Would just like some help understanding lounge access rules:

I have 2 choices for HKG-MAN this summer:
1) HKG-LHR (CX F arrives 21:05)
LHR-MAN (BA Y next morning)

I am aware that if you are connecting to a shorter flight in a class below your arrival flight then you have access to the lounge of the class of your arrival. Although I have heard people say that you need a same day F boarding stub to access the BA T5 lounge. Both oneworld and BA mention nothing about same day arrival in their lounge access rules and simply state access is granted if connecting. According to their rules a connection means a time of <24hrs between flights. Therefore from there rules it seems I should be granted entry. Has anyone experienced such a connection and were they allowed lounge access?


2) My second choice would mean no overnight layover.
HKG-CDG (CX F)
CDG-LHR (BA C)
LHR-MAN (BA Y)

On this flight would I be able to use my CX F stub in LHR to gain access to the galleries first lounge? Or would I only be able to use my BA C stub to get into the C lounge?


Being the only time I will be flying OW F for a while and for the first time, I would like to maximise my experience as much as possible. So taking into account load factors etc. which flight do you reckon would give the best experience? Also any pointers regarding how to make the most of the CX F experience would be gratefully accepted?

Thanks for any help

The CX FAQ provides info on how the CX F experience is like.

However, I suggest you take flights that run with a relatively confirmed 74A (new seats).

CX does not have arrival lounges in either LHR or CDG.
Unless you are OW saphire, you will not have access the F gallery lounge (BA) in T5 for your MAN flight. If you are not OW saphire, you will not have access to any lounge in T5.

In CDG, you will have access to the AA lounge because you travel in C on BA. A modern and decent lounge. The CX lounge will be close early in the morning and they usually do not accept arriving pax anyway.

A very important advice is to try to make sure that you fly CX F on a 74A (77A is OK but not as good, and not currently used to LHR or CDG). AVOID the A340 as it has old F. One of the two daily CDG flight is A340 and some LHR flights have the A340s.

CX uses the landside Admirals Club in LHR as an CX arrival lounge.

Given the curfew at LHR, I'd be surprised if BA considered arriving at 2105 and leaving the next day as "same day arrival" for lounge access. Let us know how it goes for you, though, as I'd be interested in finding out.