*A lounge access questions
 

I've got two questions about an upcoming trip to Asia.

1) The same-day rule: I arrive at LAX on AC in the afternoon before connecting to OZ, which leaves at 1230am the following day. Doubt I'll have any problems using the lounge in the TBIT (even though the flight technically leaves the following day) but will I be able to make the case for entry to the NZ lounge in T2?

2) Int'l J ticket & access: I remember from many years ago that, with a few exceptions, if you're flying int'l J on a *A carrier then you can use any *A lounge enroute. Is this still the case? I've been reading how J pax flying, say, PVG-ICN on OZ are not allowed to use the SQ lounge at PVG. What's the rule these days?

Thanks, Rob

1. Chances aren't good. First you have to get past security, which is a challenge, and then IME the NZ agents are pretty strict.

2. Generally speaking, yes. Some lounges make their own rules due to capacity controls/whatever, but you typically can use any Star Alliance business lounge.

Thanks. I'll be arriving on AC at T2 anyway, so security isn't an issue. Guess I'll just try my luck.

1) You could try (since arrive airside) but probably will not be admitted. You should have better luck in the AC Maple Leaf Lounge next door (depending on what time it closes). There are lots of NZ flights that leave late evening (as well as VS and other contracted airlines) and the lounge is full. They'll be reluctant to admit anyone departing on a different airline due to space issues.

2) Yes, as long as it is not a contract lounge (check), you have access to that part of the terminal (check), the lounge is open (?) and subject to space (likely full if there is an SQ flight - PVG lounge is tiny).

The way I understand PVG, you need to ask your check-in agent for a lounge coupon to get you into one of the *G lounges. The lounge agents are clueless regarding *G rules. You have a better chance with the CI, if they don't give you the coupon automatically.

I've used the SQ lounge at PVG without an invite and not flying SQ. Then again I had high SQ status and was flying *A. I felt the agent would have turned me away had I been trying to access on other *G status - the SQ lounge was very full.

AFAIK the other lounges are contract and so OZ check in will not give invite to another contract lounge - only the one contracted for OZ.

Can't comment on PVG, but the SQ lounge at KUL is most definitely not a *A lounge - you can only get in if flying F on SQ or if you are PPS - *Gs get sent to the TG lounge.