Currently at Stuttgart airport and it is becoming more and more apparent we are seeing the end of Air Berlin.
British Airways have a lounge here called Executive Club which has been possible to access in the past with a Topbonus Gold or Platinum card or a OneWorld Sapphire or Emerald card. Now there is a sign on the door saying Air Berlin passengers no longer have access and they direct passengers to the Air Berlin Aircafe (former Exclusive Waiting Area) at gate 310.
As I have a gold card with British Airways I decided to try my luck at the reception desk anyway but was promptly denied access. The woman at the reception said it is because they are not certain they will get the payment from Air Berlin.
And at gate 310 the Aircafe is closed and roped off, however for some reason a passenger has managed to sneak in anyway to have a seat by the window, perhaps he got some help from the gate staff.
But no matter if you manage to get inside or not, the Exclusive Waiting Area is not particularly exclusive anymore. There are no newspapers or magazines, the soda dispenser has been emptied, there are no tea bags and the coffee machine has been turned off. It is basically just a room with some chairs and tables and fewer people.
Although the demise of Air Berlin did not come unexpected it is sad to see a rather familiar airline go.
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