TFCanswers: What are the rules for entering lounges.
In the past few days we answered a question, actually it was a series of questions, from [...]
In recent days we answered a question, actually it was a series of questions, from a young traveler looking for information sul world of airport lounges.
In this article:
The initial question was, "How do you get into the lounges?" then followed by others related to the first. Let us therefore try to summarize all the main information on this topic.
First a little background: we have repeatedly talked about the difference between official lounges, those belonging to an airline or aviation alliance, and independent lounges operated by private companies.
Who can access the lounges
There is no one-size-fits-all rule and factors that affect are for example: travel class, status in a loyalty program, possession of a card or credit card up to the purchase of daily admission.
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Official lounges. Access to these types of lounges is generally allowed for those traveling in business class or higher; some airlines also sell day passes at reduced prices for passengers traveling in premium or economy. The main requirement is that you fly with that specific airline/alliance.
According to the company's alliance you can gain access if you fly with a partner airline, on the same day and from the same airport, and if you have a status that allows lounge access.
The three alliances are Skyteam, minimum level for lounge access Gold. Star Alliance, again minimum Gold is required. And finally OneWorld, Saffhire level or higher is required for lounge access.
Independent lounges. These lounges are accessible to all passengers, regardless of which airline you fly with, so even low-cost and airlines that do not have loyalty programs.
It is always accessed by paying or, something we have explained many times here at TFC, by taking advantage of cards such as Priority Pass or credit card-related benefits. In many cases then lounge access is also allowed to premium passengers from airlines that have direct contracts with lounge operators, in which case the access rules are the same as those for official lounges.
Each lounge may or may not be associated with one or more circuits such as precisely Priority Pass, Lounge Buddy, Dragon Pass.
Then there are those linked to credit cards such as. American Express' Centurion Lounges or Mastercard's Black Lounges.
Can I bring guests, do children count/pay?
Again, the answer varies from case to case. In official lounges if you are traveling in business, you are not entitled to bring guests who are not flying in the same class. The case is different if you have status. Depending on the rules of the individual loyalty program you may be able to invite friends and fellow travelers to lounges.
Although over time the rules have become more restrictive and many companies now impose The rule that the guest must travel on the same flight Of the status holder.
As for independent lounges, the converse is similar: when they operate in place of an official lounge, the rules are those of the loyalty program.
If a card is used instead, it depends on the level of subscription. For example, with American Express Gold you have two free accesses unaccompanied. While with the Platinum card you have unlimited access and with the possibility of bringing a guest into the lounge.
Children over 2/6 years old are generally considered adults And so they are part of the guest fee. Then it always depends on the lounge manager and the attendant.
How much earlier can you enter the lounge?
This is an issue that often sparks controversy. Each lounge has its own rules, but in general many impose three hours before flight departure as a "barrier".
Of course, as long as you are not in transit, in which case it will be sufficient to show boarding passes from the previous flight to gain access, even if the next flight leaves 10 hours later.
A lot also depends on where you are. In the U.S., the 3-hour rule is very strict, not out of fussiness but because the lounges are often overcrowded, so that a constant turnover is maintained and other passengers are able to access the lounge.
In Italy let's say they are much less taxing, but personally I have been bounced at the door in various parts of the world for being too early compared to my flight time.
Can I visit multiple lounges on the same day/airport?
Generally, yes, as long as you possess the right to access your chosen lounge. If a company has multiple lounges at the same airport, you can visit all of them without any problem.
There remains, of course, the requirement to have right of access.
Flight X, can I enter the lounge of Y which is from the same alliance?
In response, I give an example of how I used to behave with Alitalia. When I flew from JFK with the old Italian airline, I never used the terminal 1 lounge, for the simple reason that it was ugly. I preferred to enter the Air France lounge, located exactly opposite.
Every time the receptionist told me, "Alitalia's lounge is across the hall," my response was always the same: "Yes, but yours is 100 times better."
The point is that if you have a status or ticket that gives a benefit within a single alliance you will be able to access all the lounges of that alliance that are active in the same airport.
Another example: if you fly from Heathrow with British Airways from T3, it will be possible to visit not only the BA lounge but also those of American Airlines, Qantas and Cathay Pacific. Without spending anything or running the risk of being bounced.
It pays to pay to enter the lounge
In my experience I would say no in 85% of cases. Let's say it may be worth the expense if the lounge is beautiful and rich in content, like the Primeclass in Muscat, or if you have a long wait at the airport. The fact is that eating/drinking is known to be expensive in these places, so the 30/40€ average cost of an entrance fee can be a good investment if you have to spend more than 5 hours waiting for your flight.
In addition to eating and drinking, we will have access to all amenities such as rooms to take a nap or get a massage. Recharge your devices and relax in a comfortable environment without having to go crazy at a coffee shop table.
I hope that even this installment of #TFCanswers has been helpful, and I remind all readers that they can send questions and requests via email or on our social channels.
