Wilcharl From United States of America, joined Jun 2000, 1158 posts, RR: 3 Posted (10 years 9 months 3 weeks 1 day 22 hours ago) and read 2456 times:
Back when I was younger, I read a book by William Poundstone called Big Secrets. It claimed that airlines even mentioned NW had secret clubs just after deregulation that were open to anyone but only the most frequent traveler were told as to wehre they were. They were apparently down halls and labled CREW REST AREA or BROOM CLOSET or something to that liking. Is this an urban legend or did these exist. I know in the Hotel industry they do indead exist. I was staying with my parents once while in college and we were given a little card inviting us to free drinks (my father is a very loyal customer of mariotts) the club was in a room near the indoor pool labled "mechanical equipment" and had a full bar, tv, and snacks...
Wilcharl From United States of America, joined Jun 2000, 1158 posts, RR: 3 Reply 2, posted (10 years 9 months 3 weeks 1 day 20 hours ago) and read 2394 times:
what we need is some NW old timer that can remember them
Airzim From Zimbabwe, joined Jun 2001, 1103 posts, RR: 1 Reply 3, posted (10 years 9 months 3 weeks 1 day 15 hours ago) and read 2314 times:
I cannot tell from personal experience, but Pan Am did have special VIP only clubs in Heathrow and JFK (perhaps others) for celebs, captains of industry, movie stars etc. It was indeed for invitation only rather than today's pay programs. I think this was only around in the 50-60's when the Straoliners's and 707's were trolling the Atlantic.
Perhaps some old timer PA people can fill in the blanks.
Bobnwa From United States of America, joined Dec 2000, 5975 posts, RR: 9 Reply 4, posted (10 years 9 months 3 weeks 1 day 15 hours ago) and read 2304 times:
Wilcharl From United States of America, joined Jun 2000, 1158 posts, RR: 3 Reply 5, posted (10 years 9 months 3 weeks 1 day 5 hours ago) and read 2170 times:
of course they would deny it... just adds to the consipericy
BH346 From United States of America, joined Jan 2000, 3265 posts, RR: 17 Reply 6, posted (10 years 9 months 3 weeks 1 day 4 hours ago) and read 2155 times:
Northwest Airlines does not deny nor confirm the existance of such clubs.
Northwest Airlines - Some People Just Know How to Fly
Seiple From , joined Dec 1969, posts, RR: Reply 8, posted (10 years 9 months 3 weeks 1 day 2 hours ago) and read 2048 times:
I have family members who fly NW to China at least twice a year. I know for damn sure that there isn't any such club.
That would hardly make them frequent flyers, nor qualify them to gain entrance to such clubs, even if they do exist.
Many airlines have hidden VIP rooms at their hubs for handling members of royalty, government officials, Hollywood celebrities, etc. It gives them a place to wait for their flights while not attracting attention as they would in a more public setting.
SegmentKing From , joined Dec 1969, posts, RR: Reply 9, posted (10 years 9 months 3 weeks 1 day 2 hours ago) and read 2029 times:
United has a VIP program that is somewhat like this... it's not publicized but it's also not a secret. VIP services operate out of all of the major hubs...
Rpwgw From Australia, joined Jun 1999, 209 posts, RR: 0 Reply 10, posted (10 years 9 months 3 weeks 1 day ago) and read 1986 times:
I think they are often referred to as Manager's lounges. Ansett had them (for Ansett Pass holders by invitation only, and Qantas has the Chairman's lounge). You can't buy membership.
Keeps the important people away from normal people. Politicians, celebs and senior directors of organisations usually get to use these lounges. I've been in a lot of the Ansett ones and Qantas ones and they are nicer in terms of furnishing and amenities and people are very service oriented. They also have free toll calls in Austarlia.
RayChuang From United States of America, joined Jun 2000, 7694 posts, RR: 5 Reply 11, posted (10 years 9 months 3 weeks 23 hours ago) and read 1950 times:
However, I think the popularity of these clubs are on the decline for one simple reason: private jets now have enough range to fly almost anywhere in the world with just one fuel stop.
When you have modern executive jets with a range of over 5,700 nautical miles and with Boeing and Airbus producing private jet versions of the 737-700 and A319, famous people can fly anywhere without the hassles of commercial airline terminals or be tied to commerical airline schedules. I mean think about it. You're famous movie star Mel Gibson, and you want to go from California to Australia to visit your old time friends; Mr. Gibson has enough money that he could contact Executive Jets and get access to fly him and his entourage to Australia on a Gulfstream V with only one fuel stop in Hawaii.
(Then of course there are celebrities like John Travolta, who owns a 707-138B with an extremely well-equipped interior. )
Airlinelover From United States of America, joined Jun 2001, 5580 posts, RR: 27 Reply 12, posted (10 years 9 months 3 weeks 20 hours ago) and read 1890 times:
I'd tell you, buth then i'd have to kill you
Honestly- No such thing..
Chris
Lets do some sexy math. We add you, subtract your clothes, divide your legs and multiply
Jwenting From Netherlands, joined Apr 2001, 10213 posts, RR: 21 Reply 13, posted (10 years 9 months 3 weeks 19 hours ago) and read 1872 times:
Let's see. "secret" clubs that existed 50 years ago yet you want 15 year old kids to tell you where and what?
Rather ridiculous, don't you think?
Many airports probably have special waiting areas for VIPs. Those are indeed secret from the general public to make sure the special persons are not constantly bothered by fans and press mosquitoes wanting interviews, photos, etc. (or worse).
It's sad we need to protect celebrities from the rest of the population, but such is modern society that once a person has been shown on TV he or she is deemed to have no furthere need for privacy by most of the population...
SAS23 From , joined Dec 1969, posts, RR: Reply 15, posted (10 years 9 months 3 weeks 16 hours ago) and read 1826 times:
The VVIP lounges are operated by the airports and not by the airlines (outside the US ainyway). At Heathrow, for example, there is the Royal Suite which realy is pretty awful (located next to the cargo terminal!); and at Gatwick the Framlingham Suite.
Rootsgirl From Canada, joined Mar 2001, 530 posts, RR: 3 Reply 16, posted (10 years 9 months 3 weeks 12 hours ago) and read 1754 times:
This is not about espionage is it? Folks, airlines all over the world still have VIP lounges.
Back in the 40's and 50's they were more exclusive, the same as many bars and lounges were. And, given the fact that flying was more prestigious then, the lounges offered more than they do to the modern day/fast paced business traveller.
They are in place at airports all over the world and can be used by high end travellers or pax travelling First Class. British Airways, Quantas, Air Canada, Lufthansa and the list goes on and on and on.
Some of them have showers, spa, shoe shines, bars and restuarants, barbers and hairdressers, but be very assured they do exist and they are coming to get you!
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