Luxury airport lounge in China under fire for requiring evidence of assets valued at approximately 2.8 million US dollars for access
In a move aimed at ensuring a premium service atmosphere, China Merchants Bank's Golden Sunflower programme has introduced a 20 million yuan asset requirement for clients seeking access to the international First Class VIP lounge at Chengdu Tianfu International Airport.
This rule, effective since June 2024, means that in addition to using reward points, cardholders must prove assets of at least 20 million yuan (approximately US$2.8 million) to enter the lounge. Notably, certain assets like property and vehicles do not count toward this total, leading to controversy and complaints among customers who feel the restrictions are excessive.
For China Merchants Bank cardholders, verifying assets over 20 million yuan is necessary for lounge access. Cardholders must contact the issuing bank to verify eligibility and complete the booking process.
The VIP lounge at Chengdu Tianfu International Airport's Terminal 1 is where this requirement applies. The policy is unique, as airport lounges linked to credit card programs typically offer access primarily based on card eligibility or flight class without demanding verification of a customer's total assets.
The rationale from the lounge management appears to be targeting ultra-wealthy individuals to preserve an exclusive environment and maintain high service standards. For instance, if a cardholder has bought a first or business class international ticket, they can access the lounge directly without the asset verification.
However, this has left some cardholders, like a recent netizen, feeling confused. The netizen, a client of the bank's programme, inquired about accessing the lounge with reward points but was informed that in addition to using reward points, she would need to provide proof of assets worth at least 20 million yuan. The netizen, who had bought an economy class ticket but aspired to use the international First and Business Class Lounge, expressed frustration, stating that her poverty limits her imagination due to the high asset requirement.
The lounge can be accessed for individual use, without a first or business class ticket, for 600 yuan (US$85). Airport lounge access is a primary benefit promised to Golden Sunflower cardholders, and China Merchants Bank's "Golden Sunflower" cards typically require an average monthly balance of at least 500,000 yuan (US$70,000) to open.
Despite the controversy, the lounge access rule does not apply to non-China Merchants Bank cardholders. The rule is part of an unconventional approach to client qualification in airport lounges, reflecting the bank's commitment to providing an exclusive and premium service atmosphere for its high-net-worth clients.
- The controversy surrounding China Merchants Bank's Golden Sunflower programme arises from the requirement of a 20 million yuan asset for clients seeking access to the VIP lounge at Chengdu Tianfu International Airport, inducing complaints about excessive restrictions.
- The lounge access rule for China Merchants Bank's Golden Sunflower cardholders not only demands the usage of reward points but also necessitates proof of assets worth at least 20 million yuan, causing difficulties for clients who have bought economy class tickets but aspire to utilize the international First and Business Class Lounge.
- The asset requirement for lounge access in the Golden Sunflower programme seems to target ultra-wealthy individuals as part of the bank's effort to create and maintain an exclusive environment for its high-net-worth clients, setting it apart from conventional airport lounge policies linked to credit card programs.
