Early check in with Economy friend
Jan 16, 2017, 9:57 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2011
Posts: 6
Early check in with Economy friend
As a Silver EC member I can check in really early. I've just learnt that a friend of mine will be on the same flight LGW-BGI on Saturday, but she's booked in Economy. Do you think they'll let her check in early with me? That way we'd have longer in the lounge together . . .
Jan 16, 2017, 10:01 am
#2
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Near Edinburgh
Programs: BA Silver
Posts: 9,034
I've never done this, and I'm not sure its a documented benefit, but I've definitely seen reference to people doing this successfully.
There's always a slight risk, so perhaps give Economy Friend (love the choice of words) the option.
There's always a slight risk, so perhaps give Economy Friend (love the choice of words) the option.
Jan 16, 2017, 10:12 am
#4
Join Date: Aug 2015
Posts: 1,499
This entitles you to nothing over what being Silver gets you. Which is...officially nothing in this circumstance. Give it a shot and let us know how you get on.
Edit: I seem to recall that the 3-hour limit is enforced at system (i.e. FLY) level, and therefore not really discretionary. So have a go, but I wouldn't go in with any expectations. Perhaps it can be overridden manually, who knows.
Edit: I seem to recall that the 3-hour limit is enforced at system (i.e. FLY) level, and therefore not really discretionary. So have a go, but I wouldn't go in with any expectations. Perhaps it can be overridden manually, who knows.
Jan 16, 2017, 10:26 am
#6
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: London, United Kingdom
Programs: British Airways Gold
Posts: 2,636
What's the point in missing sleep by getting up early just to sit in a room with chairs and a bit of cheap food and drink?
The lounge is there to make the time you are forced to wait a bit less tiresome, not a destination in itself
The lounge is there to make the time you are forced to wait a bit less tiresome, not a destination in itself
Jan 16, 2017, 11:00 am
#7
Join Date: Dec 2014
Programs: B A Gold
Posts: 89
Each to his own.
Jan 16, 2017, 11:09 am
#8
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: Silicon Valley
Programs: BA Gold, VX Gold
Posts: 154
Do you mean check in luggage? You can check in online if carry-on only so you could go through security whenever.
Of course if you checked your friend's luggage in as yours then there wouldn't be a problem with doing that early (assuming the same final destination and sufficient luggage allowance).
Whether you can then answer yes to any questions about being aware of the contents and packing it yourself might be an issue to consider.
Of course if you checked your friend's luggage in as yours then there wouldn't be a problem with doing that early (assuming the same final destination and sufficient luggage allowance).
Whether you can then answer yes to any questions about being aware of the contents and packing it yourself might be an issue to consider.
Jan 16, 2017, 11:09 am
#9
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: London
Programs: BA Gold
Posts: 22
Yes, if you check in together. You will also be able to take them through fast track.
I have been the guest and the card holder in this situation and never been an issue.
I disagree with the comment above you don't need to check on their luggage for this to happen.
I have been the guest and the card holder in this situation and never been an issue.
I disagree with the comment above you don't need to check on their luggage for this to happen.
Jan 16, 2017, 11:13 am
#10
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2011
Posts: 6
I'm coming in from IoM the night before and staying in the Gatwick Hilton in S.Terminal. Given the choice of sitting in the Hilton and having to pay for my drinks and snacks and being in the lounge I'll go for the latter. Flight doesn't leave till 13.40
Jan 16, 2017, 11:25 am
#11
Join Date: Aug 2015
Posts: 1,499
Were you/your guest in Y or WT+, and statusless/Bronze?
The whole early check-in thing is quite stringently enforced (unlike priority boarding
)Fast-track is a separate issue entirely: that is a recognised status benefit, with 1 guest allowed.
Jan 16, 2017, 11:37 am
#12
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Scotland, UK
Programs: BA Silver, Delta Skymiles, Hilton Honors, IHG One Rewards, Melia Rewards
Posts: 415
Yes I disagree with both of these replies also. How long people wish to spend in the lounge is up to them. If they are happy then what's the problem? This doesn't answer the question they originally had asked.
Jan 16, 2017, 12:38 pm
#13
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Brighton. UK
Programs: BA Gold / VS /IHG Diamond & Ambassador
Posts: 14,195
as others have said it's the luggage check-in that will be the main issue - if they are able to over ride the FLY 3 hour restriction for her.
I'm sure your friend loves you dearly but what were her plans for the day? She might not want to spend extra hours and hours with you! Where is she travelling from to get to LGW for example? She practically may not have as long as you available for lounging anyway.
I'm sure your friend loves you dearly but what were her plans for the day? She might not want to spend extra hours and hours with you! Where is she travelling from to get to LGW for example? She practically may not have as long as you available for lounging anyway.
Jan 16, 2017, 1:48 pm
#14
Suspended
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Atherton, CA
Programs: UA 1K, AA EXP; Owner, Green Bay Packers
Posts: 21,690
Just for interest's sake, how early is luggage checkin normally allowed by BA? In most airports I fly out of, the general rule is four hours, but if the airline counter is open, I suspect it's not really strictly enforced. I can't remember ever really trying earlier than that, though.
Jan 16, 2017, 2:02 pm
#15
Join Date: Aug 2015
Posts: 1,499
Just for interest's sake, how early is luggage checkin normally allowed by BA? In most airports I fly out of, the general rule is four hours, but if the airline counter is open, I suspect it's not really strictly enforced. I can't remember ever really trying earlier than that, though.
3 hours for statusless/Blue/Bronze passengers flying WT or WT+
From 0500 (or whenever it is the desks open) for all Silver/Gold/CW/F.
This is strictly enforced.
Outstations - no idea. I suspect for the smaller ones with only 1 or 2 flights a day, it'd be whenever the desk opens. For a larger outstation like JFK, I don't know.