Nowadays it feels like there are few secrets left when it comes to airline travel. Sometimes it feels like everyone and their second cousin is sharing their “travel hacks” online, and will tell you how they flew on an $8,000 flight for FREE, and how they save so much money by having premium credit cards and eating in lounges before their flights (or maybe my algorithm is just doing its thing)!
With that in mind, here’s something that I’m surprised more people aren’t aware of, in an era where there seem to be fewer and fewer “tricks.”
In this post:
A tale of three Star Alliance lounges at Bangkok Airport
For the return portion of my review trip to Bangkok, I flew Thai Airways’ 787 business class from Bangkok (BKK) to Milan (MXP). I had some time at the airport, and my first stop was the Thai Airways Lounge. Logical enough, right, since it’s the airline I was flying, and it’s the carrier’s hub?
As you’d expect, the lounge was absolutely slammed, given the size of Thai Airways’ presence there, plus how it’s a banked hub. I didn’t take any pictures, as I’ve recently reviewed the lounge, and wasn’t planning on doing so again (for that matter, it was too uncomfortably crowded for me to review it again, and to take pictures while trying to respect the privacy of others).
Honestly, nowadays I expect lounges to be full. People generally come to lounges with one of two primary motivations — to eat and drink, and/or to have a quiet place from which to relax, work, etc. I’m generally more in the latter category than the former category, since I eat plenty on planes.
Since I had some time to spare, I decided to see if there were any better options. Thanks to reciprocal Star Alliance lounge access policies (as a Star Alliance business class passenger), I visited the Turkish Airlines Lounge, only a short walk away. This lounge no longer belongs to Priority Pass, due to the airport’s shady rule changes.
While the Thai Airways Lounge was packed, there was no one in the Turkish Airlines Lounge. Like, zero guests. Umm, talk about quite a contrast. Maybe the Turkish Airlines Lounge food spread isn’t quite as good as in the Thai Airways Lounge, but I’d take this setup any day of the week.
For giggles, I also decided to check out the EVA Air Lounge, which admittedly is a bit of a trek from the central part of the terminal. When I arrived there, I found a total of two guests in the lounge. Again, what a contrast!
I guess it’s good that more people don’t know this?
I suppose it’s not too surprising that the average premium traveler isn’t aware of reciprocal lounge access policies. I think most people just go to the lounge of the airline they’re flying with, because that seems like the logical thing to do.
Furthermore, I tend to think we see a lot more savviness with credit card lounges (since those people are putting effort into maximizing their lounge experience by virtue of getting a card), plus when you’re closer to the United States (kind of the epicenter of miles & points, due to higher interchange fees, which fuels the whole ecosystem).
I’m always amazed when I’m flying out of London Heathrow Terminal 3 on American, how there are actually people using the American Admirals Club, when they could instead be in the far (far, far, far) superior Cathay Pacific Lounge or Qantas Lounge. With reciprocal oneworld lounge access rules, oneworld business class passengers and oneworld Sapphire members could use either of those lounges.
On the one hand, I’m tempted to go into the Admirals Club with a megaphone and do a PSA. On the other hand, I guess I’m grateful people don’t know, or else the Cathay Pacific Lounge would be slammed, while the Admirals Club would be empty.
Bottom line
In an era where it feels like there are very few premium travel “tricks” remaining, it’s interesting to me how reciprocal lounge access policies only seem to be known by a small percentage of people (in the scheme of things). With the major alliances, you typically have quite a few options as to which lounge you can visit, assuming you’re in a premium cabin or have elite status, and are flying from a major airport.
That was very clear to me during a recent visit to Bangkok, where the Thai Airways Lounge was beyond packed, while the nearby Turkish Airlines Lounge had zero people in it, and the EVA Air Lounge was also really quiet. Personally, a quiet environment is the single most important thing for me in an airport lounge, so I’m grateful for the opportunity to “shop around” as to where I want to hang out.
Anyone else surprised by the general lack of knowledge of reciprocal lounge opportunities?
Just had a Thai biz flight out and hit the EVA lounge. What a great spot! Awesome shower and no crowds! Turkish was pretty underwhelming although I was there too late for the free massage.
The Miracle lounges aren't that bad either, for what it's worth. I'd rather be in one of the Priority Pass lounges than any of the Thai ones.
