Denied entry to CX SFO Lounge as OWE
Jan 24, 2019, 8:45 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2015
Posts: 9
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?
Anyone else experience this?
Jan 24, 2019, 9:29 pm
#2
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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
BA's current agreement, during remodeling, is not with Cathay.
Note: Our San Francisco Lounge is closed while we work to bring you an entirely new lounge experience. You're invited to use the China Airlines Dynasty Lounge in the interim.
Jan 25, 2019, 11:55 am
#3
Join Date: Jul 2018
Location: Walking from one side of the terminal to the other
Programs: OneWorld Emerald
Posts: 35
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.
Last edited by flying4workNfun; Jan 25, 2019 at 11:57 am Reason: grammar correction
Jan 25, 2019, 12:17 pm
#4
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Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: DCA
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Posts: 50,262
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.
It is your "home" carrier which needs to put up a fuss.
Jan 25, 2019, 12:24 pm
#5
Join Date: Jan 2006
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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?
Anyone else experience this?
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!
Jan 25, 2019, 12:37 pm
#6
In Memoriam, FlyerTalk Evangelist
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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.
Jan 25, 2019, 10:20 pm
#7
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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?
Anyone else experience this?
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?
Jan 26, 2019, 6:09 pm
#8
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2015
Posts: 9
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.
Jan 27, 2019, 6:26 pm
#10
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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?
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?
Jan 27, 2019, 6:51 pm
#11
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Jan 27, 2019, 11:08 pm
#12
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Jan 28, 2019, 12:23 pm
#13
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2015
Posts: 9
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.
Feb 7, 2019, 1:47 pm
#14
Join Date: Jan 2017
Location: Denver
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Posts: 2,070
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).
Mar 6, 2019, 7:09 pm
#15
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2015
Posts: 9
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.
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.