Lounge woes
Sep 22, 23, 9:23 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: York, UK
Programs: BAEC GGL, Hilton Diamond, Marriott GOLD, Accor Club Gold
Posts: 694
Lounge woes
I'm about to board BA49 to SEA, having flown into LHR from NCL late morning. I'm privileged enough to be GGL and in Club/First, and all I have to moan about our first-world problems. But...
The NCL experience was very far from agreeable, in that I arrived at the Aspire lounge, showed my boarding pass, and was told that the lounge was full. A little additional conversation (plus what I could actually see from the entrance) clarified it was not actually full, but had (a significant number) of seats reserved for paying customers of Aspire who had pre-booked. I stated my understanding that Aspire had a contractual relationship with BA to provide premium pax with access, and was bluntly rebutted. I did eventually get in... and was then told I could not use either of the two work station spaces as they were in use, and had to sit in the seat to which I was led. On going to get a cuppa, I found that the definition of 'in use' was that one had a cleaning trolley shoved in it, and the other had a trolley of crisps/biscuits/etc.
LHR was obviously different, and I had a lovely lunch in the CCR. But, with slightly more than an hour left to kill before boarding, I wanted to open my laptop at a desk, get out some files, and do some work. Only to find the three work stations have gone, to be replaced by 'pods' with a tiny table and a chair utterly inappropriate for sitting up and working. I asked to speak to the manager, and a charming woman came and explained she was the manager... of the company who run the lounges. She did not work for BA.
I came over to the B lounge, wrongly recalling that it had a few workstations - they have been removed and the area is currently sealed off.
All great for those who have no need of working, but I do not believe I'm the only passenger at the front of a plane for whom a travel day is also a work day. If I board my 787 now and find there is no WiFi, you'll all be able to hear the sound of my spontaneous self-combustion from wherever you are reading this!
The NCL experience was very far from agreeable, in that I arrived at the Aspire lounge, showed my boarding pass, and was told that the lounge was full. A little additional conversation (plus what I could actually see from the entrance) clarified it was not actually full, but had (a significant number) of seats reserved for paying customers of Aspire who had pre-booked. I stated my understanding that Aspire had a contractual relationship with BA to provide premium pax with access, and was bluntly rebutted. I did eventually get in... and was then told I could not use either of the two work station spaces as they were in use, and had to sit in the seat to which I was led. On going to get a cuppa, I found that the definition of 'in use' was that one had a cleaning trolley shoved in it, and the other had a trolley of crisps/biscuits/etc.
LHR was obviously different, and I had a lovely lunch in the CCR. But, with slightly more than an hour left to kill before boarding, I wanted to open my laptop at a desk, get out some files, and do some work. Only to find the three work stations have gone, to be replaced by 'pods' with a tiny table and a chair utterly inappropriate for sitting up and working. I asked to speak to the manager, and a charming woman came and explained she was the manager... of the company who run the lounges. She did not work for BA.
I came over to the B lounge, wrongly recalling that it had a few workstations - they have been removed and the area is currently sealed off.
All great for those who have no need of working, but I do not believe I'm the only passenger at the front of a plane for whom a travel day is also a work day. If I board my 787 now and find there is no WiFi, you'll all be able to hear the sound of my spontaneous self-combustion from wherever you are reading this!
Sep 22, 23, 9:53 am
#2
Join Date: Nov 2019
Location: Newcastle, UK
Programs: BAEC Gold, IHG Platinum, Sky Team Gold, many others at various levels
Posts: 1,125
... The NCL experience was very far from agreeable, in that I arrived at the Aspire lounge, showed my boarding pass, and was told that the lounge was full. A little additional conversation (plus what I could actually see from the entrance) clarified it was not actually full, but had (a significant number) of seats reserved for paying customers of Aspire who had pre-booked. I stated my understanding that Aspire had a contractual relationship with BA to provide premium pax with access, and was bluntly rebutted. I did eventually get in... and was then told I could not use either of the two work station spaces as they were in use, and had to sit in the seat to which I was led. On going to get a cuppa, I found that the definition of 'in use' was that one had a cleaning trolley shoved in it, and the other had a trolley of crisps/biscuits/etc.
!
!
Sep 22, 23, 9:54 am
#3
Join Date: Jun 2019
Programs: BAEC GGL/CCR
Posts: 417
The lack of of the three small desks in the CCR which are now "designer pods" is a bad move.
I have seen people stay at the dining tables longer on their ipads/laptops since those desks went which isn't ideal when that area is busy.
