29th July 2025 - 4 min read
An airport lounge’s new entry rule has caused an uproar online, with a lawyer suggesting it may be an unfair practice. The VIP lounge now requires some customers to prove they have at least 20 million yuan (approx. RM13.2 million) in assets just to get in, claiming the move is to “ensure the quality of service.”
The issue came to light when a traveller in China shared her experience online. As a member of China Merchants Bank’s “Golden Sunflower” programme, she expected to use her privileges to access the international First Class Lounge at Chengdu Tianfu International Airport.
She had purchased an economy class ticket and wanted to rest in the lounge before her flight. When she called to confirm access, she was told that besides using reward points, she also needed to provide proof of assets worth at least 20 million yuan (approx. RM13.2 million).
In her post, the traveller expressed her disbelief. She noted that a person with that level of wealth would probably just buy a business-class ticket instead of trying to redeem points for lounge access. She also mentioned that the asset verification only considers financial assets, excluding property and vehicles.
Typically, the Golden Sunflower programme requires a customer to maintain an average monthly balance of at least 500,000 yuan (approx. RM330,000). For many members, complimentary airport lounge access is one of the main benefits advertised with the premium banking service.
When asked about the strict new requirement, airport staff provided a few options for entry. Travellers with a first or business class ticket can enter directly, while others can pay a fee of 600 yuan (approx. RM400).
For China Merchants Bank cardholders without a premium ticket, the asset verification rule applies. They must make a reservation and have the bank verify their eligibility.
The bank later confirmed this new rule was implemented in June 2024. A representative explained that the international First Class Lounge at Chengdu Tianfu International Airport was experiencing high passenger numbers and overcrowding. They stated that the decision to require proof of 20 million yuan in assets, alongside redeeming 9 reward points, was an adjustment made to maintain service quality for guests. This specific requirement is currently only in place at this particular airport.
From a legal standpoint, the bank’s new rule could be problematic. Zhang Xuequan, a lawyer from Fujian Shansheng Law Firm, commented that the bank may be infringing on consumer rights.
He pointed out that increasing the asset requirement from 500,000 yuan to 20 million yuan is a forty-fold jump. For existing customers who signed up based on the original terms, this change takes away their entitled benefits and could be considered an unfair practice. The decision to exclude tangible assets like property further complicates the matter.
The policy change has stunned many people and led to a significant debate online. One person commented that the high asset requirement is simply a way to filter out people because the lounge is too crowded, and that the threshold might even increase in the future if it remains busy.
Another user expressed frustration, noting that the bank heavily promoted VIP lounge access when signing up customers for the Golden Sunflower card. They felt that subjecting members to asset checks now severely damages the card’s value and reputation.
This situation serves as a reminder for consumers everywhere. While the benefits tied to premium banking and credit cards are attractive, their terms and conditions can sometimes change unexpectedly. You can explore the latest credit cards in Malaysia that offer airport lounge access to find one that best suits your travel needs.
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