Lounge access in MLE when first leg is on economy ticket
Feb 23, 2021, 12:50 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Huntington Beach, CA
Posts: 237
Lounge access in MLE when first leg is on economy ticket
My first leg for MLE -CME-DOH-LAX is on economy but the rest is on business class. Can I access Sri Lanka business class lounge in MLE? First leg is on Sri Lanka airline, the rest is on Qatar. Thank you.
Feb 23, 2021, 1:27 am
#2
Join Date: Sep 2011
Programs: Thai, Cathay, Lufthansa, Delta, SPG, Hilton, IH, LHW
Posts: 292
If you have no level with airline, answer is probably no. Don't worry, you are not missing anything. Was there 10 days ago...beside better sitting, there is nothing much to the offer in term of F&B. You can also pay to enter....not sure how much it was, but if I remember well, around 25usd per pax.
Feb 23, 2021, 1:36 am
#4
Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: Melbourne, Australia
Programs: AY Platinum, UA Premier Platinum, OneWorld Emerald, VA Platinum
Posts: 558
If it's all one ticket, and depending on a layover or transit (unclear from your post), then then you should have lounge access for the international short haul sector MLE-CMB (< 5hrs) due to the international long haul(s) CMB - DOH or DOH - LAX (> 5hrs) sector class of travel. See the second bullet point under "Connecting between oneworld marketed or operated flights".
Feb 23, 2021, 1:50 am
#5
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MLE-CMB is the sorthaul of a longhaul in business, so you would have access if on a single ticket as both airlines are OW.
But your itinerary suggests that you are travelling on two different tickets: QR has flights MLE-DOH and you are in Y on UL. Then it is doubtful that UL will give you lounge access.
Also, be careful about checking bags if on two tickets. qR will typically do it (qR to UL), but I have no idea whether UL does it. OW policy is no check through, but many airlines do it.
But your itinerary suggests that you are travelling on two different tickets: QR has flights MLE-DOH and you are in Y on UL. Then it is doubtful that UL will give you lounge access.
Also, be careful about checking bags if on two tickets. qR will typically do it (qR to UL), but I have no idea whether UL does it. OW policy is no check through, but many airlines do it.
Feb 23, 2021, 2:59 am
#6
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Huntington Beach, CA
Posts: 237
MLE-CMB is the sorthaul of a longhaul in business, so you would have access if on a single ticket as both airlines are OW.
But your itinerary suggests that you are travelling on two different tickets: QR has flights MLE-DOH and you are in Y on UL. Then it is doubtful that UL will give you lounge access.
Also, be careful about checking bags if on two tickets. qR will typically do it (qR to UL), but I have no idea whether UL does it. OW policy is no check through, but many airlines do it.
But your itinerary suggests that you are travelling on two different tickets: QR has flights MLE-DOH and you are in Y on UL. Then it is doubtful that UL will give you lounge access.
Also, be careful about checking bags if on two tickets. qR will typically do it (qR to UL), but I have no idea whether UL does it. OW policy is no check through, but many airlines do it.
So, I think it is the same ticket, right?
I have 5 hours at MLE before my flight. Should I just go to Priority lounge instead? According to Priority lounge website it is locate before you check in for international flight. The check in counter not going to open for me to check in anyway.
Feb 23, 2021, 5:29 am
#7
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Sri Lankan Airlines does not have its own lounge in MLE. If you have PriorityPass enjoy the lounge with PriorityPass disregarding other factors.
Edit: False information corrected, see the two posts below.
Last edited by ISTFlyer; Feb 23, 2021 at 7:07 am Reason: Stated
Feb 23, 2021, 6:58 am
#8
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OW pax could use the airside Leeli lounge.
I do not know what is the current situation.
Feb 23, 2021, 7:06 am
#9
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My bad.
So unless the OP holds OWS status or higher ( AAdvantage Platinum and higher ) he wouldn't be able to access the Leeli Lounge unless he pays the walk-in fee.
Although, as you mentioned he could use the Moonimaa Lounge with his PriorityPass.
Feb 23, 2021, 9:50 am
#10
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: Chicago
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sorry to hijack this thread, but i have a similar question. im due to fly MIA-DOH-MLE (AA redemption) next week with DOH-MLE in Y since J was booked up. Im pretty sure, based on the screenshot above, that ill have access to Al Mourjan during my layover in DOH... but wanted to ask and confirm in case i only had access to the business class lounge which is pretty trash. I no longer hold any OW status 
i am also entitled to bring a guest, correct?
i am also entitled to bring a guest, correct?
Feb 23, 2021, 10:08 am
#11
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sorry to hijack this thread, but i have a similar question. im due to fly MIA-DOH-MLE (AA redemption) next week with DOH-MLE in Y since J was booked up. Im pretty sure, based on the screenshot above, that ill have access to Al Mourjan during my layover in DOH... but wanted to ask and confirm in case i only had access to the business class lounge which is pretty trash. I no longer hold any OW status
i am also entitled to bring a guest, correct?
i am also entitled to bring a guest, correct?
However, you are not able to bring a guest. Guests are only allowed for status passengers.
Also, a reminder that your MLE flight should depart the same day you arrive at DOH or the next day until 06:00; if not, you wouldn't be eligible for any lounge access.
Feb 23, 2021, 2:49 pm
#12
Join Date: Jul 2015
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Yes, you would be able to access Al Mourjan as your long-haul leg ( longer than 5 hours ) is on Business Class and you are connecting to a short-haul flight ( shorter than 5 hours ).
However, you are not able to bring a guest. Guests are only allowed for status passengers.
Also, a reminder that your MLE flight should depart the same day you arrive at DOH or the next day until 06:00; if not, you wouldn't be eligible for any lounge access.
However, you are not able to bring a guest. Guests are only allowed for status passengers.
Also, a reminder that your MLE flight should depart the same day you arrive at DOH or the next day until 06:00; if not, you wouldn't be eligible for any lounge access.
Feb 23, 2021, 2:54 pm
#13
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Nor oneworld, nor Qatar Airways, have given guest lounge allowance to non-status Business Class passengers in the past. At least that's what I recall.
Feb 23, 2021, 3:06 pm
#14
Join Date: Nov 2018
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However, oneworld first class passengers are allowed 1 guest with them, which may be where the confusion started.
Feb 23, 2021, 9:27 pm
#15
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Been to Maldives 11 times over the past 10 years. Its been the same tired contract lounge for 10 years. The only differences are the addition of the rear seating area and additional ceiling AC units (back in 2010 2011 it was hotter than a sauna in there). They also upgraded the bathrooms. Buffet with Covid is served by staff but skip it. You arent missing anything.