So many losers here. If Americans got shut out of this, we'd get air travel back.
All of you don't belong in premium cabins. God, I hate Americans. Especially East Coast and West Coast "holier than thou" Americans.
You're even worse than the rednecks who at least know who they are. The rest of you ... I hope you get assaulted here.
So, you idiot, now you've told everyone! About the secret! It's bloggers that have messed up everything for real travelers.
As long as he gets the coin, it doesn't matter. Francesco isn't free.
i love this 'secret'. When I fly out of London Heathrow on United, I nearly always go to the Singapore Airlines lounge there. Much better food, usually empty at the time of the day I fly, and much calmer. I'll sometimes peek into the UA Club and always am glad I went to the Singapore lounge first.
Always try to go to the Canadian lounge in FRA....
Wasn't going to comment but here I am at Chek Lap Kok at 0130 Sydney time and 2230 HKT, in transit on my trip from SYD to LAX. Plenty of lounges, even just CX ones. I've read the comparisons without remembering what the differences are, but at check-in at Sydney, the CX agent handed me invitations (printed on boarding pass card stock) to QF First in Sydney, and to three CX lounges in Hong Kong,...
Wasn't going to comment but here I am at Chek Lap Kok at 0130 Sydney time and 2230 HKT, in transit on my trip from SYD to LAX. Plenty of lounges, even just CX ones. I've read the comparisons without remembering what the differences are, but at check-in at Sydney, the CX agent handed me invitations (printed on boarding pass card stock) to QF First in Sydney, and to three CX lounges in Hong Kong, with the nearest gate listed next to each. My flight leaves from Gate 7, I'm in the Deck, next to Gate 6. Do I care that I'm not checking them all out, or researching which was a bit better? Nope, and I won't regret it. Sometimes the easy option is the right one, but then I'm not blogging about them. And right now, more food is the last thing I need!
> here I am at Chek Lap Kok at 0130 Sydney time and 2230 HKT
Literally not one single soul cares where you are.
Well, bless your heart. Quite the opening salvo.
What you say about me may well be true, but I am confident that even fewer people give the slightest thought to what you have to say.
Similarly at MEL and BNE, ANZ lounge generally is less crowded than the SQ lounge
Mixed experiences here on Star lounges, not sure whether reciprocity is applied the same all across the industry.
Have been granted access to SQ lounge at LHR when flying UA J being Star gold but has been denied also flying UA J after losing Star gold
Has been always allowed into AC lounge at FRA when flying LH J not being Star Gold
I had an interesting experience at BKK 2yrs ago. I was on a full fare business class ticket on Vietnam Airlines and was directed to one of the Miracle Lounges however wanted to try the Air France lounge.
I was initially denied access and had a debate with the lounge dude to the point he threatened to call the airport police. Even after showing him the policy on the SkyTeam website.
So I insisted...
I had an interesting experience at BKK 2yrs ago. I was on a full fare business class ticket on Vietnam Airlines and was directed to one of the Miracle Lounges however wanted to try the Air France lounge.
I was initially denied access and had a debate with the lounge dude to the point he threatened to call the airport police. Even after showing him the policy on the SkyTeam website.
So I insisted he call them, knowing he'd also need to advise the lounge and station manager. All of a sudden, entrance granted.
Point of the story is know and understand your privileges with each alliance partner.
People are lazy sheep. Same reason why popular destinations are packed wall to wall while a few blocks away with the same scenery or better can be empty.
Great hidden secret! I'm owe and was able to use the first class lounges in HND and NRT last week! Oddly enough, I did not research the lounges at all for HND and just followed my friend into the nearest PP. There was no booze so I quickly googled if I could guest him in to the JAL and voila! 10 min later we were drinking self pour whiskey!
No I'm not at all surprised, also please delete this post and lets all agree not to speak of this again - Thanks :)
At Heathrow T2 there are three lounges in the long haul section, United, Singapore, and Air Canada. All three are available to any biz class or star gold passenger. The SQ and AC lounges are both quite good, the UA one is just sad, but given how full it is I guess the UA passengers don't realize their options down the hall.
Th UA lounge is decent, actually, I would rank it ahead of Air Canada’s (which is also a pretty good lounge too).
