TAP contract lounges: recent changes and Star Gold access
#61
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: PRG, DRS, LEJ
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#62
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: PEK
Programs: A3*G, UA Gold EY Silver
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#63
Moderator: Lufthansa Miles & More, India based airlines, India, External Miles & Points Resources
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: MUC
Programs: LH SEN**
Posts: 45,850


The lounge access rules have led to a bit of head scratching over the years:
Denied entry into LH DME lounge
No entry to DME lounge (Star gold flying SQ J SIN-DME-ARN)
#64
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 1999
Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Programs: OWEmerald; STARGold; BonvoyPlat; IHGPlat/Amb; HiltonGold; A|ClubPat; AirMilesPlat
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It appears TAP beat EK to the concept of stripped down Business Class, at least at outport terminals. It is offering very attractive one-way J fares from certain European cities to North America (<E800/£700/U$800) but without certain benefits like preflight lounges (except at its home airports)...albeit without stopover privileges at Lisbon and Oporto. Best have a Priority Pass membership when taking advantage of them though. (Being forewarned after booking my own DUB-LIS/LIS-YYZ for later this month, though have PP as well as my STARGold status.)
#65
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo
Programs: AA PLT, *A Gold, Club Accor Gold
Posts: 73
Dear CSTTI,
That is correct, TP pull out of a lot of lounge contracts (MAD and BOD, for sure). Thankfully my home airport as been FIH in the last 2 years and here I have a choice of 4 *A companies (ET, SA, SN and TK) and one small but decent *A lounge
That is correct, TP pull out of a lot of lounge contracts (MAD and BOD, for sure). Thankfully my home airport as been FIH in the last 2 years and here I have a choice of 4 *A companies (ET, SA, SN and TK) and one small but decent *A lounge
#66
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo
Programs: AA PLT, *A Gold, Club Accor Gold
Posts: 73
TAP cancels access to contract lounges for Star Gold
This new policy is just becoming more confusing, just flew last month on domestic free award ticket between OPO and LIS on TapPortugal Express (EMB 190 operated by Portugalia) and had access to lounge in OPO at departure and priority on boarding...
#68
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#69
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#70
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Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: London
Programs: Hilton, IHG - BA, LH, QR, SV, TK
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The airline appears to have culled, retired, re-positioned or otherwise lost its crews of matrons and uncles, a least on European routes. The new, younger lot are (mostly) bright and helpful, rather the unfriendly brigade quick to serve but even quicker to hide behind the curtain.
#71
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: GVA,OPO
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#73
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Location: London
Programs: Hilton, IHG - BA, LH, QR, SV, TK
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TP has (finally!) reinstated access to contract lounges for Star Gold, except for MAD and BCN (no idea why). Check here.
Dublin also appears a lost cause. Even for TAP's business-class passengers.
#74
Moderator, Iberia Airlines, Airport Lounges, and Ambassador, British Airways Executive Club
Join Date: Feb 2010
Programs: BA Lifetime Gold; Flying Blue Life Platinum; LH Sen.; Hilton Diamond; Kemal Kebabs Prized Customer
Posts: 59,376
TP has (finally!) reinstated access to contract lounges for Star Gold, except for MAD and BCN (no idea why). Check here.