Questions and Answers

Hello,

My friend told me that he would buy refundable tickets and enter the lounge and call for a refund when he was done. (I.e. he did not go on the flight)
What I don’t understand is does the access to the lounge (e.g. Delta Sky Lounge) come with the ticket or is that part of having Elite Status? What are the options for obtaining Elite Status?

Good morning Paul –

Buying refundable tickets is certainly an option, although probably frowned upon if you do it very often.

Access to a lounge varies. In the US, the big 3 airlines all operate their own lounges (SkyClub, United Club, Admiral’s Club), which you can get access on the day of your flight through a few options. The easiest, is to be in business/first on an eligible international itinerary. Next, you could be an Elite flyer (at least mid-level or higher) traveling in any cabin class on an eligible international itinerary. Last, you could be an Elite flyer (at least mid-level or higher) in a non-US based frequent flyer program on any domestic or international itinerary on a participating airline. For instance, a British Airways Gold elite flyer could access the Admiral’s Club (American Airlines) when traveling from New York to Chicago.

Hope that makes sense!