stu1985

Hopefully this was a one off and that all Silver members who complain in T5 won't be taken through to the FLounge..... I imagine that would cause even more problems for BA

At least they've removed the no booze rule..... you might get a half pint and a pack of nuts!

Inchyra03

I've been in the BA First Lounge in T5 a number of times before and to be honest it's not that much better than the business lounge. Qatar and Cathay is in a different league.

KLJamie

As yet, no response from BA customer services to my wife's complaint. Ah well.......

FredtheBulbousSquidge

None here either. And relevant to your previous post, the service generally at Aberdeen with BA continues to degrade. No check-in machines any more; check-in desks often unstaffed or understaffed; being told that my trip to New Zealand in J "had no checked baggage allowance" (and having to point out where on the printed itinerary it said that I did); the removal of lounge access for Silver (seemingly due to penny-pinching on the part of BA) is just another thing to add to the list.

Fitch

As a futher data point, just had a bit of a struggle to get into Northern Lights lounge at ABZ this morning.

It's a 125-plated ticket, sold as an I-class ticket on BA4072. However, it's on LM metal... but check-in is with BE !!

The BE BP shows almost no useful information, stating simply BE6916 in Y so the lounge agent initially said "sorry, not eligible".

To be fair to her, she did actually listen to my explanation and read through the booking details on my BA app. After a while, having failed to raise a supervisor by phone, she smilingly waved me through.

It all took a good 10 minutes to sort out...
​

corporate-wage-slave

So that's the Loganair flight to LSI (Sumburgh, Shetland) for those who may have memorised the entire timetable but may still be wading through all the codeshares.

And actually they would have been within their rights to deny you access, since the eligibility criteria only exists for BA's own lounges, not third party lounges. No problem (in theory) when the BA lounge returns to Aberdeen next year.

Fitch

Yeah sorry, Aberdeen to Sumburgh (which btw is currently showing a 40-minute delay).

So the situation's a bit like a Vueling-operated flight then, 125-ticket, marketed as BA but no lounge access ?

corporate-wage-slave

Vueling, Aer Lingus, Air Baltic, FlyBe, Loganair are all in the same boat, as it were, so not oneworld airlines, but where BA codeshares on 125 tickets and for BA Gold cardholders (not Emerald) is supposed to give lounge access, provided it is a BA operated lounge - which ABZ currently is not. Now this entitlement is sometimes difficult to obtain, but at other places, notably LGW South, there is a big sign up making entry easier. Now due to the Loganair connection it's possible that arrangements were made in ABZ, but I have my doubts.

Fitch

I think I had a stroke of luck / nice lounge agent this morning

Now to see how BE handle things when I misconnect at Sumburgh later (as is looking increasingly likely...

corporate-wage-slave

Um, good luck, you'll probably need some.

Fitch

Well in the end I had an awesome experience

Despite a very late arrival, and a delay in getting off due to a load of newsprint in the rear cargo hold having priority for weight & balance, I nonetheless just made the flight.

And the awesome part ? An enormous amount of common sense was shown by various staff (BE, LM and ground) and with a less than 100% strict application of the rules, I had a most relaxing and stylish aircraft to aircraft transfer

I won't post too much detail here but my first experience of BE/LM has been supremely positive !!

squawk

Glad to hear that Fitch - and even without details it sounds rather cool

I recall seeing something recently about paying for direct transfers at major hubs (not sure about LHR, but I think FRA might've been one) and the price was eye-watering. Whether Sumburgh counts as a major hub or not is another question, of course

gypsyjaney

Aberdeen BA Traveller, as a Gold (for a few more weeks anyway) I'd like to express solidarity with you as well as annoyance at yet another BA PR balls up. Those in charge continue on their merry way, spoiling the ship for a h'a porth of tar. You are entitled to your rant. A Ł5 voucher is a joke. Why oh Why do they keep doing things like this.

rapidex

Is that a famous euphemism for a walk in a howling gale and pouring rain

KLJamie

A response from BA to my wife today.

"Dear Mrs ************

Thanks for getting in touch about your lounge access in Aberdeen on 7 August. I'd like to apologise for the delay in response. I understand you felt let down by our service. Especially as you're Silver members of our Executive Club, for this I'm sorry.

I'm concerned to hear that you didn't gain access to our lounge due to closure. However, after trying to enter the third party you was denied access. Unfortunately this due to it not being up to our discretion they decide whether members may enter or not. I understand this isn't the answer you were looking for, I'm sorry.

I understand you were disappointed and actually felt insulted. By the low UKP we provided at the airport as a gesture of goodwill, I've passed this on to our management team in London Heathrow. They will investigate internally and look if we can change any gestures for future issues.

We're committed to ensuring all of our passengers have a seamless service when they travel with us. It's clear from your email this wasn't the case on this occasion. Please be assured, I've passed your comments to our Customer Experience team who will use your feedback to improve our service and tailor any changes required.

Thanks again for getting in touch, we appreciate your support as loyal Silver members of our Executive Club. We look forward to welcoming you and your family on board again soon. If you have any other issues please don't hesitate to contact me directly using the blue link below.

Best regards
++++++ ++++++++
British Airways Customer Relations Executive
Your case reference is:1687****"

"Unfortunately this due to it not being up to our discretion they decide whether members may enter or not." -

1 - Can anyone confirm this statement for Aberdeen?
2 - So BA is saying it is not there decision - and they tried to get Silver's access to the 3rd party lounge?

Thanks - KLJamie