Premium / Airline Lounges

Ok--looking for some info regarding airport membership lounges, please.
We can buy $25 one-day passes using our Amex card and/or buy one year pass (no-discounted w/initiation fee waived for $450)
If we do annual, I have to be his guest. He can use it to relax at base (not in uniform) pre-duty.
DL Skyclubs are avail to use w/most partner clubs on the annual basis only.

Has anyone used another private company? Priority Pass is not accepted at DL (what a shock!)

Side question:
Tokyo NRT pass travel: do you get "cleared" with seat request to access gates THEN get seat assignment (like CDG)? OR is it like Joburg etc where they "hold" you until last-minute to run for your life and the gate?

I don't want to spend the big bucks to NOT use the pass overseas. Previous travel had us on connecting mileage seats on KE so we could access the lounges automatically.

Hope this makes sense!

Believe it or not, Ripleys

When I was , I was.

I use priority pass. I got the 10 free a year option but this year am going to convert to the unlimited option. I travel a lot more now and in Asia it is quite handy. Can also get my gf a discounted pass.

Huge loss when NW/DL merged - all the NW lounges got pulled :/

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Nick

I use priority pass. I got the 10 free a year option but this year am going to convert to the unlimited option. I travel a lot more now and in Asia it is quite handy. Can also get my gf a discounted pass.

Huge loss when NW/DL merged - all the NW lounges got pulled :/

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That's the main reason we can't use Priority Pass. I guess I can't blame DL for wanting the profits direct.
I spent some time in the new JFK SkyClub and I was amazed how much money was spent for upgraded snacks and beverages. Comp snacks were quite simple--veggies, hummus/ranch dip, olives, dried fruit and dry snacks. Bistro menu options ranged from cheese to sandwiches/salads for $7-12. Upcharges on drinks were HUGE: Kahlua $10 (Bailey's comp) Top shelf other stuff was same retail as public bars $10-15 and wines were $10 and UP!!!! House wines were comp, of course, and tasty enough. One woman paid $50 for entry to use showers and enjoy 5 hr layover. I felt pretty good only spending $25.

The only issue I have with priority pass is that their iphone app, website, and booklet don't give enough info. For example, they don't include any pics, user ratings, or even if food and drink are free! So for some the food might be free, for some there may be free non alcoholic drinks but a cash bar, some all is free. All they display though is a picture of food and a wine glass! This is usually an issue in US, especially if some airports have a few choices of lounge I google them first to see what is on offer then pick one. Or I arrive and ask to have a look before I sign the receipt.

Another thing I noticed is I went to the lounge in T2 the other day at SIN... and it's not even a lounge. It's a restaurant where they give you a set menu and a few computers. Very odd.

Regardless, priority pass cost doesn't bother me - I claim it back on tax as I use it whilst on duty travel. That worked in Aust, but I don't think it will work for the tax system here. Regardless, my tax rate here is an astonishing 25% less than Australia, so no complaints ;)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by mrs767er

Side question:
Tokyo NRT pass travel: do you get "cleared" with seat request to access gates THEN get seat assignment (like CDG)? OR is it like Joburg etc where they "hold" you until last-minute to run for your life and the gate?

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the few times i boarded NW flights in NRT, i was always given a seat request card, never held at check-in. if you're connecting, all you need is to tell them that you're a nonrev or show them an ID to get through security and into the terminal

My friends just connected in NRT (without checkin bags) and were bussed to the next terminal and cleared direct at the gate