Heathrow Lounge?
Mar 11, 2008 | 10:05 am
#16
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There is some confusing terminology in the press release (shocking, I know 
). While KLM currently uses the Holideck lounge, it is NOT a KLM lounge. As such, assuming that CO will allow access to ST E+ passengers on their flights is a huge leap of faith and one that I would not make based on CO's policy and previous performance in similar situations. I do expect that access to the Holideck will be made available to CO BF pax.
And I'm sure all the other ST carriers will allow ST E+ pax access to the Holideck, but only because they've made a habit of actually appreciating their customers.
On the plus side, nice to see that free WiFi will be the policy once the new ST lounge is opened ^
). While KLM currently uses the Holideck lounge, it is NOT a KLM lounge. As such, assuming that CO will allow access to ST E+ passengers on their flights is a huge leap of faith and one that I would not make based on CO's policy and previous performance in similar situations. I do expect that access to the Holideck will be made available to CO BF pax.And I'm sure all the other ST carriers will allow ST E+ pax access to the Holideck, but only because they've made a habit of actually appreciating their customers.
On the plus side, nice to see that free WiFi will be the policy once the new ST lounge is opened ^
Mar 27, 2008 | 2:15 pm
#17
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Just bumping this to see if we have any updates or any official word?
Mar 27, 2008 | 2:40 pm
#18
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Hi Everyone, we will indeed have lounges at London Heathrow on day one for both arrivals and departures. Here are the details.
- Arrivals. Arrivals showers will be available for our inbound BusinessFirst customers. At Heathrow, we will be using the Hilton Hotel, which is attached to Terminal 4. Be sure to ask your Concierge for a showers invitation upon departure.
- Departures. For departures, we will be using the Holideck Lounge until our first-of-its kind SkyTeam Lounge debuts this Fall. In both cases, the lounges will be available to our departing BusinessFirst customers, Presidents Club members and eligible SkyTeam Elite Plus members/guests traveling on international SkyTeam itineraries.
Last edited by UA Insider; Mar 27, 2008 at 2:51 pm Reason: typo
Mar 27, 2008 | 2:48 pm
#19
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Thanks, Scott!
Mar 27, 2008 | 2:51 pm
#20
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Sounds like this could be pretty nice! ^
From the press release...
From the press release...
hired Desgrippes Gob to develop the creative concept and design of its lounge at LHR. It will invoke the brand identity of the alliance through a look and feel that is welcoming, modern and warm and which expresses movement.
The spacious facility will be complete with the standard features SkyTeam passengers have come to expect, as well as new amenities that take advantage of the latest in design technology. For example, plans are under way for a wellness centre, including showers and therapeutic service offerings such as massages and manicures. Additional features include free wireless Internet access throughout the space.
In addition to the standard service desk area, the lounge space will feature different environments to accommodate a variety of customer needs and expectations. These include a quiet area for passengers needing privacy, a VIP area for First Class passengers and other VIP lounge guests and a children's area.
Customers using the lounge will enjoy a unique menu of food options - a collaboration of all ten member airlines reflecting national and regional cultural influences. The standard lounge menu, featuring fresh ingredients, will be complemented each month with feature local dishes from a SkyTeam member carrier's home market.
The spacious facility will be complete with the standard features SkyTeam passengers have come to expect, as well as new amenities that take advantage of the latest in design technology. For example, plans are under way for a wellness centre, including showers and therapeutic service offerings such as massages and manicures. Additional features include free wireless Internet access throughout the space.
In addition to the standard service desk area, the lounge space will feature different environments to accommodate a variety of customer needs and expectations. These include a quiet area for passengers needing privacy, a VIP area for First Class passengers and other VIP lounge guests and a children's area.
Customers using the lounge will enjoy a unique menu of food options - a collaboration of all ten member airlines reflecting national and regional cultural influences. The standard lounge menu, featuring fresh ingredients, will be complemented each month with feature local dishes from a SkyTeam member carrier's home market.
Mar 27, 2008 | 2:53 pm
#21
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This is great news. Scott - the PresClub matrix on co.com will need updated to add a blue dot to the KLM lounge (Holideck lounge) to show that PC members will have access (with either 0, 1 or 2 guests).
Mar 27, 2008 | 2:58 pm
#22
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Plus the LHR SkyTeam lounge will have food and massages - like other luxury lounges. Hopefully, we will see expansion of this SkyTeam lounge concept to other international cities (including EWR and IAH).
