International Lounges

Probably right--last month I was connecting to CDG at 5--but all they looked for was the "fast track" card and waived us through. Makes sense, though. I will just hang out a 3. If that is the worst of my problems that day I'll be doing fine.

You'll have a tough time beating BA Galleries First for T3 lounges. I wouldn't suggest leaving the international departures area unless you must--the AA Arrivals Lounge is certainly not worth clearing formalities to visit. If you're interested in a shower, I'd suggest CX F as it was recently redone, is quite nice now with good showers, and there's less likely to be a queue.

Did the T3 to T3 via flight connections in January- NIGHTMARE - go land side with your pink slip and back through fast tack into T3. Worth repeating AVOID flight connections @ T3 at all costs

Hate to correct you - One World emeralds have access to Elemis services at BA first and Terraces lounges regardless if your flying on BA stock or equipment - just need the onward OW operated flight.

If you haven't tried the new mid terminal CX lounge in HKG you should. Although it does not have a first class section the entire lounge is very nice and the breakfast was great.

Really? Didn't know that. The only time I've checked it out was flying long-haul BA out of T-5.

Yep. I've had no problem getting into the First lounge as an EXP. I quite enjoyed the food, although I have no idea what I ordered anymore.

Correct. Conformance check will deny you access unless have a boarding pass for a flight departing from T5 in more than 35 minutes time.

I don't think that you can get to T5 air-side since you don't have a boarding pass for a flight out of T5. I like the AA Arrivals in T3 land-side. With 3.5 hours, I would just go BA F, it has everything you need and can save time compared with going to the AA Arrivals and back (last time I got to LHR-T3 around noon, clearing custom using the fast track took over 30 min)

I've had no trouble getting into the First lounge as an EXP either. My remark (which you quoted) was about the ability to get a free 15 minute massage. The last time I did this, it was at the T-5 Galleries lounge, and I thought the rule then was that you had to be flying in an F or J cabin on BA long-haul to be eligible for such a free massage. Another poster told me that now EXP status and an onward flight on a Oneworld carrier is enough.

The BA website says: "Complimentary treatments are available for First and Club World customers and Gold Executive Club members flying longhaul." I'm guessing that if this is still current, Oneworld Emeralds with a Oneworld short-haul flight would not qualify. It really doesn't address longhaul on other airlines, so it is possible that an EXP with long-haul on AA or another Oneworld airline like JL or CX would qualify.

JAL First Lounge in NRT:

Amazing whisky selection, delicious beef curry, and Japanese beer on "tap".

The very site you are quoting from NEVER mentions even access as available to OW elites "Galleries First is available to customers travelling in First and Gold Executive Club members." We all know we have access - although you used need to make sure you had your EXP card on hand - that has relaxed quite a bit.
And I am certain over the years that I had been on some onward BA longhaul flights when receiving free massages at BAs Elemis and years ago at BAs Molton Brown spas, most of the time I have not. While is is possible that one day I could be told I am not entitled to a massage that has never happened thus far (had massages three times this year at both the Elemis next to the BA First Lounge in T3 and the one between First and Concorde Room at T5). Again, BA does not reference OW anything on their lounge web information. With very minimal risk of being rejected, suggest you stroll in next time at LHR at get a lovely rub

"Spot On" as you Brits say!

Agreed. I like the modern decor, the food, and the smoothies.

Here's more information on The Cabin:

http://www.cathaypacific.com/cpa/en_INTL/atairport/hklounge_cabin

And pictures (from another thread in another forum):

http://www.sqtalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=10223

It just seemed odd and definitely out of character to me that BA would require its own Emeralds to be on a longhaul and not require that of AA Emeralds. Perhaps the Elemis staff isn't following the BA rules all the time. They push their products, so perhaps they get a commission, and would rather have a potential customer than not.

Never thought extensive threads on CX would be on an SQ talk board!

Sizing up their competition I suppose

EXP can get into QF Sydney F lounge, right? Will be flying QF J.

Yep!

As others have stated the SYD QF 1st class lounge is the best. Head and shoulders above the CX, JL and BA 1st class hub offerings IME

Last time arrived a couple hours before my flight. Was enjoying the place so much that the only reason that I did not miss my flight was the flight was delayed.

One thing that I enjoyed very much at the Royal Jordanian Crown Lounge in AMM was the privacy feature for the big screen TVs - if you wanted to listen you had to put on headphones. In addition they had lounge chairs with PTVs that one could watch additional offerings. Even in the chairs one had to don the head phones. IImagine if you will a place with a hundred or more occupants and only one or two wanting to hear the TV. I really enjoyed the sounds of silence.

Anyone had any experience at the new Kingfisher lounge in DEL? I was there in November and they were still using the Coffee Bean location.....

And if you have pictures to share, all the better!

The Admirals Club @PTY:

Probably the smallest AC I've ever been to, and pretty shabby on the inside, especially considering that the terminal was recently renovated. Wonder if this club will stay open as AA keeps cutting service/switching down to 738s and now only has 3x daily from MIA and 3x weekly from DFW. (the only other Oneworld service is a 3x weekly IB flight to Madrid) Thoughts?

FCO

Unless something changed in the last year, most AA flights departing Rome get access to the Le Anfore lounges, which are contract lounges for a number of programs. One of my least favorite international lounges. You can access the BA lounge, but it's in another terminal, a decent bus ride away.

It's downstairs below the gates, which means no windows. The bathrooms are generally in pretty bad shape. There's usually a small amount of food, and a server manning a bar that makes decent specialty coffees. All in all, a pretty dreary experience.

I certainly enjoyed my time there last year, though I only had about 30 mins due to a weather delay in Melbourne. On my trip this year I have about 2 hours if I don't hit weather again. Really enjoyed the wine list and the menu for table service. A COUPLE PHOTOS