SQ Questions: EWR + Other Lounges + Gold Baggage

[mcmbenjamin]

Hello fellow VFers.......

As some of you maybe aware last time I did the EWR-SIN flight I flirted my way into the SQ (shared SAS) lounge; half by saying it was a VS FC red benefit (white lie, I know), half by flirting and mainly the agent was not the brightest. But now I am Gold. Newark is not one of the SQ lounges listed on the VS site as to access so I e-mail VS. They replied this:

I would like to inform that as a Flying Club Gold card member benefit, you will be able to access either the SQ Lounge or our Clubhouse regardless of booked class or allocation (VS or SQ).

So do you think I would be allowed in the SQ (SAS) lounge and the VS CH if I bought a copy of this e-mail? Any past tips experience?

Any issues using the VS Gold card to access the Premier lounge and KrisLounges in SYD?


Also has anyone used the extra baggage benefit on SQ?

Whichever class you fly in, you automatically receive priority airport standby and priority boarding, plus priority baggage loading and an additional 20kg excess baggage allowance.

I don't have any experience but if you take the email it would probably increase your chances of gaining entry. Usually when a company representative tells you something and you have evidence of him/her telling you that, you shouldn't be denied entry even if it's not true. Hopefully that made sense. You might want to also email SQ and ask them the same question. If they say yes then bring that email too. If they say no plead ignorance and just bring the VS email.

[mcmbenjamin]

Good point Nick. I called SQ's US number (1.800.742.3333) and even if I pick PPS, First, Business or Economy from the phone menu, the agents lack basic English skills.

Me: "What sort of power systems does the aircraft operating the EWR-SIN flight have in Economy?"
Agent: (After a long pause) "We do not fly to Newark"

So hopeless. Outsourcing rocks! (Until you lose clients) Off to call the SQ line in Singapore; with the long distance charges. Hell they speak better English there than I do!

Fancy a drink in EWR Nick? I have 5 hours to kill; due to UA's shit award seats IAD-EWR?

Bah, I'm coming home from college on Saturday! What terrible timing.

Originally posted by mcmbenjamin
...


Also has anyone used the extra baggage benefit on SQ?

Whichever class you fly in, you automatically receive priority airport standby and priority boarding, plus priority baggage loading and an additional 20kg excess baggage allowance.

I've travelled J with SQ, and had 30kg, and my colleage was with me in J but no status, and he had 48kg without any extra charge... He thought it was his wit and charm at check-in, but think it was my VS gold!

Originally posted by mcmbenjamin

Also has anyone used the extra baggage benefit on SQ?

We used it on out trip to SGN last year - family of 4 but completely overladen. Didn't need it so much on outbound where there was no problem but returning through SGN was a different matter as they refused to believe that there was any affiliation at all between SG and VS. They did give us some concession on baggage but not enough and I really wish I had a print-out of benefits. I even had to claim the miles in retrospect.

FM

[mcmbenjamin]

I was allowed in. BUT not at first. I have to fight with agent one then agent two. She said there is no relation between VS and SQ. I think SQ may think slight differently; especially with owning 49% and all. Well a VERY skinny dude came and said that because I had the e-mail allowing me access I would be allowed in.

Well it is a nice way to start my trip; free food and booze. This CH is small.

18h45m EWR to SIN........

Originally posted by mcmbenjamin
I was allowed in. BUT not at first. I have to fight with agent one then agent two. She said there is no relation between VS and SQ. I think SQ may think slight differently; especially with owning 49% and all. Well a VERY skinny dude came and said that because I had the e-mail allowing me access I would be allowed in.

Well it is a nice way to start my trip; free food and booze. This CH is small.

18h45m EWR to SIN........

Have fun on your trip, and Happy Birthday.
[^]
Take pictures of the clubhouse if you can, and didn't I tell you the email would be a good asset? Sorry I'm stuck in Pennsylvania.

[mcmbenjamin]

You were very correct there Nick. I should have taken pictures for ya but have since left. Now in the SQ F lounge in Singapore. Thanks for the birthday wishes.



Ben

[Bazz]

Good job you took a copy of the email with you Ben, have a great trip and enjoy your birthday.