Nice little OW Ruby benefit: AB mini-lounge in DUS
Nov 11, 2013 | 3:19 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: JFK,TXL,VIE
Programs: Avis Preferred Plus
Posts: 10
Nice little OW Ruby benefit: AB mini-lounge in DUS
When I was flying out of DUS with AB on BA Bronze last week, I had a chance to check out AB's "exclusive waiting area" that is open for OW Ruby and above cardholders.
After scanning my boarding pass at an automated entrance gate, I was greeted by a nice enclosed area with about 10 tables, comfy chairs, greenery, newspapers and all-you-can-drink free soda & water bottles from a "robot arm vending machine".
Of course the whole thing is very barebones compared to normal lounges, but for someone traveling on lowly Ruby, it was nice perk to have a quiet area away from the unwashed masses
Is this AB DUS only or have I just not looked hard enough at other airports?
Cheers!
After scanning my boarding pass at an automated entrance gate, I was greeted by a nice enclosed area with about 10 tables, comfy chairs, greenery, newspapers and all-you-can-drink free soda & water bottles from a "robot arm vending machine".
Of course the whole thing is very barebones compared to normal lounges, but for someone traveling on lowly Ruby, it was nice perk to have a quiet area away from the unwashed masses
Is this AB DUS only or have I just not looked hard enough at other airports?
Cheers!
Nov 12, 2013 | 2:52 am
#3
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2012
Programs: BA Gold, QF WP
Posts: 12,551
This is not a oneworld benefit, it is meant to only be for airberlin topbonus members (Silver, Gold, Platinum).
http://www.airberlin.com/site/landin...a.php?LANG=eng
http://www.airberlin.com/site/landin...a.php?LANG=eng
Nov 12, 2013 | 3:16 am
#4
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: JFK,TXL,VIE
Programs: Avis Preferred Plus
Posts: 10
Thanks for the link! I see that it even allows for a companion and children under the age of 12 to join as well.
In a world of shrinking frequent traveler benefits, that's quite generous of AB to offer mini-lounges for even not so frequent flyers.
In a world of shrinking frequent traveler benefits, that's quite generous of AB to offer mini-lounges for even not so frequent flyers.
Nov 19, 2013 | 4:41 am
#6
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: CDG/BVA
Programs: AFKL Plat STE+ (LT), OZ Diam+ *G (LT), QF Gold OWS (LTG 83%)
Posts: 324
In TXL new terminal, there is an upstairs exclusive waiting area with the same amenities mentioned by the OP.
Although not displayed, entry is granted through self BP scanning for OW elite (sapphire, can't remember for ruby).
Although not displayed, entry is granted through self BP scanning for OW elite (sapphire, can't remember for ruby).
Dec 14, 2013 | 4:13 pm
#7
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: London
Programs: BAEC
Posts: 2,719
I was surprised that my CX Gold (Sapphire) card got me into the "area" in CGN and MUC, as I expected it to be for AB status pax only. Indeed, it's not really much of a lounge, but better than nothing. It's good to get a bottle of something for the plane. I think there is a sign saying to only take one bottle though (at least in the CGN one).
Dec 15, 2013 | 7:02 am
#8
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Malta
Programs: LH HON, BA Gold, Bonvoy LT Titanium
Posts: 416
Dec 16, 2013 | 1:09 pm
#9
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: CGN
Programs: LH SEN, BA Gold, DL PM, IC RA
Posts: 239
You get mini-lounge access on AB as long as you boarding pass says "priority boarding"
Dec 18, 2013 | 3:34 pm
#10
Join Date: Jan 2008
Programs: MR Gold, Hilton Diamond, Mlia Platinum, Hertz PC, Avis PC
Posts: 1,197
Dec 21, 2013 | 12:09 am
#11
Join Date: Mar 2006
Programs: AA EXP, UA 1K, F9 Elite, Hyatt Diamond, Hilton Diamond, Marriott Gold
Posts: 1,323
AB is a hot mess when it comes to OneWorld benefits, I don't think even THEY know what benefits you'll receive. Just spin the AB lotto wheel and hope for the best...
Dec 29, 2013 | 12:57 pm
#12
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: JFK,TXL,VIE
Programs: Avis Preferred Plus
Posts: 10
Had another rotation between TXL-DUS this week.
BA Bronze was useless for AB's mini-lounge in TXL Terminal A. That automated access gate did not have a boarding pass scanner like in DUS and required swiping of a TopBonus or Etihad frequent flyer card. The hotline told me to try the BA lounge (which obviously Bronze would not help either).
On the way back from DUS, mini-lounge access with a boarding pass stating "Priority Fast Lane" worked again without a hitch.
BA Bronze was useless for AB's mini-lounge in TXL Terminal A. That automated access gate did not have a boarding pass scanner like in DUS and required swiping of a TopBonus or Etihad frequent flyer card. The hotline told me to try the BA lounge (which obviously Bronze would not help either).
On the way back from DUS, mini-lounge access with a boarding pass stating "Priority Fast Lane" worked again without a hitch.
Dec 29, 2013 | 2:05 pm
#13
Join Date: Jan 2008
Programs: MR Gold, Hilton Diamond, Mlia Platinum, Hertz PC, Avis PC
Posts: 1,197
Had another rotation between TXL-DUS this week.
BA Bronze was useless for AB's mini-lounge in TXL Terminal A. That automated access gate did not have a boarding pass scanner like in DUS and required swiping of a TopBonus or Etihad frequent flyer card. The hotline told me to try the BA lounge (which obviously Bronze would not help either).
On the way back from DUS, mini-lounge access with a boarding pass stating "Priority Fast Lane" worked again without a hitch.
BA Bronze was useless for AB's mini-lounge in TXL Terminal A. That automated access gate did not have a boarding pass scanner like in DUS and required swiping of a TopBonus or Etihad frequent flyer card. The hotline told me to try the BA lounge (which obviously Bronze would not help either).
On the way back from DUS, mini-lounge access with a boarding pass stating "Priority Fast Lane" worked again without a hitch.