Denied entry to CX SFO Lounge as OWE
 

I'm flying British Airways as a Oneworld Emerald, and was just told that I could not go into the Cathay Lounge. Only BA Gold members are allowed. This seems completely arbitrary and ridiculous. BA is renovating their SFO lounge, but it doesn't seem like CX should be allowed to change their OWE policy as a result. Very disappointing.

Anyone else experience this?

When I flew Qantas in November as a One World Sapphire, they sent me to the Cathay lounge. Back in May they sent me to Air France. Several travel blogs covered the Cathay agreement with Qantas just this last week as if it was something new, but it had been in place for a few months. Any lounge reserves the right to restrict capacity. Maybe you're running up against that with anticipated evening departures, which could include Qantas flights to both SYD and MEL as well as a Cathay flight to HKG. Whose One World card are you trying to enter under?

BA's current agreement, during remodeling, is not with Cathay.

https://www.britishairways.com/en-us...siness-lounges

In 2018 I attempted entry to the CX lounge at SFO multiple times, and it was hit and miss: sometimes they smiled and let me in, and other times they said they could not due to capacity. I know other FT'ers have pressed the issue and showed them the OneWorld policy and everything, but I have enough other things on my mind that when not granted entry I am content to not make a fuss and simply go elsewhere.

Complain to your "home" air carrier. CX could care less and does not need to be shown anything. It is well aware of the rules.

It is your "home" carrier which needs to put up a fuss.

oneworld Emerald = BA Gold

New BA arrangement in SFO and CX capacity could certainly be a factor. But you should have mention you are as good as BA Gold!

Is he BA Gold, though? He could be One World Emerald with AA or someone else. Not very clear to me which is why I asked a few posts back.

Welcome to FlyerTalk :)

For us to assist better, some more information would be useful.

Where were you told you could not go to the Cathay lounge? Check-in? At the lounge itself?

What airline are you one world Emerald with?

Thanks for the message.

This was the agent working behind the desk when i was at the Cathay lounge itself. No indication or communication had been sent before. I earned my OWE through American. Usually credit to BA so I didn't have BAEC status.

Also, to be clear this was definitely not about capacity, but related to the ongoing renovation in SFO.

As an AA EXP travelling internationally on oneworld you should have been allowed Emerald access.

https://www.oneworld.com/ffp/lounge-...access/SFO/906

Of course, CX are very protective of their lounge - they mey see AAdvantage and just say an automatic NO!

Did you try the China Airlines Dynasty Lounge ?

https://www.oneworld.com/ffp/lounge-...access/SFO/832

If, so, what was it like?

I thought BA is, but not CX?

It has been an ongoing issue with Qantas elites not/getting access there since Qantas resumed their SFO flights.

I went to the China Airlines lounge and it was pretty terrible. All the BA flyers were cramped into a small room, and the food/drink selection in the lounge was far more limited. Generally an awful experience.

Anyone know what would happen if I have a JL J ticket as a OW Sapphire? Would I be able to get access? I know there is a CX flight at noon, but even then it is hardly crowded, and per OW I should be able to access any lounge (for the most part).

Update:

Just wanted to say I contacted Cathay and they agreed that they should not have happened. They sent me a small cash voucher as an apology, and confirmed that OW E/S can use the lounge regardless of whatever BA renovations are happening.