Source of the term "Lounge Dragon"?

[SQGamespeed]

Despite using lounges several times for many years, I still don't know how the term "dragon" in "lounge dragon" came into being. I see this term used a lot both here and on FT, but I can't find any explanation as to its origin.

Anyone have insights or possible explanations about this?

Thanks!

[SQflyergirl]

Its' origins are from FT i suspect - the term dragon used to imply that certain lounge agents over the years have performed less than admirably (from the passenger's eyes)

Either by

1) Denying rightful entry because of inability/unwillingness to look up/apply published rules

2) Denying wrongful entry by sticking too rigidly (not debating whether right or wrong) to the published rules

Either way - the term then stuck because it became popular to do so (again, am not making claims whether this is unfair or not)

[SQflyergirl]

I also suspect the latter scenario is far more common, and I've seen with my own eyes, variations of the following:

1)I'm Solitaire in Y, why can't i bring my mum, dad, step mum, step dad, aunts, uncles, 9 brothers and sisters, 17 cousins, 25 dogs and their respective maids into the SKL F?

2)What do you mean I'm not allowed in here? My card only expired in 1998, surely you have a 20 year grace period no?

3)It's the silver kris right? Well, I'm Krisflyer Silver, DUH!. Why can't i come here?

[Kyo]

3)It's the silver kris right? Well, I'm Krisflyer Silver, DUH!. Why can't i come here?

Ooh! That's a good one! Haven't heard that one before!! More! More!!!

[jhm]

Its' origins are from FT i suspect - the term dragon used to imply that certain lounge agents over the years have performed less than admirably (from the passenger's eyes)

Ah! I'd understood the term not to be pejorative but merely referring to the dragons in western folklore which protect the entrances of caves filled with treasure (leaving out the fact that in such stories a hero or heroine usually comes along to slay the dragon...).

[Kyo]

It's like The Desolation of Smaug!

[sabian]

It's like The Desolation of Smaug!

Literally need an invisible cloak to get past the lounge dragon then.

[SQflyergirl]

Ah! I'd understood the term not to be pejorative but merely referring to the dragons in western folklore which protect the entrances of caves filled with treasure (leaving out the fact that in such stories a hero or heroine usually comes along to slay the dragon...).

I think your description probably closer matches the original spirit and meaning of the term than mine. i was merely speculating!

[SQflyergirl]

Ooh! That's a good one! Haven't heard that one before!! More! More!!!

But China Southern is a member of Sky Alliance* - see it says here! (whips out his Elite Plus Card)


*imagine a 50+ year old businessman with the "I'm bloody sure CZ is a member of the same alliance SQ is, because I've been flying for God knows how many donkeys years and you're just a lounge agent, what would you know?" look on his face.

[kapitan]

But China Southern is a member of Sky Alliance* - see it says here! (whips out his Elite Plus Card)


*imagine a 50+ year old businessman with the "I'm bloody sure CZ is a member of the same alliance SQ is, because I've been flying for God knows how many donkeys years and you're just a lounge agent, what would you know?" look on his face.

I had that kind of look in my face yesterday when checking in at SQ in MNL.... agent refused to put a priority tag on my luggage, even though I am checking in at KF G counter....... told her my ROP card entitles me to, but she say only for KF,..... then I said you know what Star Alliance means.... she swipe my card into the system and said sorry.....