The worst Star Alliance lounge at LHR is probably Lufthansa’s.
I don't know if it's ignorance, but it seems you and Ben both don't realize that the reason the UA and Admiral's Clubs are both fuller is due to the fact that they also allow access from the club memberships.
So if you have a United or Admiral's Club membership, you can access those, but not necessarily the other partner lounges, therefore those lounges will always be more full, due to having a larger pool of eligible pax.
Don't UA and AC have some kind of reciprocal arrangement in place?
I consider myself pretty savvy on frequent flyer tricks but this was a new one to me. Please clarify this doesn't require status with the airline just a business class or first class ticket correct?
are you literally kidding me. Let me guess: American, earned money on something that's now obsolete, thinks it's fancy, fat wife and travels once a year to some tourist hellhole.
You know you could just stay home, missy?
@EuropeanTraveler - dial it back a bit and be a bit more friendly, mate.
Stop blogging about these “secrets” and let us hang onto some nice things before they get ruined.
SYD is another weird one, home hub of Qantas - and highlights the 'frenemy' situation of some OneWorld members.
Yet Qatar directs their pax to the (ironically Star Alliance) Air NZ lounge.
BA sends theirs to The House contract lounge.
Admittedly, both of these options are probably better than the dire QF Business Class lounge but if you have access to the QF First lounge and toddle off to The House or ANZ lounge a bit of a loss.
Or they are just outright lazy. Having to walk 500 meters? In the opposite direction of my gate? No, thanks!
Not a secret to those with intellect and critical thinking capacity.
Fake name again?
Alter ego run out of persona?
I don't get it. You're trying to pretend to be some name that's obviously not real.
How lack of intelligence this fake needs to be.
Opting for the often empty Cathay lounge at HND when flying on a JAL biz tkt is better in every possible way (especially runway view) than the crowded JAL lounge downstairs.
The real T3 trick is the BA F lounge. Yes CX has better views, vibe and food but unlike BKK most BA gold members know this. I can normally count on one hand the number of people in the BA F lounge in T3 since… who would want to go there. Result is quiet lounge by far most of the time and Concorde dining has been completely empty every time I’m in there.
Regarding Heathrow T3: I have been to the Cathay Pacific lounge (first and business) as well as the Qantas lounge several times and have enjoyed them very much . Never stopped by the AA, BA or Centurion lounges even though I have had access. Have several trips to T3 coming up in the next few months on AA and BA. Worth it to see those lounges once or truly don’t bother? Lifetime AA Plat and occasionally OWE.
The Turkish Airlines lounge in BKK absolutely sucks, it's terrible. Not sure why, since their lounges seem to be better elsewhere. You must have been at BKK during a very busy time, I am there 4 times a year and the lounge isn't always so crowned. You should have tried Singapore lounge
I wonder if you realize the Admirals Club in LHR also works with AA Admiral's Clubs memberships, so there would obviously be more people in there than the other OW lounges that they wouldn't have access too
Unless you want to belly up to the trough for "free" food that often has had dozens of grubby hands picking out the good bits, it might be better to wait and eat on the plane. I have found the quietest parts of an airport are often gates that are not being used around the time of your flight and are adjacent to your departure gate. Even at LHR. Us mere mortals without Ben's knowledge...
Unless you want to belly up to the trough for "free" food that often has had dozens of grubby hands picking out the good bits, it might be better to wait and eat on the plane. I have found the quietest parts of an airport are often gates that are not being used around the time of your flight and are adjacent to your departure gate. Even at LHR. Us mere mortals without Ben's knowledge of the ins and outs of gate protocol can get stuck in an over crowded "Lounge". Perks like showers, of course, can change the equation, but if the layover is not too long sometimes it is just best to chill in a quiet part of the terminal. All credit cards offer that as a benefit.
judging by how many people are turned away from the CX lounge at LHR T3 because they are not flying CX, I think many people know that you can pick other lounges from the same alliance. I think i've been turned away three times this year (flying AY with a BA emerald card)
May pax are flying in airline’s premium cabin - without status - which means they can only go to the contracted lounge. Even with status, check in will always direct pax to their contracted lounge (since it’s typically lower cost for them) so many don’t know better
This is not correct, alliance lounge access also applies based on class of travel, not just FFP status.
