers.
At YYZ, for international and non *A, you can use the AF/KLM lounge. At YVR, for international you can still use the SkyTeam lounge.
I use this lounge 3 to 5 times weekly so I’m not very happy at all...
Apr 25, 2021, 9:22 pm
#21
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: BUR
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Back on topic; yeah, serious devaluation of Priority Pass.
Apr 28, 2021, 6:07 pm
#22
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May 5, 2021, 9:46 pm
#24
Join Date: Jul 2020
Posts: 366
May 5, 2021, 9:56 pm
#25
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May 21, 2021, 7:35 am
#27
Join Date: Jun 2007
Programs: United 1K, Copa Presidential Plat, Hilton Diamond, Bonvoy Gold
Posts: 150
No idea yet, certainly hoping the Canadian lounges will still accept priority pass. 2 days ago at Pearson T1 domestic I was the only person there. I inquired and the total pax they had that day so far at 5 pm was 26 guests, of which 20 were priority pass. It’ll be hard for them to stay open without priority pass till flights increase!
May 21, 2021, 7:40 am
#28
Join Date: Jun 2007
Programs: United 1K, Copa Presidential Plat, Hilton Diamond, Bonvoy Gold
Posts: 150
Thinking back, when I first visited the PP lounge at YYZ in January 2021, they aggressively wanted me to join the new Smart Traveller loyalty program. Of course I joined thinking that there is no harm in doing so as I will be earning points. Now just received a email providing the details of the new Plaza Premium Lounge Pass that is tied to the loyalty program. So probably this process has been in the making for a while.
Unless you drink massive amounts of their cheap alcohol (I don’t drink so I’m guessing I’m profitable to plaza premium even when using PP), I don’t think these lounges are worth 50$ or so per visit, but what do I know...
May 21, 2021, 2:41 pm
#29
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The reason why this happens is simple - money. PP has been profited from various credit card. Yet, it fails to raise the reimbursement rate. And PP fails to address the massive crowd that put participating lounges in stress. Hence, lounges drop PP.
I am pretty sure they will be axed. IMO - the small number will include the Greater China region only, i.e. Changshanan Railway Station, HKG, MFM, and TPE will be excluded from axing. Some Asian locations may get lucky as well. Keep in mind - Plaza Premium is picking locations to axe based on the impact by PP. In other word, the more PP admission, the more likely to be axed.
May 22, 2021, 11:56 am
#30
Join Date: Jul 2020
Posts: 366
Yeah I raked up a fair amount of Smart Traveller points, about 6000 or so, all accumulated at YYZ. Not sure how much people value a lounge visit at, but those “deals” seem pretty bad to me, especially considering how right now there’s a sign outside the lounge inviting guests for 19.99$
Unless you drink massive amounts of their cheap alcohol (I don’t drink so I’m guessing I’m profitable to plaza premium even when using PP), I don’t think these lounges are worth 50$ or so per visit, but what do I know...
Unless you drink massive amounts of their cheap alcohol (I don’t drink so I’m guessing I’m profitable to plaza premium even when using PP), I don’t think these lounges are worth 50$ or so per visit, but what do I know...
$19.99 can be enticing now but it won't be like that for long