NO SOUP FOR YOU! (CX noodle bar access for BA pax at SFO)
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2014
Posts: 756
NO SOUP FOR YOU! (CX noodle bar access for BA pax at SFO)
I got to SFO earlier than planned for the BA286, so ventured to the SFO CX lounge (avoiding the CI, JL lounges in the current reshuffle etc). I noticed the noodle bar - which I've enjoyed in various CX lounges before - was open, so I ordered the wanton soup from the soup chef.
CHEF: "Can I see you boarding pass please."
ME: "Er..." [hands over boarding pass]
CHEF: "HA! British Airways! NO SOUP FOR YOU!"
I really, genuinely thought this was a Seinfeld joke, so I started laughing (a little too hysterically). I stopped when I noticed he looked genuinely annoyed, pent up, and possibly readying himself to jump over the counter and club me with a killer wanton.
CHEF: "Yeah, you take it up with BA. They were REALLY RUDE."
I sort of gently backed away, and brought up the issue at the reception desk. The receptionists explained, somewhat more calmly, that BA have removed access to the noodle bar in their contract with CX.
Is this new? Have I just been lucky before? Is this a global phenomenon? WHAT'S GOING ON?
CHEF: "Can I see you boarding pass please."
ME: "Er..." [hands over boarding pass]
CHEF: "HA! British Airways! NO SOUP FOR YOU!"
I really, genuinely thought this was a Seinfeld joke, so I started laughing (a little too hysterically). I stopped when I noticed he looked genuinely annoyed, pent up, and possibly readying himself to jump over the counter and club me with a killer wanton.
CHEF: "Yeah, you take it up with BA. They were REALLY RUDE."
I sort of gently backed away, and brought up the issue at the reception desk. The receptionists explained, somewhat more calmly, that BA have removed access to the noodle bar in their contract with CX.
Is this new? Have I just been lucky before? Is this a global phenomenon? WHAT'S GOING ON?
Last edited by newyorklondon; Jan 28, 2019 at 8:43 pm
#2
Join Date: Feb 2009
Programs: BA Gold
Posts: 11
Ha - I was literally about to make the same post as you. With the same title.
Not only are they withholding Wontons but they seem to have figured the best way to control costs from their BA contract is to "forget" to put out more champagne (well Domaine Carneros) and hide the glassware.
Seems like they are missing a trick to win over a bunch of BA travellers to the amazing Cathay hospitality!
Not only are they withholding Wontons but they seem to have figured the best way to control costs from their BA contract is to "forget" to put out more champagne (well Domaine Carneros) and hide the glassware.
Seems like they are missing a trick to win over a bunch of BA travellers to the amazing Cathay hospitality!
#3
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2014
Posts: 756
I just roamed around with the empty fizz bottle vaguely waving it in the face of any employee I could find. Which - uncouth as that was - did actually work.
The War of the Wantons has begun.
#7
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: HKG
Programs: BA(GGL) QF LTS CX AM, Hilton Diamond, PPL(A)
Posts: 1,654
Ha - I was literally about to make the same post as you. With the same title.
Not only are they withholding Wontons but they seem to have figured the best way to control costs from their BA contract is to "forget" to put out more champagne (well Domaine Carneros) and hide the glassware.
Seems like they are missing a trick to win over a bunch of BA travellers to the amazing Cathay hospitality!
Not only are they withholding Wontons but they seem to have figured the best way to control costs from their BA contract is to "forget" to put out more champagne (well Domaine Carneros) and hide the glassware.
Seems like they are missing a trick to win over a bunch of BA travellers to the amazing Cathay hospitality!
#11
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2004
Programs: CX Green, QF Platinum, BAEC Silver, Hyatt Glob
Posts: 10,780
- QF are now using the CX lounge officially for their Gold and Platinum FFs, and business class passengers (not sure about oneworld equivalents).
- BA are officially directing their Gold members to the CX lounge.
#15
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: DUB/ORD/SIN/PVG
Programs: EI AerClub Concierge, EK Gold, BA Gold, BD Gold (Retired), HHonors Diamond, Bonvoy Lifetime Gold
Posts: 2,923
Ha - I was literally about to make the same post as you. With the same title.
Not only are they withholding Wontons but they seem to have figured the best way to control costs from their BA contract is to "forget" to put out more champagne (well Domaine Carneros) and hide the glassware.
Seems like they are missing a trick to win over a bunch of BA travellers to the amazing Cathay hospitality!
Not only are they withholding Wontons but they seem to have figured the best way to control costs from their BA contract is to "forget" to put out more champagne (well Domaine Carneros) and hide the glassware.
Seems like they are missing a trick to win over a bunch of BA travellers to the amazing Cathay hospitality!
1: The aninmated CX Chef may recently have experienced the less than warm welcome for non BA PAX at the ORD Lounge
2: WTO rules have kicked in early ahead of Brexit!