I generally use an "assigned" and potentially inferior lounge in case other lounges are too far or inconvenient. I do so also if I'm carrying a lot/heavy luggage. Another factor these days is that lounge agents often are not familiar with the rules and it takes "convincing" if you don't have a straightforward path to entry. You may be told incorrectly that you don't have a membership and turned away. So to avoid all this...
I generally use an "assigned" and potentially inferior lounge in case other lounges are too far or inconvenient. I do so also if I'm carrying a lot/heavy luggage. Another factor these days is that lounge agents often are not familiar with the rules and it takes "convincing" if you don't have a straightforward path to entry. You may be told incorrectly that you don't have a membership and turned away. So to avoid all this I sometimes just go to the lounge of the airline I'm flying on.
When I was a little younger I used to make a point of lounge-hopping and visiting as many lounges and restaurants as my time allowed!
Recently flew BA First out of SYD. According to the website BA uses The House lounge. But the checkin agent encouraged me to go to the QF First lounge, which I was planning to do anyway.
Next leg was out of SIN on JAL in First. JL uses a contract lounge, the Marhaba, but I went to the QF First lounge and later to the QR lounge and had no problem getting in to...
Recently flew BA First out of SYD. According to the website BA uses The House lounge. But the checkin agent encouraged me to go to the QF First lounge, which I was planning to do anyway.
Next leg was out of SIN on JAL in First. JL uses a contract lounge, the Marhaba, but I went to the QF First lounge and later to the QR lounge and had no problem getting in to either.
Would be curious if the transporting carrier gets charged when their pax enters another carrier’s lounge, or if they just offer this based on reciprocity?
An oddity is Qatar Airways ex-SYD. International First & Business class passengers are directed to the Air New Zealand lounge (they even write it on your boarding pass) - when in fact, since QR is part of OneWorld, they can use the QF F & Business lounges respectively.
Not sure what is odd about this. Qatar contracts with the air NZ lounge, while their customers will also have access to qantas lounges depending on status or class or travel due to OneWorld membership.
@Hutch - I'm sorry you aren't sure what's odd about it. Normal people would assume that alliance partners would be the logical choice for an airline. QR using NZ is a cross-alliance exception (when they could just pay QF instead). Enjoy it!
At Melbourne you're directed to use the Marhaba lounge instead of a QF one. I wonder how much of it is due to commercial reasons Vs experience or even just politics within one world.
If you're a OWE without too much actual knowledge of OW policies it's even more falling as the entrance is next to the QF first lounge!
I use Qantas First at Tom Bradley/LAX regularly with Obe World Emerald regardless of who I'm ticketed with - never had an issue getting access
Same. Great lounge. I had no issues as BA OWE but AS/AA folks have troubles.
So that was you few hours ago in TG main lounge.
Did you serve him coffee?
Idiot.
Fake name strikes again.
I use the AA lounge at LHR, but only because it’s usually not that crowded. Eat and shower at the Cathay/Qantas lounges, then go chill in the relative quiet of the AA lounge.
Unfortunately I don’t think it is easy for sky team members to lounge hop any more! I am Air France Flying Blue Gold. Every time I fly Virgin Atlantic or China Airlines business class out of SFO I was denied access to the SFO Air France lounge.
I remember lounge hopping in BKK before so I am not sure if it is just an SFO thing.
The VS Clubhouses aren't traditional SkyTeam lounges, so I can see that being the case.
But I'm surprised the AF lounge would deny you both on business class and having Gold status.
What options do a Skyteam elite plus (Delta Gold) have in LHR when not flying on business class? Can I get in anywhere on status alone?
In was flying from SFO to LHR in Business on American and BA turned me away from their lounge. Claimed it was strictly for BA passengers only.
BA is notorious for that. Happens to me all the time in Philly.
AA doesn't fly SFO to LHR
Typical BA.
Just like that alter ego apologist.
BA = Bullsh*t Always.
Lucky Honey,
“ here’s something that I’m surprised more people aren’t aware of..”
The only one who’s not aware is you.
Any Asian frequent flier will know that BKK is a * A stronghold (as is SIN), and we’ve been lounge hopping since pre-COVID.
