Guesting strangers into the lounge

[blu]

Well for QF, just look for a silver bag tag.
Could be me soon

 

[Buzzard]

I have thought about it but never done it.
Might seem a bit creepy, like you are trying to pick up.

A few years ago when I was in HKG without access because Flight Centre stuffed up, I was hoping some random would invite me into the CX lounge as I hung around. Maybe I should have asked as peeps entered.

 

[Ausbt]

Well for QF, just look for a silver bag tag.
Could be me soon

I think you are onto something here blu, maybe similar to the symbolism of having 'bananas in the top supermarket trolley basket' all NB and PS should proudly display their tags in the hope SGs and WPs bestow the offer of lounge access upon them. It could become a symbol "I'm yours if you'll have me"

 

[UP4014]

Tragically I have a 6am flight tomorrow our of Sydney T3. I'll keep a look out at 5.30am shall I. I dread the early morning lounge experience, much rather the 3pm one

Matt

 

[BettyB]

A stranger is just a friend you have met yet

Happy to be approached to accompany you into the lounge anytime:evil:

 

[JohnK]

There was a guy outside the BNE lounge earlier. He was looking at the dress code sign for a long time. Kept looking down at his rubber thongs. Thought about leaving but looked at sign again and then down to his rubber thongs.

Thought about guesting him but think his chances of entering were on the worse side of buckleys. And this time there was a guy in front of counter inspecting boarding passes.

 

[blackcat20]

I love meeting AFFers old and new in a lounge and happily give access if I can - I also like social events and to welcome new members :shock: each to their own.

Which is exactly how you and I met!

Mildly off topic.

I've followed the "I'm in the xx_ lounge" and I'm wondering what the standard AFF host/guest relationship is when an AFF member guests in another member. Do some members expect them to be company for their visit, or just a small chat and then parting ways?

I'm certainly open to a chat but I'd hate to feel as though someone is required to sit and chat with me (even about planes). Similarly if I were ever guested into another lounge by someone else.

First F lounge visit was courtesy of a fellow AFF'er that I hadnt met before. We intended to part once in the lounge but got on so well that we dined together in MEL and again in DXB.

We offered to guest in an extra kid for a family in AKL who were very grateful, but ended up opting for the QF lounge over the packed EK lounge. Otherwise I've not offered access to anyone, as I didnt have status back when I last made friends with a random in the check-in line (traveling solo).

 

[serfty]

Never a stranger - but once two co-pax I befriended LAX to AKL who were on to WLG - guested them into the AKL dom. Koru.

They were grateful for the shower and light breakky before their onward flight.

 

[seanpodge]

Apart from when the better half has been traveling with me, the only time I've guested in someone was when a former work colleague was randomly on the same flight as me from PEK to IST. Saw each other as we got off the plane and offered him entry to the TK lounge. He only stayed for about 30 minutes and left saying that it felt too good for him! Oh well.

 

[footy99]

I've never approached a random to guest them in. I often wish I had the opportunity to help someone out that came up organically at check in or on the way but it hasn't happened yet. The only time I've guested a "random" was coming back from LHR to SYD via KUL. I was WP but travelling in Y and the person next to me from LHR to KUL was also going through to SYD so guested her in on the transit and we parted ways.

But have guested (and been guested by) a few AFFers I didn't know. As others mentioned those have almost always led to pleasant chats at least partly about frequent flying which I don't really have with anyone I know so they have always been good.

 

[Duffa]

Agree with the random stranger "creepy" sentiment at the lounge entrance.
But I can't even give away F lounges on this forum?

p.s Have 2 x F lounge in June - QF Melbourne - Dubai, to give away..... sorry OT

 

[tuapekastar]

Agree with the random stranger "creepy" sentiment at the lounge entrance.
But I can't even give away F lounges on this forum?

p.s Have 2 x F lounge in June - QF Melbourne - Dubai, to give away..... sorry OT

PM sent re this Duffa.

 

[Groundhog]

I was recently on the escalator to Mel QC and the two ladies behind me were excitedly talking about their first ever visit to the QP via the free passes they had in their hands. It was really nice to see how much they were looking forward to an experience most of us take for granted.
"Save them for your second visit ladies, i will bust you in as my guests" i said. They couldn't believe their luck and thanked me a thousand time and went on their way.
I trust they enjoyed the lounge and hopefully their next visit is equally enjoyed

 

[Quickstatus]

I was recently on the escalator to Mel QC and the two ladies behind me were excitedly talking about their first ever visit to the QP via the free passes they had in their hands. It was really nice to see how much they were looking forward to an experience most of us take for granted.
"Save them for your second visit ladies, i will bust you in as my guests" i said. They couldn't believe their luck and thanked me a thousand time and went on their way.
I trust they enjoyed the lounge and hopefully their next visit is equally enjoyed

To convert a random to an ex random (which removes the creepy factor) like you described above requires a certain level of situational awareness. Usually when Im at the airport Im too busy facebooking, instagramming, smsing, emailing, whats-apping, to really pay attention to whats going on around me.

 

[Mattg]

There have been some very interesting responses so far in this thread!

I must admit that I'm surprised so many people have had their kind offers to guest random people into the lounge turned down. Personally I would be very thankful if (before I had access in my own right) someone offered to guest me in.

For the record, I don't expect anything in return from my lounge guests. If they want to have a chat in the lounge then I'm all for it, but I'm also more than happy to part ways and let my guest enjoy the lounge on their own if that's what they would prefer.

 

[Quickstatus]

There have been some very interesting responses so far in this thread!

I must admit that I'm surprised so many people have had their kind offers to guest random people into the lounge turned down. Personally I would be very thankful if (before I had access in my own right) someone offered to guest me in.

Thats the problem, unless you can read people's minds or they loiter outside the lounge asking for a guesting there is no way of knowing whether the random stranger will appreciate your offer. Worse they may think you are creepy or as Trump says "a whack job"

 

[get me outta here]

As I walk in I think I'd try a sort of off hand, "would you like to go in to the lounge?' to someone suitable. Mousy and meek people are the automatic naysayers.

 

[PaulST]

I'd feel creepy asking a stranger if they'd want a guest-in so I can't imagine what they'd be thinking! If I was invited, before I understood what lounges were, I'd be suspicious and probably turn down the offer.


I've only guested in a stranger once at the EK J/F lounge in AKL when a coupe with children were at the desk and, for reasons I didn't bother trying to understand, either the partner or kids couldn't get in, so I guested them in.

 

[PLANT]

I did the old virgin lounges.... But for the last 5 yrs my begging on this site for access with others...... Virgin mind u have fallen on deaf ears..... So much knowledge opportunities lost

 

[Jousams]

Slightly o/t but I've met a lot of people that think being in a frequent flyer program is a scam. They're really skeptical that you get a lounge with free food/drinks along with the variety of other benefits.

I had a family member who was like this... Until they experienced SQ J on points.