Mar 27, 2008 | 3:27 pm
#23
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Departures. For departures, we will be using the Holideck Lounge until our first-of-its kind SkyTeam Lounge debuts this Fall. In both cases, the lounges will be available to our departing BusinessFirst customers, Presidents Club members and eligible SkyTeam Elite Plus members/guests traveling on international SkyTeam itineraries.
Last edited by sbm12; Mar 27, 2008 at 4:27 pm Reason: limited surprise to only the Holideck
Mar 27, 2008 | 4:16 pm
#24
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Hi Everyone, we will indeed have lounges at London Heathrow on day one for both arrivals and departures. Here are the details.
- Arrivals. Arrivals showers will be available for our inbound BusinessFirst customers. At Heathrow, we will be using the Hilton Hotel, which is attached to Terminal 4. Be sure to ask your Concierge for a showers invitation upon departure.
- Departures. For departures, we will be using the Holideck Lounge until our first-of-its kind SkyTeam Lounge debuts this Fall. In both cases, the lounges will be available to our departing BusinessFirst customers, Presidents Club members and eligible SkyTeam Elite Plus members/guests traveling on international SkyTeam itineraries.
Excellent news!
Last edited by OPFlyer; Apr 2, 2008 at 5:58 am
Mar 27, 2008 | 5:56 pm
#25
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I will be taking the 1st CO EWR-LHR flight this Saturday night. Promise a full trip report upon arrival.
Apr 1, 2008 | 8:42 pm
#26
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^ CO updated the PC lounge listing on co.com to show that the LHR Holideck Lounge is accessible to BF, PC members +1, SkyTeam Elite Plus +1.
Way to go Scott for getting this accurately updated!
The lounge is now just "Holideck Lounge", with reference to KLM removed. Also the other lounges previously listed for LHR, like KE, are no longer listed as they really were not accessible. Although if you were flying one of those other airlines in coach and were ST Elite + those lounges would be accessible (just not flying CO because of different terminal).
A super response - and I like the +1 next to the yellow dot (Skyteam Elite Plus = CO Plat). ^^^
Way to go Scott for getting this accurately updated!
The lounge is now just "Holideck Lounge", with reference to KLM removed. Also the other lounges previously listed for LHR, like KE, are no longer listed as they really were not accessible. Although if you were flying one of those other airlines in coach and were ST Elite + those lounges would be accessible (just not flying CO because of different terminal).
A super response - and I like the +1 next to the yellow dot (Skyteam Elite Plus = CO Plat). ^^^
Apr 2, 2008 | 7:11 am
#27
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As a SkyTeam Elite Plus passenger, you can even invite a guest to join you in the lounge.
Apr 2, 2008 | 7:33 am
#28
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I find it interesting that they only updated the ST E+ for LHR. Aren't ST E+ allowed a guest at all lounges?? That's what the SkyTeam site says:
I would assume that there are several other contract lounge locations where CO either offers nothing or doesn't contract for guests.
Apr 2, 2008 | 7:39 am
#29
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I find it interesting that they only updated the ST E+ for LHR. Aren't ST E+ allowed a guest at all lounges?? That's what the SkyTeam site says:
Since the LHR lounge is an independent lounge - CO has chosen to allow a SkyTeam Elite Plus in with one guest. That is great for Elite+. By Skyteam rules CO would not need to allow Elite+ in, since it is Holideck Lounge. But maybe because it is sort of identified as the KLM lounge.
I suspect that Scott got CO to make the Holideck Lounge access compatible with the access capability of the future Skyteam Lounge at LHR, since the Holideck Lounge is temporary. This also affords the same benefit at both LHR and LGW.
Last edited by cova; Apr 2, 2008 at 8:09 am
Apr 2, 2008 | 8:14 am
#30
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I think you are only guaranteed the guest if there is a ST owned & operated lounge. CO serves some destinations (CPH and ARN, come to mind), where they do not offer any ST Elite Plus access whatsoever. This is the case even though the other ST airlines provide for ST Elite Plus access at the same airports.
I would assume that there are several other contract lounge locations where CO either offers nothing or doesn't contract for guests.
I would assume that there are several other contract lounge locations where CO either offers nothing or doesn't contract for guests.
For CPH and ARN CO doesn't have the yellow dot so it isn't all that relevant.
Originally Posted by cova
SkyTeam airline lounges do allow one guest for SkyTeam Elite Plus members. CO has not listed the +1 on the matrix next to the yellow dot for Skyteam lounges in general - I guess either an oversight or CO assumed you know that +1 guest is allowed by SkyTeam rules (not CO rules).