British Airways closes 'Open Doors' anytime lounge access to frequent flyers

In brief: British Airways is taking a leaf from the Qantas playbook by removing 'anytime access' to its airport lounges.

BA's 'Open Doors' privilege was considered a key benefit for its top-tier Executive Club Gold cardholders, just as Qantas' anytime access to its Business and international First lounges was for Qantas Frequent Flyer Platinum members until earlier this year.

But from June 17, Executive Club Gold members will be able to use BA lounges only when travelling on British Airways flights, BA codeshares or flights operated by Oneworld partners (such as Qantas and Cathay Pacific).

Naturally, BA's explanatory email to Executive Club Gold members doesn't come straight out and say that 'Open Doors' is closed – it instead couches the bad news in the cockeyed logic of corporate waffle.

"We know how important our lounges are to our Gold Executive Club members, and we want to ensure that they continue to be a place to work or relax away from the busy airport environment for customers who are flying with us and our Oneworld partners" the airline says.

In other words: because we know how important the lounges are to you, we're going to restrict your ability to use them. Got it?

David Flynn

David Flynn is the Editor-in-Chief of Executive Traveller and a bit of a travel tragic with a weakness for good coffee, shopping and lychee martinis.