Funny how the world is so yuuuge that it shocks the Americans, eh eh?
With your pompous attitude I’d prefer to sit at the gate and avoid people exactly like you you make everyone else uncomfortable
And that is why TK and BR were empty, while TH was crowded…
As a Star Alliance Gold I always visit at BKK Thai Airways lounge, Eva Air Lounge, Turkish Airlines Lounge and Singapore Airlines Lounge. I maximize my Star Alliance Gold lounge experience
there is also a food or cultural aspect sometime. Take Aegean in Athenes. There is a Lufthansa lounge nearby but almost empty. Aegean always packed. Greeks going mostly to Aegean to meet friends or potential friends and eat greek food.
By that standard, then it explains why the AA lounge is so crowded at T3: Americans want to meet Americans while eating American food.
The ATH LH Lounge is much smaller than the A3 Lounge and in season is often full, so that you may have to queue until they can find you a seat. Apart from that, they have Greek food inside. What did you think? That they fly in the Pretzel and Bratwurst from Frankfurt?
Seems you haven’t been in there for a while yourself…
Relax, Michael. No need to be so aggressive.
Sometimes it can be due to your FF status. If you have silver status with airline X, you can only visit the lounge of airline X, and not that of airline Y in the same alliance. Reciprocal lounge access becomes a thing for higher tier elite status.
Not when flying business class, then status is irrelevant.
I've wanted to use the Polaris lounge at LAX but TBIT is so far away and the last few times I've flown I only made it to *A lounge with a couple hours before departure. I planned to get there earlier to check out the lounge but the traffic situation is terrible!
I fly through T3 at LHR once every two to three months and am oneworld emerald. All but once this year I was denied entry into the Cathay Pacific lounge “due to capacity” (they would only allow passengers in CX flights). So, I would go over to either the Qantas or BA lounge since I share Ben’s assessment of the AA lounge.
@ phazedowt -- Interesting. I'm curious, is that just for the first class section, or for the lounge overall?
@Ben
Capacity restrictions are quite common for Cathay in London. Depending on the time of day. They will then default to Cathay and the airlines they have an agreement with.
At outstation lounges, BA is notorious for this. Even when you can see an absolutely empty lounge. But hey, it is BA so you are not really missing much.
I was denied access to Qantas’ Singapore first class lounge in October traveling on a Qatar flight. Tried to enter when the lounge opened, circa 3pm, and told I would only be allowed after 8pm. Staff claimed it was policy, showed some vague language. There was only one other pax entering with me so clearly a policy by qf. Essentially that timing blocks most oneworld flights from using the lounge.
I was allowed into the CX F lounge recently flying BA F, but the receptionist said "just for one hour since the CX flights are approaching soon". Worked out fine for me. Reports on the BA forum mention that frequently you can get turned away if the lounge is full.
Last time I was in BKK, I went to the Turkish lounge for complimentary massage, then to EVA lounge for the food & quiet. The EVA lounge even had fresh young coconuts to drink from, which I've never seen in an airport lounge before.
Can all business class passengers flying AA business class from LHR access the Cathay and Quanta’s lounge? Or just me as the one with Admirals club membership? Transversing through LHR in a couple months with family.
@ Jon -- All American business class passengers can, that's what matters, not if you have an Admirals Club membership. Sometimes there may be space constraints, but that's the general policy.
@Ben, really? Wouldn’t an American passenger in business class with no Oneworld status be limited to the AA lounge? I thought you had to have OW Sapphire or Emerald to access the Cathay or Qantas lounges when flying AA?
Not only this, but sometimes airline staff direct passengers to one specific lounge and, if said passengers are not familiar with alliances, etc., they'd simply do what they're told to. For example, at BOG, AC staff tell passengers with lounge access entitlement to go to the (abysmal) CM lounge...
Not only this, but sometimes airline staff direct passengers to one specific lounge and, if said passengers are not familiar with alliances, etc., they'd simply do what they're told to. For example, at BOG, AC staff tell passengers with lounge access entitlement to go to the (abysmal) CM lounge (a 5 USD coupon for Juan Valdez would be better than the CM lounge).
Also, when flying from outstations, some airline staff don't even tell passengers entitled to lounge access that there's a partner lounge available. Of course, airlines will always be happier by extracting as much money as possible from passengers, and strategically hiding or denying as many services as possible.
