IAD-LHR Galleries Lounge - Gold member observation
May 13, 2018, 4:56 am
#16
Join Date: Aug 2015
Posts: 159
I'd agree with the OP here - giving access to the pre-flight dining service for GCHs would seem like an easy way to offer a different, additional perk - and I can't imagine that the numbers would be significant? Obviously the TATL redeyes are gold heavy, but surely the numbers of GCHs in WTP and WT are significantly smaller than the total number of CW and F pax?
May 13, 2018, 5:23 am
#17
Join Date: Jan 2018
Programs: BA Silver
Posts: 439
Agree Jk156- Unfortunately I doubt BA see it that way. For example, one could fashion an argument that gold card holders should have a glass of champagne on offer before each flight (just an example)- but BA would argue you should be paying for CW/F. It's all the same principle.
May 13, 2018, 7:15 am
#19
Join Date: Jan 2018
Programs: BA Silver
Posts: 439
That's highly unprofessional and I'm disappointed to hear that. Granted, North American culture incorporates almost mandatory tipping at bars/restaurants but for a member of staff at a British Airways outstation lounge to say that and as you say, make you feel really uncomfortable is really poor.
May 13, 2018, 7:21 am
#20
Join Date: Jun 2016
Location: Oslo
Programs: BAEC
Posts: 204
I would also have felt very umcomfortable by such a comment
May 13, 2018, 7:26 am
#21
Join Date: Jan 2018
Programs: BA Silver
Posts: 439
That's of course not to say he's undeserving of gratuity but to ask for it, is just downright rude.
May 13, 2018, 7:42 am
#22
Join Date: Dec 2015
Location: London - SW4
Programs: BA Gold
Posts: 320
I've read that for US carriers, if being served at the bar in a lounge, leaving a tip is customary. Remember- tips are part of US custom because the bar staff don't really make a wage. I can't comment for any of the US carriers on this but for sure, BA would be paying a wage to the barman at IAD.
That's of course not to say he's undeserving of gratuity but to ask for it, is just downright rude.
That's of course not to say he's undeserving of gratuity but to ask for it, is just downright rude.
Agree that hoping BA are paying him a good wage as rudeness aside - in any/all service jobs - the tip-based wage system is ridiculously unethical.
May 13, 2018, 7:52 am
#24
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: JER
Programs: BA Gold/OWE, several MUCCI, and assorted Pensions!
Posts: 32,145
Much discussion on FT generally about tipping in the US, of course. I’ve become used to the custom and, having a friend who is a Bar Manager, understand why it happens. That includes AA Lounges with a served Bar, and I guess I would automatically do the same in the BA Lounge at IAD.
However, I’m very happy to self-pour my wine ... although there was (still is?) a lovely lady who would get me refills while sat in my armchair, and even knew what I was drinking! Now, should I have tipped her as well? I feel a twinge of guilt, as she was certainly going above and beyond (whilst also clearing tables, unlike the Barman).
However, I’m very happy to self-pour my wine ... although there was (still is?) a lovely lady who would get me refills while sat in my armchair, and even knew what I was drinking! Now, should I have tipped her as well? I feel a twinge of guilt, as she was certainly going above and beyond (whilst also clearing tables, unlike the Barman).
May 13, 2018, 9:47 am
#25
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: UK
Programs: Mucci, Diamond Status & on the Supreme Council des Conseillers, BA Ag, Bonvoy GFL/Plat, xVS Au
Posts: 832
At the risk of being slightly off-topic, Jerry was a legend. His speech to the room on what to do for each of the forthcoming boarding announcements was hilarious, also the way that glasses of champagne 'magically' appeared at your table when you briefly left to get some nibbles was very impressive.
Anyone else have some Jerry stories?
Anyone else have some Jerry stories?
May 13, 2018, 10:29 am
#26
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: MSN
Programs: AA, BAEC Gold
Posts: 3,927
No pre flight dining for non F/CW pax has been the norm for quite some time now, someone I'm sure will correct me on this but I'd estimate 8-9 years? Beforehand it was open if I am correct. It's another ploy from BA for you to stump up some extra cash for CW. I've gotten quite used to it now but I agree it doesn't exactly reward 'top tier' membership if you are a BA gold. Sort of taken the attitude that it is what it is by now.
May 13, 2018, 4:00 pm
#27
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: UK
Programs: BA Exec Club, Flying Blue
Posts: 638
IAD lounge
If its any consolation, I find the IAD (Washington Dulles) airport lounge well below the standard I expect and have seen at other East Coast USA lounges.
The pre-flight dining is awful.
The Champagne is sparkling wine and the wine selection is incredibly cheap nasty domestic wines.
Worth avoiding if you can, IMHO. BWI is a small, quiet pleasant airport - a good alternative to IAD.
The pre-flight dining is awful.
The Champagne is sparkling wine and the wine selection is incredibly cheap nasty domestic wines.
Worth avoiding if you can, IMHO. BWI is a small, quiet pleasant airport - a good alternative to IAD.
May 13, 2018, 4:41 pm
#28
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: LHR
Programs: Accor PLT,Thai Silver, HH Dia, SPG Titanium (LT Gold), Aegean Gold, BA Silver
Posts: 5,119
Oh I know (originally from here) and tip in the AA lounges when I'm here, but 1. haven't ever seen it in a BA-operated lounge stateside, 2. rarely have US cash on me and 3. never, ever expect to be asked for a tip.
Agree that hoping BA are paying him a good wage as rudeness aside - in any/all service jobs - the tip-based wage system is ridiculously unethical.
Agree that hoping BA are paying him a good wage as rudeness aside - in any/all service jobs - the tip-based wage system is ridiculously unethical.
May 13, 2018, 7:43 pm
#30
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Charlottesville, Va. USA
Posts: 1,752
FarFetched1219:
I flew qr j last sept iad/doh. They were using the virgin lounge at iad. When I checked in they told me they had switched to the Turkish lounge. That is one of the worst lounges I have ever been in. It was very crowed and the food selection was very limited. As a ow sapphire I went to the ba lounge and was very warmly welcomed. The food was ok but acceptable.
YMMV
I flew qr j last sept iad/doh. They were using the virgin lounge at iad. When I checked in they told me they had switched to the Turkish lounge. That is one of the worst lounges I have ever been in. It was very crowed and the food selection was very limited. As a ow sapphire I went to the ba lounge and was very warmly welcomed. The food was ok but acceptable.
YMMV