CX AE Elite changes
May 29, 2018, 10:57 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2018
Programs: CX ows, DL E+
Posts: 188
CX AE Elite changes
My friend who was traveling today went to the PPL Arrival in HKG's T2 today.When he went to the airside lounges, he was denied access, as PPL seems to have revised its policy for CX AE Elite cardholders, despite they promote that it has unlimited access. I went to the arrival lounge myself today and asked the attendant for the new policy. He said that under the new policy, cardholders can only enter 1 PPL per calender day, e.g., I enter a PPL in TPE, I cannot use the Arrival PPL in HKG (or at least that is how I interpret his explanation)
Any other members can confirm or comment on this matter?
Any other members can confirm or comment on this matter?
May 29, 2018, 4:11 pm
#2
Join Date: Jan 2015
Posts: 192
That's what the Ts & Cs say at https://www.americanexpress.com/hk/e...laza-network/: "Cardmembers of ... American Express Cathay Pacific Elite Credit Card ... are eligible to enjoy either a complimentary lounge access or 15 minute seated massage or shampoo and blow-dry services (“Offer”) once per day."
Once per day = one visit per day.
You also get a Priority Pass membership with 4 visits per year which you could use for the PPL Arrivals. Also the PPL Arrivals accepts a number of other cards, I think I've used my Citibank Premium Miles card there too.
Once per day = one visit per day.
You also get a Priority Pass membership with 4 visits per year which you could use for the PPL Arrivals. Also the PPL Arrivals accepts a number of other cards, I think I've used my Citibank Premium Miles card there too.
May 29, 2018, 8:36 pm
#4
Join Date: Jun 2016
Location: Hong Kong
Programs: Lowly CX & IHG
Posts: 382
I noticed the rule from the beginning (few years ago) so never tried double entry; thus never been to the (infamously crowded) east lounge.
I wonder how they handle the case of arriving the day after (aka many long hauls) and if you visit another airside lounge after midnight before a 1am departure etc.
PPL needs to swipe the credit card used and get signature during entry (likely so that they can receive the entrance fee from the credit card partner)
Thus it is fairly easy to track through their system and ensure they get their revenue from all entries.
I wonder how they handle the case of arriving the day after (aka many long hauls) and if you visit another airside lounge after midnight before a 1am departure etc.
PPL needs to swipe the credit card used and get signature during entry (likely so that they can receive the entrance fee from the credit card partner)
Thus it is fairly easy to track through their system and ensure they get their revenue from all entries.
May 29, 2018, 8:40 pm
#5
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2004
Programs: CX Green, QF Platinum, BAEC Silver, Hyatt Glob
Posts: 10,780
The West lounge is also ridiculously crowded. So all their lounges are infamously crowded at HKG. I feel sorry for those who use these lounges on account of their airline using them as contract lounges.
May 29, 2018, 9:01 pm
#6
Join Date: Jun 2016
Location: Hong Kong
Programs: Lowly CX & IHG
Posts: 382
I agree that the West lounge is ridiculously crowded now (I think a meal at Cafe de Coral outside is more worthwhile), however it seems PPL blocks off some areas for the contracted airline customers, so hope they are less affected; and the blocking somehow contributed to the crowdedness of the general area. True victim is anyone who buys access with cash (or actually anyone?)
Back to OP was the access to PP Arrival with an outbound ticket? If so I didn't know it could work, and ex-HKG this could be a less crowded option.
Back to OP was the access to PP Arrival with an outbound ticket? If so I didn't know it could work, and ex-HKG this could be a less crowded option.
May 29, 2018, 9:57 pm
#7
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2018
Programs: CX ows, DL E+
Posts: 188
I noticed the rule from the beginning (few years ago) so never tried double entry; thus never been to the (infamously crowded) east lounge.
I wonder how they handle the case of arriving the day after (aka many long hauls) and if you visit another airside lounge after midnight before a 1am departure etc.
PPL needs to swipe the credit card used and get signature during entry (likely so that they can receive the entrance fee from the credit card partner)
Thus it is fairly easy to track through their system and ensure they get their revenue from all entries.
I wonder how they handle the case of arriving the day after (aka many long hauls) and if you visit another airside lounge after midnight before a 1am departure etc.
PPL needs to swipe the credit card used and get signature during entry (likely so that they can receive the entrance fee from the credit card partner)
Thus it is fairly easy to track through their system and ensure they get their revenue from all entries.
