Last year, Jet Airways was in the unwanted situation of having their guests being turned away from the Mumbai Airport GVK Lounge because of the lounge operator Mumbai Airport deciding to cut away from Jet Airways after unpaid bills in crores of rupees reportedly. Subsequent to that, Jet Airways made the decision to limit lounge access only to business class passengers, and withdraw it from all economy class passengers eligible on the basis of status.
Now, it turns out, the airline is feeling the pinch even for Business Class passengers. The operator of the Plaza Premium Lounges in India has pulled the plug on Jet Airways, which means Jet Airways business class passengers, who were using the Plaza Premium Lounge courtesy the airline, will no longer be invited to the lounge by the airline.
This new move was put into effect from late March 18, 2019, onwards. A notice to this effect is now reflecting on the airline’s website as well.
Unfortunately, the irony is not lost in this situation. I usually head to the American Express Lounge Delhi T3 (accessible with the Jet Airways Amex Platinum Card), but I peep into the T3 Plaza Premium Lounge once every 45 days or so. The lounge was building new capacity last year as an extension to accommodate all the Jet Airways passengers who they couldn’t keep up with.
But if you really want to go to these lounges, you shouldn’t worry. You will still be able to get access with many credit and debit cards to both the lounges in Hyderabad and Delhi:
- American Express Platinum Charge Card
- Jet Airways American Express Platinum Card (Hyderabad only)
- Priority Pass
- HDFC Bank Diners Club Black Card
- Visa Signature & Visa Infinite
- MasterCard World and World Elite
- Rupay Platinum
The list above is not exhaustive and is subject to change. Or, you can buy lounge access for T3 Delhi and Hyderabad as well.
It is another sorry cutback to the passenger experience of Jet Airways. And it is surprising for the moment, that Bangalore, another city where Jet Airways uses the Plaza lounges, is still accessible for Business Class passengers of Jet Airways.
Have you run into the situation over the past couple of days where you were turned away from the lounge in Delhi or Hyderabad by Plaza Network?
What should I do with my JP miles as of now. I have around 200000 miles and am a Platinum member.
If only these could be converted to some hotel points or any other airline miles.
Only in India, recalcitrants