Last edit by: JDiver
HELP DESK: Lounge Access, Access Rules. Will I Have Lounge Access? (2017)
Please read this wiki carefully; some fine nuances exist.
Please read this wiki carefully; some fine nuances exist.
PLEASE DO NOT ALTER THE CONTENT OF THIS MODERATOR NOTE
The Lounge Access Help Desk
To assist members with questions about Lounge Access Rules that they have not been able to answer on their own using the above resources, the AA Moderator team has decided to institute this thread, the third in a series of "Help Desk" threads. N.B.: If you have questions about physical access to a specific lounge (e.g., airside vs. landside, different terminal, etc.), please search for and post to the appropriate specific thread for that lounge.
New threads on this topic will be merged into this one and bumped by the moderators as necessary. As such, we do not expect that this thread will develop into a searchable database, but that it will nonetheless provide a valuable resource to members. As well, we may shed / pare down posts from time to time to a trailing thread or similar device.
Our goal is to provide a place where members can feel welcome to post such questions and expect helpful, accurate responses. In this way, we hope to accommodate the needs and desires of both new and veteran members - those who aren't sure they are interpreting the available resources correctly can ask for help without fear of snarky-appearing responses; those who do not wish to participate in such threads are invited and, indeed, encouraged, to ignore this thread.
Please be forewarned: This thread will be subject to heavy moderation. Posts that are incorrect will be subject to deletion without notice - DO NOT POST answers unless you are 100% sure your answer is complete and correct. Posts that are unhelpful or off-topic will also be subject to deletion without notice - DO NOT POST unless you can be friendly, helpful, concise, and salient.
Finally, a few guidelines for members posting queries to this thread:
- Please DO make an effort to review the listed resources before posting here.
- Please DO try to give as much information as possible, including your entire itinerary, with carrier for each segment and codeshares and stopovers clearly designated, your class of service and fare class purchased, whether or not you have Admirals Club or Qantas Club membership, a Citi AAdvantage Executive card (which includes full Admirals Club membership), and the number of guests and your family relationship with them, if any.
- Please DO understand it could take some time for answers (especially on holidays and weekends.)
- Please DO thank helpful members volunteering to reply to your questions.
Also see the future changes in lounges and access: Admirals Club and Flagship Lounge Changes, Renovations & Additions
Sincerely,
The American Airlines | AAdvantage forum Moderator Team
(Help Desk established by dstan)
=================end mod note===================
Help Desk: Lounge Access Rules / Will I Have Lounge Access?
Lounge Access can be obtained in a number of ways during travel on AA and its oneworld partner airlines. These include purchasing an Admirals Club one day pass, or via Citi AAdvantage Executive MasterCard (including, as of Dec 2015, authorized card users), reciprocity agreements with other airlines, traveling on certain transcon flights in F or J, or traveling internationally with Platinum (oneworld Sapphire) or Executive Platinum (oneworld Emerald) status or in F or J classes of service - except if flying solely within North America inc,Using destinations other than MEX or the Caribbean. The last is often the greatest source of confusion, despite lounge access rules being described clearly on aa.com. Threads about these are linked to in the American Airlines LOUNGE DASHBOARD thread.
Admirals Club members paid or Executive cardholder members) are entitled guests as follows:
Up to two guests or household members (spouse, domestic partner and/or children under the age of 18) may accompany the member.
For AA status-based access (PLT, PlatPro or EXP),* passengers must: (1) be traveling on an international itinerary (Europe, Asia, Central and South America, and Mexico City, excluding the Caribbean and other destinations in North America (other than on certain three class transcontinental flights) including other destinations in Mexico, and (2) have an onward flight on a oneworld airline marketed and operated flight on the same day. PLT and PPRO members are eligible for access to all oneworld Business Class lounges, now including Flagship Lounges, including Admirals Clubs; EXP members are also eligible for access to all oneworld First Class lounges, including Flagship Lounges.
Lounges operated by third parties or premium lunges operating outside of oneworld rules (e.g. BA Concorde Room, Qatar Al Safwa or Al Mourjan lounges) may be excluded, and all may may refuse admittance if they claim they are crowded. There are other exceptions.
*Non-AA oneworld Sapphire and Emerald elites are not subject to rule #1 above.
Emerald / EP on CX JFK-YVR are not subject to AA limitations and are issued Flagship Lounge invitations for use at JFK.
Another confusing rule relates to transcontinental access. From member FriendlySkies:
Traveling on a Non-Stop Transcontinental* Flight? http://www.aa.com/i18n/utility/trans-con-access.jsp
More changes:
If you are traveling in the First or Business class cabin (on flights sold as three classes) in one of the following non-stop markets, we welcome you to visit the lounge as indicated below.
More changes:
If you are traveling in the First or Business class cabin (on flights sold as three classes) in one of the following non-stop markets, we welcome you to visit the lounge as indicated below.
