A LoyaltyLobby reader sent us a note from Narita where they had been denied access to an empty Korean Air lounge due to “capacity” constraints.
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You can access Priority Pass here.
Message from the reader:
Have you ever had a issue with priority pass lounge access at airport denied entry due for being full and not actually full inside?
I couldn’t take any pictures inside due of the lady not letting me. It happened Korea and Narita. All lounges at terminal 1. I send a message to Priority Pass to see how they will handle this.
If there nothing they can do then sound like Priority pass acces is a hit or miss.
Image from the reader:
Hours and notices:
Priority Pass Korean Air Narita Lounge Information:
OPENING HOURS
10:00 – 18:00 daily Note: Lounge entry accepted 20 minutes prior to closing time. Access may be restricted due to space constraints.
LOCATION
Tokyo Narita International, Terminal 1
Airside – Satellite 2, after Passport Control, near Gate 26 on the 3rd Floor.
CONDITIONS
Limited to two guests per cardholder, subject to a per person charge, where applicable – Children under 2 years are admitted free – All children must be accompanied by an adult.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Interstate/international fax facilities are subject to payment.
There is nothing unusual here beyond a notice that access may be restricted due to capacity. However, some lounges are open for Priority Pass during certain hours of the day (slower periods).
We were in touch with Collison, the company behind the Priority Pass, to find out what they are doing to prevent this from happening.
‘We are aware some Priority Pass Members have experienced difficulty gaining access to certain airport lounges in our network recently. This issue has arisen at specific lounges operating at reduced capacity due to staff shortages seen throughout the travel and hospitality industry, as well as travellers arriving at the airport earlier and increasing time spent within lounges.
We are working alongside our lounge partners on a variety of solutions to try to increase lounge availability for Priority Pass Members. In the meantime, Members are advised to check the lounge listings on the app and website for the latest information on opening hours and peak periods when access may be restricted.’
Conclusion
What are your experiences gaining trouble and wait-free entry to Priority Pass lounges this year? Have you ever been denied access?
I just went through my Priority Pass history for 2021 (22 visits) and 2022 (16 so far), and I have not been denied even once, although one time, the lounge in Brazil was so full that they should not have let more people in.
Then there are lounges I have entered based on American Express Platinum, HSBC Premier, and Capital One Venture X products, and others on airline status and/or the cabin I have been in.
In Mexico City, for example, I try to avoid the overly crowded American Express lounge and use the one for HSBC Premier clients (even when flying in AeroMexico and would get access to their lounges based on the cabin or SkyTeam Elite+).
It is good to have several entry options if they claim to be full.
