joshwex90

I would love to see a *A or TK lounge. I could certainly see the justification

economyman

The Dan+ lounge is a little better than the regular Dan lounges because it does not give access to credit card holders so it remains rather calm. When I'm there before a BA flight I usually have a few seats to myself but TBH I really don't get to the airport early enough to have more than 10 minutes spare before boarding once I'm through security so I don't care much for the lounges either way.

joshwex90

I've only been in the Dan+ in the morning, so don't know how it compares to other times, but agree that it was emptier. I found the offering to be the same and the location to be a bit worse.

But it does indeed give free access to credit card holders. Unless that was a secret I'm supposed to keep

joshwex90

I was browsing the Amex website and I happened upon this information (that was never sent through any other format) regarding the Anashim Umachshavim (People & PC) Amex Gold Business card:
Translation: "For your information, starting September 2015, the benefit of Dan Lounge access at TLV on your card will be changed. Starting at this point, you will be eligible for the benefit of one free entrance in a month (between billing dates) on your card if you fulfill the requirement of charging on your account NIS 2,000 at businesses or more from your last statement."

So it sounds like the free entrance is drastically being reduced. Up until now, all card-holders have had unlimited free entry, regardless of card usage. Now, it's limited to those spending NIS 2,000/month, and only once a month.

economyman

Was not aware of that. Originally at least the lounge was for exclusive use of BA. I know they then added access for UA but timing was different. I guess general access now applies for all airlines and credit cards.

benberg2013

It does not.

By check-in, you receive an invitation - when flying BA or UA, you receive an invite to the Dan+, and when flying any other airline you receive an invite to the regular Dan.
I think Josh is saying that certain Israeli credit cards in addition do gain access to the Dan+.
I don't expect that an Amex, (or any CC for that matter) issued in a foreign country gains access. I tried half a year ago with Amex Plat from UK and was denied access to Dan+

moe8555

Would you mind telling us which card(s) give access to the Dan+?

moe8555

Terrible news! I have a flight on September 20 and was planning on using that card for access. I can put 2000 on the card, but it would be at the expense of putting it on a more lucrative card...

So which free or almost free cards still give access?

joshwex90

I had access with my Amex Anashim Umachshavim and my friend with an Israeli Amex Plat

None that I'm aware of. The LeumiCard Executive card is free and offers 1 free access a month as well via a voucher you order in advance from the website

turbjuo

https://www.leumi-card.co.il/he-il/Cards/Pages/TelAvivUniversity.aspx

if youre a tel aviv uni graduate u can apply for this card which has no monthly fee and it appears there is still free access to the dan lounge with no restrictions.

photographer2012

I have the executive card, not from Tel-aviv, but it's suppose to be the same as far as i know. was told by Leumi Card that access would be now part of Pinukim for this card (minimum monthly spend)

joshwex90

As of August 1, access is through pinukim. Otherwise, 140 shek/visit.

clubman

Simply not worth it.

joshwex90

Agreed - even assuming I would pay for everything I take for free at the Dan, it would hardly reach NIS 40

benberg2013

I assume that 140 NIS per visit is aimed at travellers who wouldn't generally access lounges, rather as a one-off treat or something like that (hence no priority pass or elite status) and these people would be willing to pay 140 NIS.