On Saturday I had to work at the new tables in front of the bar which is far from an ideal work setup due to the low chairs.
I have seen people stay at the dining tables longer on their ipads/laptops since those desks went which isn't ideal when that area is busy.
On Saturday I had to work at the new tables in front of the bar which is far from an ideal work setup due to the low chairs.
Sep 22, 23, 10:03 am
#4
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: The North
Posts: 1,776
I recently had caused complain to BA regarding some missing club catering (well, several months back, but they took a while to reply), and in the context of that mentioned the lacklustre third party (NCL, MAN) or non-existent (STR) lounge provision. I specifically flagged up that if youre trying to do work, as many people who fly in J or who are using status to get into lounges are, this makes it really difficult to justify flying BA over other carriers where they exist.
In the response, the CS agent did acknowledge this to a degree, but I am not left with any confidence things will improve:
We also want to thank you for sharing your feedback about the Manchester and Newcastle airport lounges. Unfortunately, we do not have any update regarding that, but your comments have been passed to the relevant department, which will facilitate us in making any future decisions.
In the response, the CS agent did acknowledge this to a degree, but I am not left with any confidence things will improve:
We also want to thank you for sharing your feedback about the Manchester and Newcastle airport lounges. Unfortunately, we do not have any update regarding that, but your comments have been passed to the relevant department, which will facilitate us in making any future decisions.
Sep 22, 23, 10:11 am
#5
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: London
Programs: Mucci Petit Four de Pucci, RedVee's Navigator Badge, BA Gold, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 3,120
What a shame the lounge situation at NCL and MAN is, when you think how good those in-house lounges used to be (especially NCL).
These days I fly up and take the train back when visiting those parts. Not so easy for folks on a connection.
Agree about the workspace too. Wishing you a good trip, DominicB!
These days I fly up and take the train back when visiting those parts. Not so easy for folks on a connection.
Agree about the workspace too. Wishing you a good trip, DominicB!
Sep 22, 23, 10:27 am
#6
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: UK
Programs: BA GGL/CCR, BA Amex Prem, BA Amex Business, Amex Platinum, Coutts Silk, Hilton Diamond etc.
Posts: 3,775
The work pods in the CCR are not a suitable replacement for the desks which in turn were not a suitable replacement for the boardroom. Whatever 40 winks are paying to get use of that room now isnt worth it, frankly.
The EDI lounge, for instance, has 2 sound-proofed rooms with power sockets and an entire bank of desks with power sockets filling the room at the far left back of the lounge.
The EDI lounge, for instance, has 2 sound-proofed rooms with power sockets and an entire bank of desks with power sockets filling the room at the far left back of the lounge.
Sep 22, 23, 10:41 am
#7
Ambassador: Emirates
Join Date: Jul 2016
Location: UK/AU
Programs: QF P1 + LTS, EK Gold, BAEC Gold, QR Gold, IHG Ambassador
Posts: 1,085
I'm writing from the EDI lounge and I reckon behind GLA (which does have good decor) it is the best branded outstation in the UK (although depending who you ask LGW is an outstation too )
Also EDI has really nice champagne flutes for the on demand champagne. Not seen them anywhere else but they would be great onboard.
) Also EDI has really nice champagne flutes for the on demand champagne. Not seen them anywhere else but they would be great onboard.
Sep 22, 23, 10:42 am
#8
Moderator, Iberia Airlines, Airport Lounges, and Ambassador, British Airways Executive Club
Join Date: Feb 2010
Programs: BA Lifetime Gold; Flying Blue Life Platinum; LH Sen.; Hilton Diamond; Kemal Kebabs Prized Customer
Posts: 62,086
LHR was obviously different, and I had a lovely lunch in the CCR. But, with slightly more than an hour left to kill before boarding, I wanted to open my laptop at a desk, get out some files, and do some work. Only to find the three work stations have gone, to be replaced by 'pods' with a tiny table and a chair utterly inappropriate for sitting up and working. I asked to speak to the manager, and a charming woman came and explained she was the manager... of the company who run the lounges. She did not work for BA.
I doubt the wifi situation on a 787-8 is a surprise, but if it is, I have an internet bulletin board recommendation for you.
I would urge you to complain at least about the NCL lounge, in the hope it can spur BA to negotiate with NCL management about the new lounge by the old Cheviot lounge, which has languished, incomplete, since the pandemic
Sep 22, 23, 11:00 am
#9
Join Date: Jun 2015
Posts: 99
It's quite amazing really. TUI do a few long hauls a week from NCL and their Premium passengers are guaranteed entry to the Aspire lounge, as they know how many premium pax there are on each flight and so reserve the correct number of places.
