Charge for Lounge Access...Would you pay to be someone's guest?

[tuapekastar]

I was just about to say .. the only payment I ever ask for is that they get up and get the first round of drinks :mrgreen:

My first airline lounge experience was as a guest at the AN Golden Wing lounge at CBR in the mid-1990s. My host got the first drinks. I went to the bar to get the second lot, and pulled out my wallet (I didn't know any better). The barman said "that won't be necessary Sir".

 

[Julesmac]

In response to all of your queries the ex friend was female. I understand that she is a self funded traveller on her own self paid ticket - I guess the adventure that comes with the self funded ticket isn't enough of a reward for her.

The price was $20. I was shocked that she had asked and I just handed the cash over. I was gobsmacked that she asked let alone took my money. But then I wasn't sure if this was common practice so hence I asked you all.

Thank you all for all of your responses. I wasn't sure if I was overreacting and that this was common practice. I'm glad to see it isn't and that there are so many friendly travellers out there who are willing to share their expereinces!

Katee - look on the bright side - it only cost you $20 to find out the real character of your 'friend'. It may have proved cheap in the long run! Cheers

 

[Noob]

In the words of Penny, first class flight attendant for Great British Air, "FARRRRKKKK OFFFF".

 

[gem gem]

A similar thing happened to me, I paid and realised you are better off without this "friend" in your life!

 

[straitman]

I was just about to say .. the only payment I ever ask for is that they get up and get the first round of drinks :mrgreen:

Are you saying that you won't even shout in the QP :?:

 

[djfuzz]

In response to all of your queries the ex friend was female. I understand that she is a self funded traveller on her own self paid ticket - I guess the adventure that comes with the self funded ticket isn't enough of a reward for her.

The price was $20. I was shocked that she had asked and I just handed the cash over. I was gobsmacked that she asked let alone took my money. But then I wasn't sure if this was common practice so hence I asked you all.

Thank you all for all of your responses. I wasn't sure if I was overreacting and that this was common practice. I'm glad to see it isn't and that there are so many friendly travellers out there who are willing to share their expereinces!

It was very good of you to avoid an unpleasant (and in the long run, unnecessary) confrontation by simply paying them and putting them out of your life.

However, in your position, I'm not sure I could repress the urge to insist on an itemised tax invoice so you could claim back the cost of entry - a well-deserved response to such an odious request.

 

[Reggie]

I charge Mrs Reggie when I take her into the airport lounges. I can't tell you the charge for fear of my post being moderated.

 

[dfcatch]

I charge Mrs Reggie when I take her into the airport lounges. I can't tell you the charge for fear of my post being moderated.

The real question is - Does Mrs Reggie pay?

(not that it's any of my business)

 

[Reggie]

The real question is - Does Mrs Reggie pay?

(not that it's any of my business)

The credit terms are very specific, non payment or exceeding terms results in withdrawl of access next time. i.e. sitting in the main terminal whilst I wait in the lounge.

 

[dfcatch]

The credit terms are very specific, non payment or exceeding terms results in withdrawl of access next time. i.e. sitting in the main terminal whilst I wait in the lounge.

It's important to have clear and defined terms of credit these days

 

[Reggie]

It's important to have clear and defined terms of credit these days

You only have to revoke credit once, and that memory of sitting alone in the main terminal lasts a long time.

I am in trouble as we are flying Emirates to Man in March, and have no lounge access at all this time. :shock:

 

[medhead]

No way that'd work with SWMBO. Firstly, she must be obeyed. Secondly, with the shopping opportunities in airports these days I practically have to pay her to come into the lounge.

 

[dfcatch]

No way that'd work with SWMBO. Firstly, she must be obeyed. Secondly, with the shopping opportunities in airports these days I particular have to pay her to come into the lounge.

I'm just grateful that she's happy to go to the F lounge with me

The eggs Benedict does help though

 

[oz_mark]

The credit terms are very specific, non payment or exceeding terms results in withdrawl of access next time. i.e. sitting in the main terminal whilst I wait in the lounge.

I just wonder who 'withdrawal of access' would affect most?

 

[ozbeachbabe]

No way that'd work with SWMBO. Firstly, she must be obeyed. Secondly, with the shopping opportunities in airports these days I practically have to pay her to come into the lounge.

Know that feeling! Lounges are great because you can drop-off your SO there & they can get a drink & take advantage of the free wi-fi while you give them strict instructions to look after your carry on for you whilst you head back down to the airport shops to buy things resulting in even more carry on luggage.

Admirals Club is more like day care for adults whose SWMBO's go shopping.

 

[Princess Fiona]

I totally agree ozbeachbabe. The only problem I have with the Flounge as day-care thing is that it's very difficult to hide those purchases and bring them out later with a "this old bag, scarf etc - had it for ages sweetie"

 

[Archphoto]

Know that feeling! Lounges are great because you can drop-off your SO there & they can get a drink & take advantage of the free wi-fi while you give them strict instructions to look after your carry on for you whilst you head back down to the airport shops to buy things resulting in even more carry on luggage.

Admirals Club is more like day care for adults whose SWMBO's go shopping.

Yep, my SO plans it all out in advance, knowing I'll be tied up with emails and business paperwork, even checking what is available at the airport/s in question. (And has anyone else noticed how their carry-on multiplies exponentially?? ) Thankfully, I can include my "need list" - if I have one - no questions asked.

In answer to the original question - I'd have sucked it up - $20 isn't much these days. Guess I have a different interpretation than your friend, as to what the word "friend" really means . . . . . . .

 

[YQY]

The price was $20. I was shocked that she had asked and I just handed the cash over. I was gobsmacked that she asked let alone took my money. But then I wasn't sure if this was common practice so hence I asked you all.

If it's the Qantas Club or Qantas J Lounge - this would be contrary to the Qantas terms and conditions. I would refer your "friend" to Qantas.

7.1 Members must not:

(b) abuse or misuse Qantas Frequent Flyer, any Awards, Benefits, facilities, services or arrangements accorded to the Member as a result of Membership including by:

(iii) selling, assigning, transferring or acquiring, or offering to sell, assign, transfer or acquire any Award, Award Certificate, Benefit or Points other than in accordance with these Terms and Conditions;

 

[Sprucegoose]

In response to all of your queries the ex friend was female. I understand that she is a self funded traveller on her own self paid ticket - I guess the adventure that comes with the self funded ticket isn't enough of a reward for her.

The price was $20. I was shocked that she had asked and I just handed the cash over. I was gobsmacked that she asked let alone took my money.

But then I wasn't sure if this was common practice so hence I asked you all.

Thank you all for all of your responses. I wasn't sure if I was overreacting and that this was common practice. I'm glad to see it isn't and that there are so many friendly travellers out there who are willing to share their expereinces!

Although looking at this philosophically this was indeed a very cheap lesson!!!!

Some people spend millions trying to work out who they can trust and can't trust, what relationships are worth defending and what are worth flittering away.

 

[harvyk]

My first airline lounge experience was as a guest at the AN Golden Wing lounge at CBR in the mid-1990s. My host got the first drinks. I went to the bar to get the second lot, and pulled out my wallet (I didn't know any better). The barman said "that won't be necessary Sir".

Yeah I nearly did that my first QP visit... Went up to the bar and ordered a drink, had the wallet out for the ready until I realised I was the only person who had their wallet out. I decided it really was free after the bar person poured my drink and then walked away to serve someone else...