Ok, as mentioned today I was ok EK434 and was going to give it a go to get myself (EK Gold, zero status with QF) into the EK lounge with my wife, and three sons, two children, one infant.
I am on a separate booking to my wife and kids, as I fly the Tasman on an almost monthly basis between my NZ and AU (BNE) offices - as such it is way cheaper to have all my bookings AKL-BNE return. My wife and kids tag along to come back home on holiday now and again, once every 9-18 months.
So I am EK Gold, flying today in Y, on a EK booked ticket, flying EK metal.
So went to the EK Lounge at gate 75, only to be very politely told that I can only guest in one PAX, and that really I should go back to the Qantas lounge, where I can get in and not only that, take in all my family. Anyone who knows BNE, will know how much of a killer this is.
So after the 7-10 minutes back to the Qantas Lounge, and after being asked why we were not going direct to the EK Lounge, we were welcomed in without too much further hesitation and enjoyed the lounge.
While the EK lounge in BNE kicks the pants off the QF one, I cannot say how much stress it took of my shoulders today.
I would say to anyone traveling with kids and wanting to get into the lounge - just try the QF option over the EK option any day, as your chances of getting into EK without the correct invitations and guest allowance will be very slim at best.