I think I've thought of everything, but...any way to get lounge access?

[Febs]

Hi all,

Well it was bound to happen eventually...after 6 years of managing to keep
all my travel on OneWorld (or at least, all my major trips), supplementing
with Priority Pass lounge access for the few short-haul routes that
OneWorld airlines don't service...I've now got a trip coming up entirely on
Malaysian (SYD-KUL-SYD).

Annoyingly, it's a few weeks after their Velocity Partnership ends (so my
Velocity Platinum membership will be useless), and several months before
their planned entry to OneWorld (so my QFWP membership will be useless).

With seemingly no Priority Pass options in SYD (I know there's a pretty
rubbish one in KL), my MH status match efforts failing, and QF ATA gone, it looks like my options are limited.
As a last-ditch effort though:

- Are there any SYD lounges I could get into on a Platinum AMEX?
- Does Velocity's any time access apply to their Int'l lounge at SYD?
- Any others ideas?

It's not really a big deal - years of Flounging have meant I've never
really checked out the refurb'd International terminal, so I'm sure I can
busy myself for an hour or so at the shops. But figured I might as well
ask.

Thanks in advance.

Cheers,
- Febs.

 

[kpc]

Hi all,

Well it was bound to happen eventually...after 6 years of managing to keep
all my travel on OneWorld (or at least, all my major trips), supplementing
with Priority Pass lounge access for the few short-haul routes that
OneWorld airlines don't service...I've now got a trip coming up entirely on
Malaysian (SYD-KUL-SYD).

Annoyingly, it's a few weeks after their Velocity Partnership ends (so my
Velocity Platinum membership will be useless), and several months before
their planned entry to OneWorld (so my QFWP membership will be useless).

With seemingly no Priority Pass options in SYD (I know there's a pretty
rubbish one in KL), my MH status match efforts failing, and QF ATA gone, it looks like my options are limited.
As a last-ditch effort though:

- Are there any SYD lounges I could get into on a Platinum AMEX?
- Does Velocity's any time access apply to their Int'l lounge at SYD?
- Any others ideas?

It's not really a big deal - years of Flounging have meant I've never
really checked out the refurb'd International terminal, so I'm sure I can
busy myself for an hour or so at the shops. But figured I might as well
ask.

Thanks in advance.

Cheers,
- Febs.

I'm in EXACTLY the same position as you for my Syd-Kul flight in July...so I will be interested in the replies! If MH joins OW by then (unlikely), I will be relaxing in the QF F lounge, otherwise I will wandering aimlessly in the DF shops!

 

[anat0l]

- Does Velocity's any time access apply to their Int'l lounge at SYD?

Virgin Australia utilise the Air New Zealand Koru Club under contract; they don't actually operate the lounge. So the answer is no.

You can always try. No anecdotal evidence yet, but I suspect you'll still get the same answer.


I have no idea about Platinum Amex access. I have heard that Platinum Amex lounge access is sometimes restricted by country of card issue (but don't quote me on that - I have a Platinum credit card but not the more prestigious charge card).

- Any others ideas?

You could upgrade your MH fare to Business class. That would give you lounge access to the MH Golden Lounges. Not sure about SYD's but KUL I've heard isn't bad at all.

Check the lounge threads and see if someone can blag you in. There might be an issue with non-matching flights of the eligible passenger and their guest (i.e. you).

If you're a light traveler with nothing dangerous for airside, you could soak up ATA at the VA lounge in SYD T2 then use Gate 37 transfers (or just the old standard method outside - the train) as late as possible before your international flight. (This is desperation; not a good solution IMO).

Assuming none of those are viable options, it's time to soak up that terminal you (or rather, we!) never knew existed outside the lounges! Having good company in this case can help (sharpen your pub conversation skills! :mrgreen


Side note: Priority Pass with no lounge at SYD Intl? That sucks...

 

[moa999]

Pretty sure its a no.
For what its worth the Plaza Premium KUL LCCT lounge is passable (having spent 4hrs there waiting for a D7 (AirAsiaX) flight post F1 GP, so would hope the main terminal is at least as good.

 

[harvyk]

Put it down to an experience every FF needs to have once in a while to remind them how the other half lives, and how nice the lounges really are...
That's what I had to do a couple of years ago at HKG \ PVG, it really did remind me how nice the lounges are...

 

[travelislife]

Try for an upgrade through optiontown.com.

 

[richie9x]

It is possible to purchase passes to MH golden lounges with Enrich points, although I don't think this is very good value. There are some Malaysian issued credit cards that come with access to the MH golden lounges, I don't know of any Australian issued ones with a similar offer.

The only SYD lounge you could get in to would be the domestic virgin lounge using anytime access. But really not worth the effort.

Might be best just to go to a cafe or restaurant in the airport.

 

[simongr]

Put it down to an experience every FF needs to have once in a while to remind them how the other half lives, and how nice the lounges really are...

This is not an experience I feel the need to experience.

 

[Canny man]

Presumably you've saved a few $ in taking a non OW flight. Spend a few on a glass of wine, a snack or meal and people watch. It's better than the zoo in the international concourse.

