Speaking of the outside views from QP MEL International, What has happened to them? I was there on the 31/12 and the windows were blocked and covered. I know they renovated recently, but is this permanent? Makes the place feel like you're underground. The escalators down to it certainly add to the illusion.

Drew

It pays to read the post @:-) properly....

I used my AA PLT/OW Sapphire status to lounge hop in NRT, into CX, BA, and AA lounges. Not a problem in any case, and all more than pleasant.

I believe there is some construction going on in relation to setting up a gate for the A380. This was one of the gates viewable from the QP's windows; in October that area of the QP had whitewashed construction hoardings up blocking off part of the area as well as the windows. I have not been there since then.

The construction was not finished when the A380 visited, maybe it's still happening.

Ahh this would make sense I'm crossing fingers that they'll be moving up to the new 'penthouse' suites with the F lounge when the new area comes online. Time will tell!

Thanks serfty!

Drew

No problems using OW lounges in BKK. The CX staff were very nice in the F lounge.

The CX staff in HKG was equally accomodating. No problems at all.

The F lounge in LGW was very accomodating when I met two friends prior to a flight to TFS - one QP member and the other SG.

Only hiccup I have had is in LAX. TBIT is a rabbit warren of lounges. I was told to visit the QP on level 4. I went to the 5th floor QP and was told the F club was only for F pax - status irrelevant. From there I was told that J pax have their own lounge around the corner from the F lounge. So around the corner I go. Enroute I pass the CX F lounge and then the CX J lounge. When I enter the QF J lounge, I ask the lady at the desk what the deal is and she was as confused as I am.

I asked her if I should go to the 4th floor and she said no, it was the QP and full and I was better off where I was. I then enquired if maybe the CX F lounge would be better (in terms of getting a seat in it) and she told me that they wouldn't take me in either J or F. Again status was irrelevant.

She then went on to explain that she could not wait until the airlines sorted the lounge "issue" out.

Anyone had a similar experience?

Almost the exact experience. Denied access to QF F lounge for same reasons despite quoting the QF rules and speaking to the duty manager. QF J lounge was full. I went to the CX lounge, and the nice lady said that although usually I wouldn't be allowed in, since they weren't busy i could come in. I called QF and complained - they did nothing. I emailed Jenny Chamerblain - heard nothing back. That was one of my drivers to leave QF (the rising award levels helped too )

It's funny - I had the opposite experience. We were flying LAX-AKL in J and I had read here about the TBIT F lounge being for F only, so I headed to the J lounge on the 4th floor. When I got there, I was told that being Platinum I should go up to the F lounge on the 5th floor, where we were gladly welcomed. I guess the solution is to try and avoid TBIT & leave on flights from T4 - have never, ever had a problem using the flagship lounge there!

You know that anecdote makes the whole thing even worse. If it was a consistent policy in TBIT (and published) (eg Concorde Room at T4 LHR) I guess we would just learn to live with it. But when one hears it's completely random, it makes me even more irate.

Many years ago (when a QC but much younger and less experienced than I am today) not flying QF but wanted to see the then refurbished QF international MEL lounge and was refused by relay (from the older lounge dragon who was a foot away from me with her head down and wouldn't meet my gaze to the younger sentinel).

Very unpleasant experience then. Thankfully all ok since with QF, BA, CX.

Alaska Airlines still an issue as they charge admission (US$25) when flying with them on discounted first class tickets but admit free for full fare paid first. In general American lounges well behind rest of world.

Hi All,

I've had varying success as a QF Gold accessing other OW lounges when not flying on them.

First time was last year at LHR. Flying EI across to SNN. Tried to access the BA Terraces lounge as I had heard good things about it, but was denied access by the lovely BA ladies at the front desk. Apparently only EI business class pax were allowed (even though their flights are all Y!) Anyway, I tried the "oneworld sapphire" line but no luck. Gave up arguing and ended up at the EI lounge which was fine, but was still disappointed.

Second time was at new year flying AA through DFW. I had tried out the new AC in Terminal D a week before (its really nice!) and wanted to try the new BA lounge there, hoping to find some food. The people on the desk were pretty clueless, and were confused for a bit because i wasnt flying BA, but finally let me in. Turns out I wouldnt have missed much - the lounge is small, and just some biscuits and crackers etc.

I think the best advice is to print out a copy of the QF T&Cs showing the line about access to oneworld lounges when flying on a oneworld airline. Might help "remind" the people on the desk!

Hope this helps. I recommend the AC in DFW term D if you're ever passing through there, even if flying out on BA! Worth the short Skylink train trip from the other terminals.

Cheers

James

On the contrary, I don't recommend anyone carry the t&c's with them, because although this may allow you access, do you really want to get a lounge dragon off side?

If someone doesn't want you in their lounge, then you play the "na na na na na" card, they're DEFINATELY going to make your stay as unpleasant as possible.

I didnt find AC in DFW terminal D that remarkable, although I suppose compared to other lounges within USA it is pretty good.

Similarly the EI lounge at LHR very so so apart from the guinness and murphys. BA lounge much nicer - but a long hike through the "sheep pen" to the EI gates.

I have few problems trying to access other OW lounges, provided I have been flying a OW carrier that day.

HKG (Wing) and MEL both fine (agree with other posters, CX couldn't have been nicer letting us in, almost felt guilty eating the Balik salmon!)

Never had a problem with access to BA lounges, but maybe this has been because I have either been flying BA, or have been on a OW flight code-sharing with BA (eg flying BA flight number on IB, used IB lounges).

Interesting issue in ORD however. Was flying with BA and so had access to both the F and J lounges, but being in Y, no access to the pre-flight dining. The food offerings in the F lounge were almnost non-existant (bag of crisps and dry sandwich), and only crisps in the J lounge.

Walked over to the EI lounge (flight had just departed and door was closed) - the entry staff were just shutting off the computers and saw me, came and asked me what I wanted - I explained the 'no food' situation and so the invited me in, took me to the kitchen where all the food had just been returned and told me to 'knock myself out'.

Left lounge with three or four delicious sandwiches and other nibbles. Even offered me a (real) plate to put it all on! ^

Nice EI.

Regards

L/M/E FF

When visiting the CX lounge at HKG and flying QF, I was reminded that the QF lounge is closer to the QF gate and that the CX lounge does not make boarding announcements for QF flights, but also that I was very welcome to use The Wing if I desired.

I found this information would be very helpful to anyone not familiar with the area or process, and in no way took it CX wanting me to use the QF lounge.

One thing to note, the ice creams at the QF F lounge at HKG are better than at The Wing! More choice of flavours and bigger tubs ^ . So use The Wing for a shower/bath and for the main course meal, then pop over to the QF lounge for ice cream . Then back to Thw Wing for scotch.