If only BA had some system where they would know the number of premium pax on their flights, you know those who are flying club or eligible due to status then maybe they could do the same? After all that area used to be the BA lounge.
I no longer have lounge access and I never fly club from NCL, but often do on the return as it is usually on a return from a long haul flight with a long layover at LHR. And nowadays usually not with BA for that long haul...
If only BA had some system where they would know the number of premium pax on their flights, you know those who are flying club or eligible due to status then maybe they could do the same? After all that area used to be the BA lounge.
I no longer have lounge access and I never fly club from NCL, but often do on the return as it is usually on a return from a long haul flight with a long layover at LHR. And nowadays usually not with BA for that long haul...
Sep 22, 23, 11:00 am
#10
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: The North
Posts: 1,776
I would love BA to think seriously about the needs of those of us who travel for (or during) working hours and therefore need to do work in the lounges. It's more of a problem when you have long connections, and or unreliable transportation to the departure airport (therefore leave more time to get there).
Sep 22, 23, 11:24 am
#11
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: York, UK
Programs: BAEC GGL, Hilton Diamond, Marriott GOLD, Accor Club Gold
Posts: 694
Well I am on board, so I got the Wifi (on a -10 which I think helps). Apparently - so I was told this morning - Aspire are taking over the old BA lounge at NCL, so there will be substantial extra capacity, but it doesn't change the lowly status BA pax are given by Aspire - which is down to BA, clearly, and a poorly (=cheaply) negotiated contract.
Sep 22, 23, 11:30 am
#12
Join Date: Aug 2017
Posts: 1,134
Bit confused, as I always work on my laptop and there's plenty of space both in the F and T5B lounge? There entire refurbished area has a tonne of tables you can use? I just get my headphones on, grab a coffee and crack on with my laptop.
Sep 22, 23, 1:58 pm
#13
Join Date: May 2018
Programs: BA Executive Blue
Posts: 126
I recently had caused complain to BA regarding some missing club catering (well, several months back, but they took a while to reply), and in the context of that mentioned the lacklustre third party (NCL, MAN) or non-existent (STR) lounge provision. I specifically flagged up that if youre trying to do work, as many people who fly in J or who are using status to get into lounges are, this makes it really difficult to justify flying BA over other carriers where they exist.
In the response, the CS agent did acknowledge this to a degree, but I am not left with any confidence things will improve:
We also want to thank you for sharing your feedback about the Manchester and Newcastle airport lounges. Unfortunately, we do not have any update regarding that, but your comments have been passed to the relevant department, which will facilitate us in making any future decisions.
In the response, the CS agent did acknowledge this to a degree, but I am not left with any confidence things will improve:
We also want to thank you for sharing your feedback about the Manchester and Newcastle airport lounges. Unfortunately, we do not have any update regarding that, but your comments have been passed to the relevant department, which will facilitate us in making any future decisions.
The only consolation: There isn't currently much in terms of lounge provision at STR for any airline.
Sep 22, 23, 2:04 pm
#14
Join Date: Jan 2000
Location: Ex-BA Gold, now no status at all!
Posts: 357
Its a high bar, but I think this is the most condescending response by one of the BA apologists/moderators I have seen so far. Christ on a bike.
Yes, that would be BaxterStorey, who have run the CCR for a little while now (ten years and 4 months to be pedantic, and why not?). I just use the high tables if I need space, but the pods are fine if it's just PC work. I think I managed to get rid of paper files a few decades back, but I appreciate that paper has staying power for some. If it's really an issue then one of the cabanas can be used if LurkerWilf is not in residence, and there's always the working areas of Flounge nearby.
I doubt the wifi situation on a 787-8 is a surprise, but if it is, I have an internet bulletin board recommendation for you.
I would urge you to complain at least about the NCL lounge, in the hope it can spur BA to negotiate with NCL management about the new lounge by the old Cheviot lounge, which has languished, incomplete, since the pandemic
I doubt the wifi situation on a 787-8 is a surprise, but if it is, I have an internet bulletin board recommendation for you.
I would urge you to complain at least about the NCL lounge, in the hope it can spur BA to negotiate with NCL management about the new lounge by the old Cheviot lounge, which has languished, incomplete, since the pandemic
Last edited by bulkhead; Sep 22, 23 at 2:23 pm