 

[drewbles]

You can access the NZ lounge if you're willing to pay $55 per head. I did that in MEL flying QR last year, but, YMMV. I have heard it may only be for people who are flying airlines that have arrangements for the lounge (QR use the NZ lounge in MEL so I was allowed to pay, but if I had tried to use it if I was flying QF with no status, I don't know if they would have let me in).

If you really want to try, wander up and ask. They'll probably be happy to take your cash. Either that, or $110 will go a long way towards a decent meal there (there are actually decent food options now available).

 

[Febs]

Pretty sure its a no.
For what its worth the Plaza Premium KUL LCCT lounge is passable (having spent 4hrs there waiting for a D7 (AirAsiaX) flight post F1 GP, so would hope the main terminal is at least as good.

The main terminal lounge is passable, but not great. When I was there about 2 months ago, I had trouble finding a working powerpoint (they eventually brought out a tech who fiddled with the wiring). Food was OK, but nothing to write home about, and alcohol options were limited (but at least they existed!)

Put it down to an experience every FF needs to have once in a while to remind them how the other half lives, and how nice the lounges really are...
That's what I had to do a couple of years ago at HKG \ PVG, it really did remind me how nice the lounges are...

Haha, yeah. HKG ain't a bad place to spend some time though!

Try for an upgrade through optiontown.com.

Ah I remember hearing about that a while ago. Thanks !

The only SYD lounge you could get in to would be the domestic virgin lounge using anytime access. But really not worth the effort.

Might be best just to go to a cafe or restaurant in the airport.

Agreed - not worth the effort to visit a different terminal.

I have no idea about Platinum Amex access. I have heard that Platinum Amex lounge access is sometimes restricted by country of card issue (but don't quote me on that - I have a Platinum credit card but not the more prestigious charge card).

Yeah I know in Asia my AMEX has never been any good because it's Australian-issued, just not sure if AMEX has any agreements with lounges here in Australia. Might look into it on their website.

Presumably you've saved a few $ in taking a non OW flight. Spend a few on a glass of wine, a snack or meal and people watch. It's better than the zoo in the international concourse.

Well not me, but yes the client has saved a lot! That's probably what I'll end up doing.

Either that, or $110 will go a long way towards a decent meal there (there are actually decent food options now available).

Agreed - I can go without "free" alcohol and food for $55/visit. I'll just wander and try one of the newer restaurants - maybe Jared Ingersol's Danks St Depot outpost (loved his other places).

Thanks everyone.

Cheers,
Febs.

 

[mannej]

Try for an upgrade through optiontown.com.

I would not recommend OptionTown.

No upgrade which is fair enough, but still waiting for the refund, well after the 5 Business Day Supposedly Automatic Time Frame.

 

[k_sheep]

The only time I tried to upgrade with MH I was successful. I'm at ~50% with D7 and refunds have been prompt. Seems to be very much a YMMV situation!

 

[travelislife]

I have two upgrades put in for D7 in July through optiontown so will see how we go. One problem if I don't get the upgrades is that I no longer have the credit card that I paid for the upgrades with. I have been told it will be refunded to my paypal account but we will see what happens.

 

[JohnK]

Febs it is not the end of the world. There are a few nice bars in SYD airport and from memory the Observatory upstairs is quite nice with pool tables and an outdoor smoking area with some views of aircraft etc.

 

[AirKat]

I have this problem!! Headed to Langkawi on Monday. I knew I wouldn't have lounge access but I at least thought I was going to get Velocity points until that ceased on April 1... ahhh. I've told Mr AirKat this will be our first and only trip to Malaysia unless they can get their act together and work this OW business out. As has been mentioned, it is true, we saved about $2k and 5 hours flying MH rather than Qantas and Silk. Now if only I could use that to buy lounge access!

 

[Mountainview547]

I used the Plaza Premium Lounge at KLIA in February. I was catching the 9:30 flight to Brisbane but because the queues through immigration can be horrendous I caught the 6am KLIA Express and thought, great more time to relax at Plaza Premium having seen the inviting photos on their web site. Checked my bag at Sentral as I was flying MAS, straight onto the train and no queues at all at KLIA.

What a disappointment when I entered the Plaza Premium Lounge - the cost alone (130 MYR) is extortionate when the train is only 35MYR but the place is dreadful. Awful food and nowhere really comfortable to sit and filthy inadequate toilets. I could not believe how bad it was - actually worse than the KLIA SliverKris Lounge and that is saying something.

I left after 20 minutes and sat instead in one of the excellent cafes that do Breakfast sets for 11MYR - and the public toilets are plentiful and clean. IMHO unless you are flying Business or are a Gold with one of the Alliances, just hang out at KLIA - its not exactly a busy airport and spend the 130 MYR on souvenirs or DF.

 

[Wainza 1]

The MH lounge in KL is awesome. Do whatever it takes to get in. I'll have about 12 hours in there in August/September on stopovers to and from LHR from SYD. Can't wait