Koru Members and Access to Singapore Airlines Lounges: What You Need to Know

When it comes to access to premium lounges, often the perks associated with different membership tiers can get a bit confusing. This article aims to clarify whether Koru members can use Singapore Airlines lounges and what steps you would need to take to enjoy this luxury.

Understanding Koru Membership

Koru, which is the highest status for Air New Zealand’s loyalty program, Airpoints, provides numerous benefits to members, including STAR Alliance Gold status. However, itrsquo;s crucial to note that the benefits provided by Koru can sometimes be limited in scope or specific to the airline's own network.

Access to Air New Zealand Lounges

One of the main perks of Koru membership is the ability to access any Air New Zealand lounge for domestic and international flights operated by Air New Zealand. This ensures that Koru members can enjoy the comforts of these lounges without needing additional status or a higher fare classification.

Can Koru Members Use Singapore Airlines Lounges?

No, Koru members cannot directly use Singapore Airlines lounges. Despite being a Star Alliance member with Air New Zealand, which means that Koru members automatically hold a Star Alliance Gold status, the benefits and privileges may not extend to partner airlines.

Requirements for Accessing Singapore Airlines Lounges

To access a Singapore Airlines lounge, you would need to meet one of the following criteria:

Obtain a Star Alliance Gold status or higher with Singapore Airlines. This can be achieved through a combination of flying mileage and frequent flyers, or through a specific Gold membership category. Be flying on a business or first-class Singapore Airlines flight. Premium class passengers are typically granted access to their airlinersquo;s lounges as an automatic benefit of their class of travel.

Note that while flying with Air New Zealand, you still wonrsquo;t have direct access to Singapore Airlines lounges, but if your next flight is with Singapore Airlines and you meet one of the above criteria, you would be able to enjoy the lounge facilities.

Benefits of Star Alliance and Air New Zealand Partnership

Despite the limitations of Koru membership with regards to accessing Singapore Airlines lounges, Air New Zealand and Singapore Airlines have a strong partnership that offers many benefits to frequent flyers, especially to Star Alliance Gold members. Here are a few of them:

Code Sharing Flights: Both airlines participate in code sharing, which can allow for more flexible itineraries and potentially fewer transfers. Joint Loyalty Programs: Star Alliance Gold members have access to various benefits across all Star Alliance member airlines, making it easier to accumulate and redeem miles. Priority Boarding: Star Alliance Gold members often benefit from priority boarding on all Singapore Airlines and Air New Zealand flights.

Conclusion

In summary, Koru members, although holding an esteemed status within Air New Zealand, do not have direct access to Singapore Airlines lounges. To use such lounges, one must meet specific criteria related to either Star Alliance Gold status with Singapore Airlines or flying business or first-class with Singapore Airlines. The partnership between Air New Zealand and Singapore Airlines, however, ensures that the benefits and perks are extensive and cater to the needs of frequent travelers.

For more information on membership benefits, check the official websites of Air New Zealand and Singapore Airlines for the most up-to-date details.