Bad news - BA's NCL lounge reportedly to close permanently
#316
Join Date: Sep 2009
Posts: 1,104
I used to use NCL a lot when I lived in Durham. The drive and the unpredictability of the traffic at the Metro Centre meant it was not simply a turn up/take off experience. Pre-bypass days it was a tedious drive through Gateshead. In fact I used to prefer using BMA in the old days from Tees-side. The dwell areas at NCL, most especially the gate areas were horrible. Back when BA had 757s they offered only a tea and coffee service despite the Shuttles offering lavish (for the block time) hot breakfasts (I flew MAN-LHR/LGW almost weekly). I always thought NCL did well to have a lounge (I recall it had a landside, windowless room once) but put it down to the route having a lot of corporate clients that were important to BA.
With fares currently being charged (GBP600 one-way in Club to dampen demand), those who do fly deserve better.
With fares currently being charged (GBP600 one-way in Club to dampen demand), those who do fly deserve better.
Due to the now extortionate fees for onsite airport parking, I find this the cheapest option.
#317
Join Date: Mar 2008
Posts: 628
It was the lounge agent when we went in, not sure how true it is. Service on Friday evening was very good, they were even warming scones for one customer. They also had Asahi and tiger beers (my husband was pleasantly surprised - he wasnt expecting a choice!)
#318
Join Date: Dec 2013
Programs: NZ Airpoints GE, Qantas Platinum, Accor Diamond, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 935
I live in Durham and have experienced what you describe. I live within walking distance of Durham Rail station and now find it easier to just hop on the train, get the Metro in Newcastle for the Airport directly to the Doubletree.
Due to the now extortionate fees for onsite airport parking, I find this the cheapest option.
Due to the now extortionate fees for onsite airport parking, I find this the cheapest option.
I am looking to fly BA to NCL in October but feel it would be too much of a trial but perhaps less than simply schlepping to Kings X and taking the train, even though I will have arrived from NZ.
#319
Join Date: Jul 2018
Posts: 42
Aspire Plus
Aspire Plus opens from 1st August. Does anyone know if BA business customers will be able to use Plus and if so, will children be welcome? I know Emirates use Plus and children are welcome for their flight.
#320
Join Date: Dec 2018
Posts: 208
I doubt it, if KLM and AF never paid to use the Plus BA arent going to either. The fact the site has been updated to reopen and only mentions kids in the lounge at Emirates times says to me BA wont be using it
#321
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Newcastle UK
Posts: 1,114
Why wouldn't BA use it? Someone (on here I'm sure ) recently said that they'd been told by a lounge employee that BA would be using it soon. We are actually using the plus side currently (in the well documented half ***** way) and have been for some time, so it would be a bit of a bad move to say that you can't use it now it's fully open. That would surely pee BA status and CE regulars off no end. Time will tell.
#322
Join Date: Jul 2018
Posts: 42
We travel next Sunday, so I'll report back then. Hopefully we are in there 🤞
#323
Join Date: Dec 2018
Posts: 208
Why wouldn't BA use it? Someone (on here I'm sure ) recently said that they'd been told by a lounge employee that BA would be using it soon. We are actually using the plus side currently (in the well documented half ***** way) and have been for some time, so it would be a bit of a bad move to say that you can't use it now it's fully open. That would surely pee BA status and CE regulars off no end. Time will tell.
#324
Join Date: Jul 2015
Posts: 115
Why wouldn't BA use it? Someone (on here I'm sure ) recently said that they'd been told by a lounge employee that BA would be using it soon. We are actually using the plus side currently (in the well documented half ***** way) and have been for some time, so it would be a bit of a bad move to say that you can't use it now it's fully open. That would surely pee BA status and CE regulars off no end. Time will tell.
The current unacceptable lounge provision, which can only be described as a dark and hideous cave, is fairly irrelevant if the NCL schedule remains as grim as it is this summer.
#325
Join Date: Dec 2018
Posts: 208
In common with other domestic destinations, BA have shown nothing but contempt towards NCL in recent times. From up to 6 daily flights originally, the schedule has been chiselled away so on some days this summer the only survivor is the night stopper.
The current unacceptable lounge provision, which can only be described as a dark and hideous cave, is fairly irrelevant if the NCL schedule remains as grim as it is this summer.
The current unacceptable lounge provision, which can only be described as a dark and hideous cave, is fairly irrelevant if the NCL schedule remains as grim as it is this summer.
#327
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Newcastle UK
Posts: 1,114
While I agree that the lounge provision in its current form is abysmal, I don't think the BA call centre and IT office in the city has any relevance really, in my opinion.
#328
Join Date: Dec 2018
Posts: 208
I was more on about the schedules, I know people who used to work for BA and used to use the flights to commute.
#329
Join Date: May 2022
Posts: 6
Flying down this afternoon and J passengers were directed to Plus side but frequent flyers in the standard lounge. I actually dont mind it in here and must be the fifth time Ive been in now.
#330
Join Date: Dec 2018
Posts: 208
I noticed on the Plus opening times it doesnt actually open until 9am so probably bad news for the night stopper flight