I am about to embark on a Tier Point run for BA exec club.
My routing is SJU-JFK-LAX-HNL-DFW-MIA-SJU in F/J.
I've done my research and although I know AA doesn't automatically grant access to AC lounges for F/J passengers domestically, I believe i'm granted access with OneWorld Sapphire status.
My question is, i've read mixed reviews about AA lounges within the US. WIth some saying it's even more comfortable to sit in the main concourse than visit the lounges! Are there any AA lounges on my itinerary definitely worth a visit - or a miss! Also in airports with multiple lounges (ie DFW/MIA) is there a 'better' lounge?
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First off, only jaded FTers would truly think the concourse is more comfortable than any AC. I have yet to be in any airline lounge that was "worse" than the concourse. Not one. And I went to what is probably the best domestic terminal in the continental US (T2 at SFO) eight different times last year. Saying the concourse is better than a lounge is FT hyperbole at its finest. Even the small temporary lounge at STL is better than the concourse.
Assuming, your Oneworld Sapphire status is with BA, since you're on a Tier Point run for BAEC, you will have AC access no matter your class of service. Worst case, you will have it JFK-LAX no matter what, as all F and J ticketed passengers flying that route get lounge access. SJU has one lounge. JFK has two, one in the main terminal and one in the satellite, just pick whichever one your flight departs from (I've only been in the satellite terminal and respective AC at JFK for what it is worth). LAX only has one AC. HNL only has one lounge (shared with JL I think). DFW has four, A is probably the best. The Terminal A AC has the best showers of any place I've ever been to, anywhere. Highly, highly recommended. They also have a small workout room if so inclined. C is very underrated. D is very nice but can get crowded depending on time of day, as all the people flying international J or F fly out of Terminal D, and they will all have access. I haven't been in the AC in B yet (will be this weekend), but B is mainly for American Eagle, which you won't be on. MIA has two ACs, use the one near D30, it tends to be less crowded, unless your flight is much closer to the D15 AC, at which point just use that one. Enjoy your run!
__________________ My Flight Memory Next destinations GIG, SIN, KUL, DFW, ANCx2, ICN
Looking at your itinerary I would give the following advice:
* JFK - I prefer the club in Concourse B (across from gate 12 I believe). It's bigger and while a lot of people may be in it, I have never felt like it was crowded.
* LAX - Good club, can get crowded in the afternoon though in my experience.
* DFW - Hands down my preference is the Terminal D club, not sure of where your flight is departing from. Even if you are flying out of another terminal you can still visit the D club if you allow for enough time to get to the gate. I usually add 10 minutes to my "to gate" time.
* MIA - To me, both clubs are equal. They are okay, I have always felt the MIA clubs can be more dark than the others. Maybe it's just when I fly in/out the weather isn't as good.
I agree with others who say that an AC is always better than the concourse. Even the smallest, oldest ACs are better than the gate.
Guys, thanks for the speedy replies and tips. Much appreciated!
I see on AA.Com that there is a 'Premium Lounge' in Concourse E at MIA which I guess is superior to the regular AC Clubs. There is a note there that AC members must be departing concourse E to use the flight. Does anyone know if this rule is also applied using OneWorld status for entry?
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Quote:
Originally Posted by duckied
Guys, thanks for the speedy replies and tips. Much appreciated!
I see on AA.Com that there is a 'Premium Lounge' in Concourse E at MIA which I guess is superior to the regular AC Clubs. There is a note there that AC members must be departing concourse E to use the flight. Does anyone know if this rule is also applied using OneWorld status for entry?
The website is poorly worded re: access to this club. The left column reads "Admirals Club members must be departing Concourse E" However, if you read the right Column, it reads "Must be departing from Concourse E to access this lounge" which applies to all passengers. MIA-SJU usually departs from Concourse D.
Programs: AA EXP, Amex Plat, SPG Gold, Hyatt Plat, Global Entry, National Exec, DL HM, UA TODer
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Quote:
Originally Posted by bdemaria
The website is poorly worded re: access to this club. The left column reads "Admirals Club members must be departing Concourse E" However, if you read the right Column, it reads "Must be departing from Concourse E to access this lounge" which applies to all passengers. MIA-SJU usually departs from Concourse D.
Right. Almost no matter what, you have to depart from Concourse E to access the premium lounge, which not many AA flights will do.
__________________ My Flight Memory Next destinations GIG, SIN, KUL, DFW, ANCx2, ICN
The only time I would skip going to the lounge and go to the terminal instead is if I don't have enough time (occasionally). Some may also add eating somewhere in the terminal instead as well - but I usually just get take away to eat on the flight or eat in the AC.
As far as which club in locations with multiple - I always use the one closest to my departure gate.
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LAX Admirals Club is very enjoyable and very large.
The JFK club furthest away from security is by far the best ... and you get to go through a cool tunnel with walls made out of TV monitors.
At DFW all clubs are good. Just use the one closest to your gate. They all have a different character so you can't really say that one is "better" than the other. No matter what amenity you find appealing, you can find it at a DFW Admirals Club. It would be nice if one club had -all- the amenities.
I think the best USA club in the system right now is SFO, followed by DEN. These two were recently re-done and they're a cut above. But even the crummiest club is far superior to waiting at the gate. I'm surprised that FT didn't automatically log you off when you suggested waiting at the gate instead of the club.
100% agree that a lounge is almost always preferred to the gate. Now which lounge to choose is all a matter of personal preference when you have multiple options. Some prefer the closest to your gate, others have a particular preference for a particular lounge.
Right. Almost no matter what, you have to depart from Concourse E to access the premium lounge, which not many AA flights will do.
What happens if you're not departing from Concourse E? Will they turn you away?
I recently had a flight departing from Concourse E, and when I went to check out the Premium Lounge, it was still closed. Useless!
My preference is also for MIA D30 over D15. The D15 AC is too small and gets very crowded. D30 gets crowded too, but the bigger space makes it feel not as bad.
I agree with most of the above, however, for the HNL-DFW (which is a redeye), I would highly recommend making your way to the "A" AC @ DFW for a shower. The A club has the best showers by far at DFW; in fact, I sometimes build in a longer layover there just to take a shower.
Also, the HNL club (with JAL) is just meh -- best to cut it as close as possible to departure time and soak up as much of the island as possible.