I guess this may just be a secret stateside, as in my experience BA elite members and regular premium travelers in the UK are very aware of the numerous lounge options, especially flying on a Oneworld airline from T3 or Star Alliance from T2.
In my opinion, a greater secret at LHR is the wonderful BA business lounge at the B gates with the Whispering Angel bar. Most BA business passengers just flock to the...
I guess this may just be a secret stateside, as in my experience BA elite members and regular premium travelers in the UK are very aware of the numerous lounge options, especially flying on a Oneworld airline from T3 or Star Alliance from T2.
In my opinion, a greater secret at LHR is the wonderful BA business lounge at the B gates with the Whispering Angel bar. Most BA business passengers just flock to the busy and inferior North and South lounges in the main terminal. Saying that, it does seem to be getting busier!
Thanks for all your great posts Ben.
I don't think it's anything to do with being American, or astute British folks - regular Australians just assume the departure lounge of the airline they are flying with too. Outside of airline forums and such, most people don't know any better.
Well, I just learned something new after being obsessed with the miles game for 10+ years. Thanks Ben!
It was quite funny to be directed to the Air France lounge in Montreal by the Turkish Airlines check-in agent. Most passengers just go where they're told and many don't know airline alliances/partnerships exist (I don't blame them). Ended up going to the Maple Leaf lounge instead for the better shower situation, but I assume Air Canada tries to get partners to send passengers elsewhere to limit crowding at the Maple leaf.
Any particular reason why you skipped the arguably best Star Alliance lounge at BKK - SQ's SKL lounge?
@ JakobZH -- Good question! Sadly it was closed for a few days for a refresh, coinciding when I was at the airport.
I was there in March , very very mediocre lounge ( food , drinks , interior )
"...how there are actually people using the American Admirals Club, when they could instead be in the far (far, far, far) superior Cathay Pacific Lounge or Qantas Lounge."
Admirals Club members that are non-elite or Gold can only use the Admirals Club.
This isn't necessarily a good thing as the lounges need to at least break even or they'll close down and you may get sent to a semi-dodgy Aspire/Menzies facility instead. BKK likely is a pretty big station for THY, but they might have had a problem if they couldn't accept Dragonpass etc at NBO (particularly since their frienemies at LH use a contract lounge there).
I've also had a few instances of airlines sort of...
This isn't necessarily a good thing as the lounges need to at least break even or they'll close down and you may get sent to a semi-dodgy Aspire/Menzies facility instead. BKK likely is a pretty big station for THY, but they might have had a problem if they couldn't accept Dragonpass etc at NBO (particularly since their frienemies at LH use a contract lounge there).
I've also had a few instances of airlines sort of hiding the access information from pax (the AV check in supervisor at MEX had to do a double take when I asked him whether the gate was near the UA lounge- it was obvious they weren't telling pax that a lounge was available to them) and poor service by loungedragons who weren't really pleased to see me using their lounge while flying with a 'lesser' carrier, including one occasion of openly hostile behaviour by an SQ dragon at LHR.
I think it all boils down to a failure of the alliances to get their members to work together more closely with each other.
Re: Heathrow’s T3 OneWorld lounge options…
SSHHHHHHH!!!
A lot of people just default to choosing the lounge of the airline operating their departing flight because the lounge may be considered more conveniently located to the gate — but that doesn’t really apply very much at BKK — or because they think the lounge staff can be more helpful with gate directions, departure updates and maybe even itinerary changes. Also, sometimes the partner airline lounges have different hours or may place capacity restrictions...
A lot of people just default to choosing the lounge of the airline operating their departing flight because the lounge may be considered more conveniently located to the gate — but that doesn’t really apply very much at BKK — or because they think the lounge staff can be more helpful with gate directions, departure updates and maybe even itinerary changes. Also, sometimes the partner airline lounges have different hours or may place capacity restrictions on partner airline’s customers getting access to the lounge.
Speaking of travel hacks, I still have a bunch of ones in my repertoire that I use to reduce my travel costs. But the best ones are limited in circulation because being clued-in comes with conditions or because posting about them can risk their being shutdown far faster than used to be the case say 20 years ago.