T3 lounges state
#31
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: HaMerkaz/Exit 145
Programs: UA, LY, BA, AA
Posts: 13,167
Is there anything that would help? If frequent flyers all complained to the airlines about the state of the lounges? Could we encourage that here?
I have stopped using them in TLV in general (I don't usually have access to LY). Recently flew with my grandson - he couldn't believe the difference between Dan lounge and LH Senator lounge in Munich.
I have stopped using them in TLV in general (I don't usually have access to LY). Recently flew with my grandson - he couldn't believe the difference between Dan lounge and LH Senator lounge in Munich.
The only body that could actually effect change would be the Transportation Ministry. But public pressure has failed to keep SDV open, failed to improve the link between Eilat and ETM, and failed in other aspects (improving public transportation for example). I can't imagine they'll put the state of lounges too high on the list, especially as TLV continues growing every year, showing the lounges not to be an impediment to growth.
#32
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: San Francisco/Tel Aviv/YYZ
Programs: CO 1K-MM
Posts: 10,757
Who would you complain to? The IAA and airport management has shown not to be open forums for complaints.
The only body that could actually effect change would be the Transportation Ministry. But public pressure has failed to keep SDV open, failed to improve the link between Eilat and ETM, and failed in other aspects (improving public transportation for example). I can't imagine they'll put the state of lounges too high on the list, especially as TLV continues growing every year, showing the lounges not to be an impediment to growth.
The only body that could actually effect change would be the Transportation Ministry. But public pressure has failed to keep SDV open, failed to improve the link between Eilat and ETM, and failed in other aspects (improving public transportation for example). I can't imagine they'll put the state of lounges too high on the list, especially as TLV continues growing every year, showing the lounges not to be an impediment to growth.
#33
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: HaMerkaz/Exit 145
Programs: UA, LY, BA, AA
Posts: 13,167
I don't think they care (like , at all) . End Users won't matter, but its possible the airlines could make a stink and work something out, United is probably the most able to, being US-based and having the most long hauls. TK probably wouldn't politically, and LH won't even fly widebodies anymore.
But UA would need to really complain, not just send a letter. And for that to happen, there would need to be serious pressure placed on UA. Problem is, who would place that pressure? Shareholders won't - as long as UA is profitable, why rock the boat? UA isn't going to do it out of generosity of the heart - they keep flying full Polaris with the crappy lounges, and know that nicer lounges will end up costing them more money but won't likely lead to any increase in their loads (which can't get much bigger barring up-gauging and/or new cities, higher frequency). But that isn't happening just because of a better lounge.
TLV is the only (real) option if you want Israel, and there's a captive audience of Israel-based flyers and pax who specifically need to go to Israel. It's not like the competition offers something better to make it worth UA's while to try and change. (LY offers better lounges, but is so much worse in other ways that the lounge isn't what's making or breaking it.)
#34
Join Date: Aug 2012
Programs: UA 1K/MM, EK Gold, CX Silver
Posts: 877
Of course IAA don't care, they operate airports for the benefit of the employees, and not the passengers. However if business in the lounges was to drop off that might help - I don't see a way out. My small protest is not to enter -this way the airline doesn't pay, and Dan doesn't get paid....
Maybe if LY goes out of business someone can take over their lounge?
Does LY operate their own lounge, or is it a contractor?
What about asking airlines for a food / drink voucher as an option in TLV instead of a lounge pass?
Maybe if LY goes out of business someone can take over their lounge?
Does LY operate their own lounge, or is it a contractor?
What about asking airlines for a food / drink voucher as an option in TLV instead of a lounge pass?
#35
Join Date: Feb 2005
Programs: EL AL Matmid, BA Executive Club GfL, GGL/CCR, Hilton Diamond, Avis President's Club
Posts: 2,074
#37
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: San Francisco/Tel Aviv/YYZ
Programs: CO 1K-MM
Posts: 10,757
In the hypothetical situation that UA made a stink about it, then perhaps something would change. (Not sure whether UA would need to complain to Dan or IAA.)
But UA would need to really complain, not just send a letter. And for that to happen, there would need to be serious pressure placed on UA. Problem is, who would place that pressure? Shareholders won't - as long as UA is profitable, why rock the boat? UA isn't going to do it out of generosity of the heart - they keep flying full Polaris with the crappy lounges, and know that nicer lounges will end up costing them more money but won't likely lead to any increase in their loads (which can't get much bigger barring up-gauging and/or new cities, higher frequency). But that isn't happening just because of a better lounge.
TLV is the only (real) option if you want Israel, and there's a captive audience of Israel-based flyers and pax who specifically need to go to Israel. It's not like the competition offers something better to make it worth UA's while to try and change. (LY offers better lounges, but is so much worse in other ways that the lounge isn't what's making or breaking it.)
But UA would need to really complain, not just send a letter. And for that to happen, there would need to be serious pressure placed on UA. Problem is, who would place that pressure? Shareholders won't - as long as UA is profitable, why rock the boat? UA isn't going to do it out of generosity of the heart - they keep flying full Polaris with the crappy lounges, and know that nicer lounges will end up costing them more money but won't likely lead to any increase in their loads (which can't get much bigger barring up-gauging and/or new cities, higher frequency). But that isn't happening just because of a better lounge.
TLV is the only (real) option if you want Israel, and there's a captive audience of Israel-based flyers and pax who specifically need to go to Israel. It's not like the competition offers something better to make it worth UA's while to try and change. (LY offers better lounges, but is so much worse in other ways that the lounge isn't what's making or breaking it.)
#38
Suspended
Join Date: Jun 2019
Posts: 345
Would be nice if BA just made arrangements for at least their first class passengers to use the new Fattal Terminal for departures. I was tempted to book as the DAN lounges are so poor but I just cant stand to toss $400 away for the Fattal Terminal and not even have access to a shower. The pricing is so out of touch with the "VIP" services offered across airports in the region but I expect that - its not just an airport, its Israel
After my last very poor El Al flight to Europe in business class I am tempted to just check in for the return to use the King David lounge and then cancel that ticket (its flexible) and board my BA flight instead.
After my last very poor El Al flight to Europe in business class I am tempted to just check in for the return to use the King David lounge and then cancel that ticket (its flexible) and board my BA flight instead.
#40
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: TLV
Programs: UA Platinum, Avis Chairman, Marriott Gold, Hilton Gold, GA Pilot
Posts: 3,225
#41
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Join Date: May 2005
Location: TLV/LHR
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Personally I much prefer the 240 shekels (myself plus guest) voucher BA were giving out for Schmoozy bar as an alternative to the C lounge.
#42
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: Jerusalem
Programs: BA Silver
Posts: 1,281
This morning the BA signage was at the entrance to the lounge so apparently this is now official. That said, I could not enter the lounge as an IB J pax. The lounge receptionist was only willing to say that they serve "other" airlines.
#43
Join Date: May 2000
Location: HFA
Posts: 1,710
I had a chance to visit the E lounge earlier this week, before BA164. I can't say it's nicer than the old lounges, but it's different, which is refreshing. There's a bar at one end with some drinks, a nice change to the closet hiding the hard stuff in B and C. Having said that, the lounge was packed. I don't think there was a single available seat about 90 minutes before the flight. Appalling.
Shuly
Shuly