pbd456

was flying SHA (Shanghai) to SZX (Shenzen) a few days ago as a ST Elite plus. was denied entry to the CZ operated lounge. The reason given: i was flying China domestic flight.

where is the rule for this?

mersk862

From skyteam.com:

SkyTeam Elite Plus* members, regardless of their travel class, also have access to most SkyTeam lounges as long as travel is in conjunction with a same-day international connection on a SkyTeam-operated flight. In addition, SkyTeam Elite Plus members are allowed to invite a guest to join them in the lounge.

This is one area where SkyTeam lacks compared to Star Alliance and oneworld in that an international itinerary is required. While AA/US/UA/CO all prohibit access to their lounges on domestic itineraries, they still get access on domestic flights on other airlines.

This is one area where I think SkyTeam rules need a bit of updating (and I do plan on bringing up some of the lack of benefits for SkyTeam Elite Plus vs. Star Alliance Gold at the Delta DO in October...).

MSP2SEA

Have had similar experiences in China. The lounges (in their eyes) are only intended for actual J or F passengers, no entry otherwise no matter what card is shown (Diamond/ST Elite +/SkyClub)/ Don't think this is actually correct, but it has been my experience with both CZ and MU domestic flights.

With that said, check the price for an upgrade... usually runs around $50 - $70 each way. CZ F is pretty awesome. Older seats and questionable meal... but great attention and service. Flew PVG-CTU (Chengdu) last week on CZ, and was the only one up there on an otherwise full flight. I seriously thought I was going to get a foot massage at one point. Turns out, actually just trying to put some slippers on my feet. But still, slippers? Anyway, really liked the service overall.

mcjava

I have tried to get into the newly remodeled CZ lounge in Shenzhen while on a domestic flight (economy) to PVG. I speak Chinese so had a good discussion with the lady, who had a nice chart and pointed out where their internal rules show I only get access when on an international flight leaving China, and no access when on a purely domestic flight. At the time I was PM but did not have CRC (oops, SC) membership anymore.

I forgot to ask whether I would get access if I was connecting inside China to a flight going overseas, though.

pbd456

Thanks for the reply.

I never knew that i had to fly international in order to get lounge access. i thought it was like *A. oh well. i had a choice to fly via PVG or SHA. and i would have had lounge access in PVG via credit card.

in the grand scheme of thing, it is not a big deal. but it does make a difference about what flight + airline i will book as i am both *A Gold n ST elite plus