Lounges

Category Archives for Lounges.

Qantas Selling Access to LAX First Class Lounge

by Gary Leff on October 31, 2019

Oct 31 2019

There was a time I would have argued that the Qantas first class lounge at LAX was the best lounge in the United States. That was before United opened its Polaris lounges, and American opened its Flagship First Class dining rooms.
While I prefer the ambiance of the Star Alliance business class lounge’s outdoor deck with fire pits at LAX, the sit down dining of the Qantas lounge makes it the most desirable place to spend time in the Tom Bradley international terminal prior to a flight.

Qatar Airways Now Offers al Safwa Lounge Access to Platinums Flying Business Class

by Gary Leff on October 16, 2019

Oct 16 2019

With the continued blockade of Qatar led by Saudi Arabia and the UAE there are far fewer Qatar Airways short haul flights. That means fewer passengers with Al Safwa lounge access.

At the beginning of the year they started monetizing access to the lounge, upselling business class passengers initially for as little as $69 but more recently for $165. Now Qatar Airways has extended al Safwa lounge access to their Privilege Club Platinum members flying in business class.

Status Update on Three American Airlines Lounge Projects

by Gary Leff on July 26, 2019

Jul 26 2019

In January American re-opened their large Boston Admirals Club. In February they re-opened their refurbished Charlotte Concourse B club. In May they opened their Flagship Lounge and Dining and refurbished Admirals Club at Dallas-Fort Worth Concourse D.

Major projects that are underway:

Free Lounge Access in Singapore for Connecting Passengers

by Gary Leff on July 21, 2019

Jul 21 2019

You may have lounge access if you’re flying international business or first class, have high enough elite status, or a Priority Pass card that gets you into certain lounges.

However connecting through Singapore it’s even easier than that.

Why Charlotte Needs Another American Airlines Admirals Club

by Gary Leff on July 21, 2019

Jul 21 2019

With American Airlines opening 15 new gates in the E satellite concourse of Dallas Fort-Worth airport they’ve surged to 900 peak daily departures at the airport and opened a fifth Admirals CLub there.

Charlotte is their second largest hub, and they’re growing it to 700 daily departures. There just aren’t enough rocking chairs there to go around.

Don’t Panic: It’s Only Amex Losing Priority Pass Restaurants August 1

by Gary Leff on July 11, 2019

Jul 11 2019

Timberline Steaks at the Denver Airport has become one of the 100 busiest independent restaurants in the country on the strength of Priority Pass.

The New British Airways San Francisco Lounge is Open (With Separate First Class Dining)

by Gary Leff on July 9, 2019

Jul 09 2019

British Airways opened their refurbished lounge in San Francisco today after a six month closure. The lounge is in the international terminal between gates A4 and A6. You’re greeted at reception where your credentials for the lounge will be checked and then the lounge is down one level by elevator.

Thanks to Priority Pass I Had the Worst Lobster Roll of My Life

by Gary Leff on July 4, 2019

Jul 04 2019

Last week I ate the worst lobster roll I’ve ever had in my life. This shouldn’t surprise anyone – least of which me – because I ate it in an airport.

Let’s back up a bit. I flew to Boston, and it took around 14 hours because American Airlines….

American Airlines Club Lounge Wine: The Best Bottles From Their New Wine Program

by Gary Leff on June 16, 2019

Jun 16 2019

American Airlines rolled out a new wine program this month, with new complimentary and paid premium glasses of wine in its Admirals Clubs and updated selections in its business class Flagship lounges and first class Flagship Dining rooms inside of those lounges.

I tasted their new complimentary wines and scoured the lists of paid club wines as well as bottles on offer in their business class Flagship lounges and first class Flagship First Dining facilities. Here are the best ones to choose.

The Perfect Aviation Geek Afternoon: Burn Delta Miles Siting Outside Planespotting With Top Liquor

by Gary Leff on May 25, 2019

May 25 2019

The new Delta Sky Club has a gorgeous bar, and the best feature is an outdoor ‘Sky Deck’ overlooking the East runway. But what if you combined the two features? One of the very best uses of Delta SkyMiles is redeeming small numbers of miles for premium drinks.