I think arriving from long haul flights, you'll be allowed to enter the arrival lounge, as long as your flight arrives the next day from your departure date.
I think they revised to enforce it (at least at HKG) is because last time I went, both East and West Hall were filled with people, and really seemed like a food court than lounge.
Taken last trip in HKG outside the new East Hall Lounge, near Gate 1, on 1st May
I agree that the West lounge is ridiculously crowded now (I think a meal at Cafe de Coral outside is more worthwhile), however it seems PPL blocks off some areas for the contracted airline customers, so hope they are less affected; and the blocking somehow contributed to the crowdedness of the general area. True victim is anyone who buys access with cash (or actually anyone?)
Back to OP was the access to PP Arrival with an outbound ticket? If so I didn't know it could work, and ex-HKG this could be a less crowded option.
Back to OP was the access to PP Arrival with an outbound ticket? If so I didn't know it could work, and ex-HKG this could be a less crowded option.
May 30, 2018, 1:48 am
#8
Join Date: Dec 2016
Programs: MP, BR
Posts: 375
I've used the card to enter multiple PPL on my trips in Feb, Mar, Apr and May on the same day.
I think arriving from long haul flights, you'll be allowed to enter the arrival lounge, as long as your flight arrives the next day from your departure date.
I think they revised to enforce it (at least at HKG) is because last time I went, both East and West Hall were filled with people, and really seemed like a food court than lounge.
I think arriving from long haul flights, you'll be allowed to enter the arrival lounge, as long as your flight arrives the next day from your departure date.
I think they revised to enforce it (at least at HKG) is because last time I went, both East and West Hall were filled with people, and really seemed like a food court than lounge.
May 31, 2018, 8:11 am
#10
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: HKG
Programs: CX DM, SPG Pt, Le Club Accor GO, Shangri-La GC Jade
Posts: 1,327
Who still use PPL as contracted lounge? JL moved to QF lounge (and that's great because then I can use QF lounge in the morning with nice Japanese food served and quiet environment, though staff was not as friendly in the morning as in the evening....)… Sorry off topic....
Previously when flights depart from Gate 4x I may go PPL west lounge but yes, too crowded nowadays and I've returned to the Bridge...
Previously when flights depart from Gate 4x I may go PPL west lounge but yes, too crowded nowadays and I've returned to the Bridge...
May 31, 2018, 6:13 pm
#11
Join Date: Jan 2006
Programs: AAdvantage Asia Miles Air China
Posts: 870
Sadly CX AE Plats don't get access to AMEX Centurion Lounge
Sadly on my last visit to HKIA I decided to visit the AMEX Centurion Lounge thanks to hearing good things, but CX AE Platinums don't get access. Must come up quite a bit as there is a display on the front desk letting people know which cards allowed entry.
The helpful lady on the front desk recommended the next door PPL, so I wandered off to the CX First Pier.
With regard to the above post by sscywong (apologies this is an edit so cannot quote), the QF lounge deliberately employed Japanese chefs to do the menu, not sure if food preparation as well, but personally have had far better Japanese food, at least according to my personal taste.
The helpful lady on the front desk recommended the next door PPL, so I wandered off to the CX First Pier.
With regard to the above post by sscywong (apologies this is an edit so cannot quote), the QF lounge deliberately employed Japanese chefs to do the menu, not sure if food preparation as well, but personally have had far better Japanese food, at least according to my personal taste.
Last edited by Nicc HK; May 31, 2018 at 6:18 pm Reason: Spelling
May 31, 2018, 9:49 pm
#14
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Toronto, Canada
Posts: 946
I am confused about what card you are talking about. The grey-ish CX Amex card is not platinum - it is called “Elite” instead. No *credit* card has access to the Centurion lounge. It is only accessible by Platinum charge cardholders and Centurion Cardholders. Plantinum credit card is not eligible.
Jun 1, 2018, 4:04 am
#15
Join Date: Jan 2006
Programs: AAdvantage Asia Miles Air China
Posts: 870
I am confused about what card you are talking about. The grey-ish CX Amex card is not platinum - it is called “Elite” instead. No *credit* card has access to the Centurion lounge. It is only accessible by Platinum charge cardholders and Centurion Cardholders. Plantinum credit card is not eligible.
As for access, what you wrote is exactly what the lady on the desk explained to me. Shame, heard it was pretty good.