Automatic Barriers coming to BA lounges
Aug 22, 2016, 11:21 am
#76
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Aug 22, 2016, 11:21 am
#77
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I had a funny experience last year because of a system like this at NUE. After I picked up my BP (which was a single BP covering both NUE-HAM on AB, and HAM-LHR on BA), the check-in agent put a barcode sticker on it that got me past the automatic gate into the NUE lounge. So far, so good.
Fast forward to the gate at HAM. I hand the BP to the agent, who scans it. The machine refuses to accept it. She tries again, but the machine rejects it again. She's about to start typing in my details manually, which I know is going to take a good few seconds, when I notice that she was scanning the lounge access barcode. So I point out the other barcode to her, which of course works; and then I explain what the first barcode was. All that time we saved in her not having to type in my details is then immediately wasted as we both dissolve into a fit of giggles.
Fast forward to the gate at HAM. I hand the BP to the agent, who scans it. The machine refuses to accept it. She tries again, but the machine rejects it again. She's about to start typing in my details manually, which I know is going to take a good few seconds, when I notice that she was scanning the lounge access barcode. So I point out the other barcode to her, which of course works; and then I explain what the first barcode was. All that time we saved in her not having to type in my details is then immediately wasted as we both dissolve into a fit of giggles.
Aug 22, 2016, 11:45 am
#79
Join Date: Mar 2016
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I like the gates that I have used in the TK lounge in IST and in some of the LH lounges. It's so much quicker and you're never stuck behind some fool trying to jolly their way into the lounge by asking the lounge dragon meaningless questions.
I am all for it.
I am all for it.
Aug 22, 2016, 11:49 am
#80
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: London
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BA do this at their Concorde Bar in SIN. (Possibly other new Concorde branded lounge spaces as well) It works just fine, you are given a code at the desk which you enter into an iPad which then opens the door.
Aug 22, 2016, 11:54 am
#81
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Aug 22, 2016, 12:05 pm
#82
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I can see automatic entrance gates working well at the larger lounges on the network (JFK, new LGW, LHR), although I assume the Concorde Rooms will not be getting them.
They are self-boarding gates, on trial at the moment in T5.
They are self-boarding gates, on trial at the moment in T5.
Aug 22, 2016, 12:10 pm
#83
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I'm somewhat surprised. It seems that this rumour - for nothing has been issued from British Airways to substantiate this - is at this point of time exactly that. This emanates from someone on the Lounge gates. There is another thread to do with self check-in which also purports to come from Internal Memo (internal to where?) about Self Checkin.
All of these may be true and in the months to come may be proven in fact - however they might just be hearsay and gossip. I'll hold my fire, wit, and sparkling repartee once it becomes reality, thank you.
All of these may be true and in the months to come may be proven in fact - however they might just be hearsay and gossip. I'll hold my fire, wit, and sparkling repartee once it becomes reality, thank you.
Aug 22, 2016, 12:14 pm
#84
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Hard to see it as a negative. Even if the gate cannot acommodate every permutation. If 95% of visitors can make it through, that allows staff to focus on those who need assistance (or who are fraud artists with a story).
Automated gates work well elsewhere in the world of commercial aviation, including at gates, but there always needs to be a staff person present for the exception cases.
Automated gates work well elsewhere in the world of commercial aviation, including at gates, but there always needs to be a staff person present for the exception cases.
Though can see some potential downsides
- refuses lounge entry X minutes before flight, painful for frequent flyers just grabbing a paper and a bag of crisps en route to gate
- if you're opup'd only place to get new BP is at gate, unless paged
Aug 22, 2016, 12:15 pm
#85
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Oh my goodness it will be such fun listening to the DYKWIA diatribes:
DYKWIA: But I spend thousands with your airline every year
Computer: No
DYKWIA: But the usual staff always let me board first
Computer: No
DYKWIA: I'll have you know that I play golf with the chairman !
Computer: No
DYKWIA: What do you mean it expired 2 years ago ?
Computer: No
DYKWIA: But I spend thousands with your airline every year
Computer: No
DYKWIA: But the usual staff always let me board first
Computer: No
DYKWIA: I'll have you know that I play golf with the chairman !
Computer: No
DYKWIA: What do you mean it expired 2 years ago ?
Computer: No
Aug 22, 2016, 12:16 pm
#86
Join Date: May 2010
Location: UK
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Oy! I am bronze 😀 but very polite 😉 and when I do fly a minimum of CW anyway 😊
Aug 22, 2016, 12:21 pm
#88
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Aug 22, 2016, 12:27 pm
#89
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Other oneworld emeralds benefits include priority baggage*, free seat selection** and one additional piece of luggage**.
* Not on BA shorthaul
** Not on BA HBO fares
My point is, if BA want to do it, they will. AA and QF already get an exemption for the lounge benefits domestically.
* Not on BA shorthaul
** Not on BA HBO fares
My point is, if BA want to do it, they will. AA and QF already get an exemption for the lounge benefits domestically.
Aug 22, 2016, 12:34 pm
#90
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Though as I say, that is just my opinion as I believe people are different and some don't find the AA hump a problem. I just don't pontificate my opinion as everyone.. Just mine