PC pass at AMS?
 

I have a couple of the PC passes that came in my "Privilege Pack". In November, I'll be flying on CO metal from IAH to AMS and then KLM from AMS to MUC. The whole trip is a OnePass coach reward. I have a fairly long layover in AMS -- can I use a PC pass to get into KLM's lounge? I assume they have something that is similar to CO's President's Club? Or, do I have to be flying business class to use it?

I've done a couple of searches but cannot find exactly the information I need -- most folks are flying business class or they are PC members, not a peon like me using a temp pass. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif

[This message has been edited by sequin (edited 09-11-2002).]

The passes only get you into an actual President's Club. You can't use them to get into a lounge not operated by CO, as they have to pay the lounge operator per entry.

I used one at the MSP Worldclub last friday. Can't say about the KLM lounges. No harm in asking, I guess, but don't bank on it.

give it a whirl. otherwise, the AMS airport (Schipol) ain't half bad. poke around.

A PC Pass can be used at NW WorldClubs so I would try for sure. Or offer it up in Coup. conn in exchange for one that works at a KLM lounge. Also post your question on the NW/KLM boards, they might know too

I have used the Prez Clubs passes at the WorldClub in DTW and MEM before without any problems.

I have also tried to use the same passes at the WBC lounge in Schiphol (AMS). This was in April 2002 and I got some weird looks from the KLM people. Luckily I had a WBC ticket which permitted entry.

Unless things have changed with the KLM-CO codesharing agreement since then, my guess would be that you cannot get into a KLM lounge with a prez club pass.

The AMS airport has some very nice ares as to hang out in for free. There are several areas with recliners and TVs. I personally could never find the appropriate lounge for President Club members. There were several KLM lounges all over the place. Some were First Class only. There is also an internet cafe area in AMS.

If you want specifics on Schipol airport, contact gottigotti. He works in an American who travels regularly to AMS.

If you have a long enough connection maybe you could go into the city for a bite to eat.

I don't think you will be able to get in. I flew on a NW reward ticket in First Class (on KLM metal) from MEX to AMS and was not permitted entry. I also tried to use a Presdients Club pass with no luck.

Personally, I wouldn't waste time or a pass trying to get into KLMs Business class lounges, they aren't worth it. The Royal Wing lounges may be good, but I hear it's next to impossible to get in without the proper credentials.

Right next to the KL Int'l BC lounge is an area with lounging chairs, much more comfy than anything in the KL lounge, which have views of a big screen TV and the tarmac--I'd go buy a Heineken and some gouda and hang out there.

There is also excellent shopping at the Buy See Fly stores. I never make it out of AMS without picking up a little something. It's a great place to pick up gifts to bring home for loved ones--something from Europe you didn't have to cart all over Europe, just over to the gate.

That's yy $.02, anyway.

I agree about the duty free shopping at AMS. On the return flight from Stüttgart to Mexico (via AMS) I would spent the entire 3 hour layover shopping. Using a lounge was the farthest from my mind. Between the French champanges, Belgian Chocolates, Swiss Watches, etc., there was NO time to waste. There are stores with each type of product. However, give yourself at least 45 minutes to an hour to get to your gate. I literally almost missed my flight because unknown to me, I still had to go through a Passport Checkpoint and security. I didn't know I had left the "secure area". Also . . . not sure what the US Customs guidelines are for bringing cheese in the States, but my Camembert was confiscated at Mexico customs when I arrived. Kind of hard to hide the "smell" after a 10 hour flight. I got a funny look when I answered NO to the question if I was bringing back any food.

Happy Shopping!

I've never been into the RW lounge, but from what I've read on the KLM boards, they are identical except for the fact that the RW lounges have showers.

The WBC lounges in schiphol aren't bad. They have nice comfortable chairs and desks. Free coffee, pastry, juice & crackers. The only problem is that getting a telephone line that dials to the US is a problem...they have these pay phones that cost a fortune to dial the US.

Overall I think the KLM WBC lounge is similar to the CO prez club and the NW Worldclub.

Sequin, go ahead and post your request in the KLM forum....

I guess we will find a way to get you a lounge voucher or find somebody to take you with him as his guest !!

Regards

Patrick

My in-laws just came back MUC-AMS-IAH yesterday and were able to use the p-club pass I had given them (from elite packet) in AMS.

You can use the Ogden lounge if you carry a Diner's Club card. I actually perfer this lounge - its smaller but usually very quiet and empty. All the usual F&B.

The Ogden lounge is superior to the KL Business Class Lounges. It is comfortable, quiet, and has a very nice outside view. But you get into the KL lounge with a WBC ticket and as mentioned, the Ogden lounge requires a DC card.
If you ever tried to get admission to a KL Royal Wing Lounge, forget it. You will be told in no uncertain terms in unpleasant tones that you are not welcome.

[This message has been edited by monitor (edited 02-13-2003).]