Lounge access is I belive in T3 restricted to Golds in J and F, I'll see if I can find the reference but I think Golds in Y can still use the T1 lounge, which some tell me they prefer as it's quieter.
it also depends on the time, during peak periods they reserve the right to restrict access. Not being smart but these days 1/4 to 1/3 in economy are Golds, so it's not always possible. But if I can find it in writing somehwere I'll let you know.
<em>edited by SkyKitty on 03/05/2012</em>
Its not all HSBC premier cards, its only Mastercard (had to get one specially as I only have visa).
I would have disagreed with you there. The website says "HSBC PREMIER Credit Card", it doesn't specify which type. To gain access to the lounge it says "Show a valid HSBC Premier Card (with or without "World" on the card face), Issued by HSBC Bank Middle East Limited" - doesn't say which type.
However, in the bit I quoted below it says "provided always that full payment for this service is made using an HSBC Premier [b'>MasterCard[/b'> Credit Card."
Very murky inofrmation from them....
It can be a disappointment but the reason they stopped access for Silver was because the lounge was getting so crowded that not even Golds or full fare J class passengers could get in. So imagine you'd paid a business class ticket or held Gold status and were told sorry it's full because everyone has a guest (who is travelling economy and/or not a loyalty program member) How would you feel? yes disappointed.
So though some of you might think it's harsh really it's to keep the integrity of what the lounge is meant for- as a perk for premium cabin pax and Gold FFs, that is, the member themselves and not guest/s who are not travelling in premium cabin or a high tier themselves. If everyone can get in it kind of misses the point doesn't it?
As mentioned, there are alternatives available when travelling with friends.
I believe it might get better when the new concourse opens, but who knows really. The problem is, more and more people flying so the lounge space is getting outgrown. There were lots of complaints from Gold flyers who could not access the lounge, of course they listen to their most frequent customers.
(Of course this is in no way official information, but what I have been told by airport staff)
I don't know if you already know this, but if you have a locally issued platinum visa or mastercard (eg. RAK bank, NBD etc) you get free access to the Maharba lounge. Its not posh, but they do have grape and barley based beverages, a good selection of soft drinks, and a limited range of food, which considering its free, isn't bad going! And at least you get a comfy seat!
Also for HSBC Premier customers. I've just looked. I could have saved myself a fortune in the bar over the years :D
So, HSBC Premier customers can access the Maharba lounge also. Now, quick question, can you take a guest in that isn't a HSBC premier or RAK etc etc ?
Taken from HSBC website:
Free to HSBC Premier cardholders. HSBC Premier Credit Cardholderare
entitled to purchase an additional access for guest/spouse/childetc. at the rate
of AED 70 per passenger provided always that full payment for this service is
made using an HSBC Premier MasterCard Credit Card.
Up to two children below 12 years of age shall be allowed to enter the Lounge,
on a complimentary basis, when they are accompanied by an HSBC Premier
Credit Cardholder
So can silver sit in the business lounge even if they are flying economy?
ETA: the answer is no. Just read it lol...As a First Class traveller, Business Class traveller or Skywards Gold member, you’re invited to unwind in our world-class Emirates Lounges at select destinations across the globe.
<em>edited by CAPTAIN AMERICA !! on 03/05/2012</em>
I don't know if you already know this, but if you have a locally issued platinum visa or mastercard (eg. RAK bank, NBD etc) you get free access to the Maharba lounge. Its not posh, but they do have grape and barley based beverages, a good selection of soft drinks, and a limited range of food, which considering its free, isn't bad going! And at least you get a comfy seat!
Also for HSBC Premier customers. I've just looked. I could have saved myself a fortune in the bar over the years :D
I don't know if you already know this, but if you have a locally issued platinum visa or mastercard (eg. RAK bank, NBD etc) you get free access to the Maharba lounge. Its not posh, but they do have grape and barley based beverages, a good selection of soft drinks, and a limited range of food, which considering its free, isn't bad going! And at least you get a comfy seat!
Booo, I guess we will have to either blag it or get him to walk in straight past the desks where they check.
You can't seeing as they already have he details of those who are allowed. Plus you have to sign in.
Sadly, no. I always used to go as a guest with DH when we flew, as he was Gold, but they changed the rules about a year ago and I was no longer allowed. When I became Silver we always went to the silver lounge instead which, although miles away from the gold lounge, we thought a bit nicer anyway (and they serve Veuve!!) and is nowhere near as crowded as the Gold lounge.
Technically no they can't. I had to blag my OH in last time, first they said a flat out no, but seeing as there were several of us that were Silver members, they let him in. They're getting very strict now.