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GUIDE: AA Flagship Check-In at JFK, LAX, LHR, MIA, ORD
Mar 17, 2021, 6:49 am
#46
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Global
Posts: 5,998
Assuming the Flagship First check ins are open by the time I fly (next Feb) I'd just like to check my logic is correct:
My status is BA Gold (OneWorld Emerald) so I can use the Flagship First Check-ins at JFK for my 3 class transcon to LA in J, and at LAX for my flight to LAS the next day.
But I cannot take a guest (No status), even on the same PNR for those same flights.
Correct?. If so, what are the best check in options at JFK and LAX when I'm flying with a friend with no status?.
Thanks!
My status is BA Gold (OneWorld Emerald) so I can use the Flagship First Check-ins at JFK for my 3 class transcon to LA in J, and at LAX for my flight to LAS the next day.
But I cannot take a guest (No status), even on the same PNR for those same flights.
Correct?. If so, what are the best check in options at JFK and LAX when I'm flying with a friend with no status?.
Thanks!
Mar 17, 2021, 9:11 am
#47
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: NYC
Programs: AA EXP
Posts: 1,372
Honestly, it might make sense to just go to the premium check-in at LAX first if the lines aren't long. They usually aren't. There isn't much special about FF Check-in, other than they will take you to the front of the security line if it is long.
Mar 17, 2021, 5:15 pm
#48
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Global
Posts: 5,998
I think they are generally not hung up on the companion thing, as long as you don't have a party of 8 or something. That is, however, assuming that they agree that you are even eligible, which at LAX is not a guarantee. I once had the door person at Flagship First Check-in at LAX tell me that traveling F LAX-HKG was not eligible for FF Check-In, and that it was only for Concierge Key.
Honestly, it might make sense to just go to the premium check-in at LAX first if the lines aren't long. They usually aren't. There isn't much special about FF Check-in, other than they will take you to the front of the security line if it is long.
Honestly, it might make sense to just go to the premium check-in at LAX first if the lines aren't long. They usually aren't. There isn't much special about FF Check-in, other than they will take you to the front of the security line if it is long.
Mar 17, 2021, 6:00 pm
#50
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: NYC
Programs: AA EXP
Posts: 1,372
I actually emailed one of the directors of the LAX hub premium services operation in late 2019 to tell her that it's a consistently inconsistent experience. I also told her that other than that interactions with premium services staff once actually in FF Check-In, in the Flagship Lounge, etc., have been always wonderful for me. She did say she would make sure that her team are trained in the correct access policies. So I hope she and her team were able to follow up on it. She was very kind about it.
Mar 22, 2021, 7:45 pm
#51
Join Date: Mar 2021
Posts: 1
Flagship First Transcon pricing
Seems like American has set a price floor on flagship first flights between New York and LA/SF at $3057 for the next year. I thought it was a glitch but it's been like that for two weeks or so. That's significantly more than pre-COVID fares for a very watered down product, no flagship dining, same meal service as J etc.
Mar 23, 2021, 7:21 am
#52
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: LAX, SNA, LGB
Posts: 450
Tried for LAX flagship check-in as BA gold(OWE) on an AA flight to MIA in J. The agent asked if i was concierge key and i said no and proceeded to ask me to go to the regular check-in area. I said i was OWE and agent checked her list and not find me and then proceeded to ask me to go to the regular check in area. I said I’m allowed but agent said that there are no lines or wait in the regular check in area. I resisted a little bit and agent said i can do flagship check in but stated that there is no difference between regular check in and flagship with no lines. Agent seemed dead set on having me go through regular check in and so i did.
Mar 23, 2021, 12:57 pm
#53
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: NYC
Programs: AA EXP/OWE, Marriott Ambassador
Posts: 880
Seems like American has set a price floor on flagship first flights between New York and LA/SF at $3057 for the next year. I thought it was a glitch but it's been like that for two weeks or so. That's significantly more than pre-COVID fares for a very watered down product, no flagship dining, same meal service as J etc.
Mar 23, 2021, 10:55 pm
#54
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: NYC
Programs: AA EXP
Posts: 1,372
Tried for LAX flagship check-in as BA gold(OWE) on an AA flight to MIA in J. The agent asked if i was concierge key and i said no and proceeded to ask me to go to the regular check-in area. I said i was OWE and agent checked her list and not find me and then proceeded to ask me to go to the regular check in area. I said I’m allowed but agent said that there are no lines or wait in the regular check in area. I resisted a little bit and agent said i can do flagship check in but stated that there is no difference between regular check in and flagship with no lines. Agent seemed dead set on having me go through regular check in and so i did.
If you really did want to just make a point, you can access FFCI through the regular check-in area, through the automatic doors.
Mar 24, 2021, 6:30 pm
#56
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: NYC
Programs: AA EXP
Posts: 1,372
I think who is on the list itself depends on what the agents are trained for/believe and then export to print out. At JFK, I've been on the list whenever I should have been...as an F passenger to LAX and as an EXP in J/Y traveling internationally. I think JFK just understand who is supposed to be on the list, and at LAX they don't. And while not perfect, I think JFK, based on what I have heard from others, has been the best when it comes to letting you through when you are not on the list but actually do qualify.
Mar 29, 2021, 9:27 am
#57
Join Date: Nov 2015
Location: FL, USA
Programs: AA Plat, Hyatt Explorist, Hilton Diamond, IHG Plat, Marriot Gold
Posts: 1,666
Question, so we booked business class from LAX to MIA and it says flagship eligible when it came up as a fare. today in 2021 post covid, what does this entail? I mean we booked it only because its an overnight and wanted lie flat but pre covid i would have loved to try this out. Its ou to LAX so i assume the worst like all the experiences we see here? Any advantages this day? Should we even try the FFCI? Any meals at the lounge these days? our trip is firt week of may, so i recognize things may change by then.
Mar 29, 2021, 10:18 am
#58
Join Date: May 2008
Location: PHL (kinda, no airport is really close)
Programs: AA Exp, but not sure for how long. Enterprise Platinum woo-hoo!
Posts: 4,550
Seems like American has set a price floor on flagship first flights between New York and LA/SF at $3057 for the next year. I thought it was a glitch but it's been like that for two weeks or so. That's significantly more than pre-COVID fares for a very watered down product, no flagship dining, same meal service as J etc.
Mar 29, 2021, 10:36 am
#59
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Global
Posts: 5,998
You are quoting the one-way fare for each. OP was quoting the round trip fare.
Apr 1, 2021, 1:33 pm
#60
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Chicago
Programs: AA- EXP UA - Silver SPG- PLT Marriott- PLT
Posts: 759
Guidelines need to be updated. EXPs no longer can use FCI for Central America and most closer South American flights. This aligns with them taking away flagship lounge access for this flights. But remember, they now allow admirals club access for flights to Canada and the Caribbean. So they spin it as a positive when it’s a MAJOR takeaway for EXPs