Concorde Room shenanigans
Dec 11, 2015, 2:57 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: London
Programs: BA Gold
Posts: 1,464
Concorde Room shenanigans
So, I just witnessed an interesting event whilst waiting for my BP to be scanned at the CCR desk...
Firstly, I was quite surprised "the door" was not guarded when I entered, turns out the agent was inside with the list of eligible passengers checking something. Infront of me in the queue, I see a non-F silver BP, and chuckle at how fast ineligible passengers would slip through. Not surprised given the ludicrous route to the GC + GF lounges... As I get to the agent manning the computer, there are two other agents swarming the desk, making sure I have my CCR card, check its validity and cross check my name on the BP, the card and the manifest... Wondering why, I hear the agent at the computer vent her frustration to another of the agents, saying she has encountered 3-4 people with expired cards in short succession today... Again, I'm not the least surprised given the usual cursory glance at the CCR card if asked to see it... Given the relatively small amount of CCR card holders though, I'm surprised to hear this could happen so commonly...
Has anyone else experienced anything similar, I'm thinking a more thorough check of the card may be introduced in the future if this is a common problem.
Firstly, I was quite surprised "the door" was not guarded when I entered, turns out the agent was inside with the list of eligible passengers checking something. Infront of me in the queue, I see a non-F silver BP, and chuckle at how fast ineligible passengers would slip through. Not surprised given the ludicrous route to the GC + GF lounges... As I get to the agent manning the computer, there are two other agents swarming the desk, making sure I have my CCR card, check its validity and cross check my name on the BP, the card and the manifest... Wondering why, I hear the agent at the computer vent her frustration to another of the agents, saying she has encountered 3-4 people with expired cards in short succession today... Again, I'm not the least surprised given the usual cursory glance at the CCR card if asked to see it... Given the relatively small amount of CCR card holders though, I'm surprised to hear this could happen so commonly...
Has anyone else experienced anything similar, I'm thinking a more thorough check of the card may be introduced in the future if this is a common problem.
Dec 11, 2015, 3:08 am
#2
Ambassador, British Airways; FlyerTalk Posting Legend
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Location: Leeds, UK
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The person on the podium outside the secret door just does a cursory check to whether you have an F bp or have a CCR card - i.e. they do not take your card or inspect it closely enough to check name and expiry date. I usually just flash mine at her/him and then am invited in.
Once inside the agent sat at the podium will do a proper check and scan your bp to check eligibility, and check the CCR card if necessary.
Once inside the agent sat at the podium will do a proper check and scan your bp to check eligibility, and check the CCR card if necessary.
Dec 11, 2015, 3:23 am
#4
Join Date: Aug 2012
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Dec 11, 2015, 3:46 am
#5
Join Date: Dec 2014
Programs: BAEC (although I might just cut up the card)
Posts: 338
Dec 11, 2015, 3:47 am
#6
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: London
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I think people getting in with an expired card is very much plausible, given that IME my status never seemingly appears on the screen, and the card has never been closely inspected until today.
Dec 11, 2015, 4:01 am
#7
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: London
Programs: BA Silver, ZSL Silver
Posts: 2,552
It’s to do with the agreement with HAL I think. I’m pretty sure BA had to pay a large premium to have that door there for the CCR, as F pax avoid the shops on their way to the lounge.
Dec 11, 2015, 4:06 am
#9
Moderator, Iberia Airlines, Airport Lounges, and Ambassador, British Airways Executive Club
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They are probably flustered by having to handle a mass of both FT and real world celebrities all at once this busy Friday....
Dec 11, 2015, 4:58 am
#11
Join Date: Feb 2010
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They are preparing for my first arrival as a non-F passenger I see, as long as the rose petals are suitably fresh and the bowing and scraping sufficiently obsequious I will be happy.
But that's enough about the other passengers using T5
But that's enough about the other passengers using T5
Dec 11, 2015, 5:07 am
#12
Join Date: Dec 2014
Programs: BAEC (although I might just cut up the card)
Posts: 338
Yeah I guessed it was that. Doesn't work with me of course, unless Ms r00ty is in tow in which case sometimes we're diverted, and I become holder of bags. Much to my annoyance, especially on early morning flights. Generally having woke up at stupid o'clock, driven to parking and hop, skipped and jumped through security. I generally just want to sit down and have my signature latte + extra espresso shot in the lounge.
Dec 11, 2015, 5:35 am
#14
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