The following exceptions apply:
First and Business Class customers who do not hold Emerald or Sapphire tier status are not eligible to access American Airlines lounges when travelling on solely domestic flights within the U.S. or between the U.S. and Canada, Mexico [except Mexico City], the Bahamas, Bermuda and the Caribbean; customers travelling in First or Business class on U.S. transcontinental flights between JFK-LAX, JFK-SFO and MIA-LAX (and vice-versa) are eligible for lounge access. one world lounge access page - link
First and Business Class customers who do not hold Emerald or Sapphire tier status are not eligible to access American Airlines lounges when travelling on solely domestic flights within the U.S. or between the U.S. and Canada, Mexico [except Mexico City], the Bahamas, Bermuda and the Caribbean; customers travelling in First or Business class on U.S. transcontinental flights between JFK-LAX, JFK-SFO and MIA-LAX (and vice-versa) are eligible for lounge access. one world lounge access page - link
In the Flagship Dining subsection, they state:
Beginning in early 2017, the Flagship Dining experience will be available in select cities with 3-class service:
● Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW)
● New York (JFK)
● Miami (MIA)
● Los Angeles (LAX)
First Class customers on American’s 3-class international and transcontinental flights will have exclusive access to Flagship Dining in 2017
● Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW)
● New York (JFK)
● Miami (MIA)
● Los Angeles (LAX)
First Class customers on American’s 3-class international and transcontinental flights will have exclusive access to Flagship Dining in 2017
Flagship Lounges (JFK, LAX, LHR and ORD) offer extended beverages and upscale snack services as well. See below for link.
NOTE: Some Lounges and Clubs are undergoing refurbishment.
Citi Prestige MasterCard holder Admirals Club access ended July 23, 2017.
American Express Platinum cardholder Admirals Club access ended 21 March 2014.
NOTE: It has been verified more airports are allowing multiple terminal access on one's day of departure. LAX has been one since mid-2014.
Admirals Club access is granted the day of flight for statusholders flyingone world and those flying F or J, or the following day at the first port of arrival if flying overnight and arriving by 0600.
Airports requiring Lounge users have a same day departure boarding pass include BOG, CCS, CDG, GIG, GRU, LHR, MEX, NRT, SCL, YYZ.
N.B. Qantas Lounges and Clubs require Smart Casual (sic) dress as of May 2015; those not meeting the standard may be turned away. They also require AAdvantage members be traveling on a departing AA marketed flight.
Please see the following resources for full details on Lounge Access Rules: (and see below)
. . . ● AA.com: Lounge Access Rules
. . . ● AA.com: American Airlines Flagship Lounge Access Rules
Beginning later in 2017: https://www.aa.com/i18n/travel-info/...ge-updates.jsp opens Flagship access to many more pax.
. . . ● AA.com: Reimaging our lounges
. . . ● AA.com: Admirals Club Membership Guide in a downloadable PDF format.
. . . ● oneworld.com: Lounge Access Rules and Search Tool
. . . ● Wiki: Lounges
. . . ● FT: American Airlines LOUNGE DASHBOARD
For various threads on membership, access by status, transcon service, class of service, Flagship lounge access, lounges directory with links to specific lounge threads, Club member access to partner lounges, recipripocity agreements, etc.
. . . ● Last year's thread:HELP DESK: Will I Have Lounge Access? Access, Rules (2016)
ARCHIVE: HELP DESK: Will I Have Lounge Access? Access, Rules (2017)
#466
Join Date: Jan 2013
Posts: 1,435
AC Member flying into ANC early morning then waiting 4 hours for a shuttle to begin a cruise. Can I use the Alaska Air club after my flight to relax for few hours, or is it only for upcoming flights? Thanks.
#467
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Austin
Programs: AA EXP +2MM- LT PLT! HH Diamond
Posts: 6,086
Unfortunately, access to the Alaska Airlines lounges for AC members are only for departing flights.
#468
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: UK
Programs: BA Silver
Posts: 417
Would a OW sapphire travelling on an AA marketed / AS operated domestic flight have lounge access at SFO in either the Alaska or American clubs?
Does this change if traveling FC vs coach?
Does this change if traveling FC vs coach?
#469
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: DEN
Programs: Double OWE (AA EXP, QF Plat), FI Gold
Posts: 1,887
FC on an Alaska operated flight should give you access to the Alaska Lounge (see Global321's post below for link).
Last edited by zpaul; Jul 4, 2017 at 11:07 am Reason: Clarification
#470
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Global
Posts: 5,994
Passengers traveling on a paid First Class or a First Class award ticket (e.g., A, D, F or P class of service) on flights operated by Alaska Airlines have access to Alaska Lounge locations only on their day of flight.
#471
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: DEN
Programs: Double OWE (AA EXP, QF Plat), FI Gold
Posts: 1,887
I believe OP would have access on a paid first class ticket. Link
Passengers traveling on a paid First Class or a First Class award ticket (e.g., A, D, F or P class of service) on flights operated by Alaska Airlines have access to Alaska Lounge locations only on their day of flight.
Passengers traveling on a paid First Class or a First Class award ticket (e.g., A, D, F or P class of service) on flights operated by Alaska Airlines have access to Alaska Lounge locations only on their day of flight.
#473
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: YYF/YLW
Programs: AA, DL, AS, VA, WS Silver
Posts: 5,950
I believe OP would have access on a paid first class ticket. Link
Passengers traveling on a paid First Class or a First Class award ticket (e.g., A, D, F or P class of service) on flights operated by Alaska Airlines have access to Alaska Lounge locations only on their day of flight.
Passengers traveling on a paid First Class or a First Class award ticket (e.g., A, D, F or P class of service) on flights operated by Alaska Airlines have access to Alaska Lounge locations only on their day of flight.
The only AS-operated lounges are in LAX, PDX, SEA (3), and ANC.
As noted, the AA lounge access rules provide no status- or class of service-based lounge access when departing the present airport on an AS-operated flight. This lounge access would be per the AS lounge access rules, which are best to ask about in the AS forum.
#474
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Global
Posts: 5,994
This is true, but there is no Alaska Lounge at SFO. AS lounge members get access to the CX or AA lounges at SFO, but that access does not apply to paid first class passengers on AS-operated flights.
The only AS-operated lounges are in LAX, PDX, SEA (3), and ANC.
As noted, the AA lounge access rules provide no status- or class of service-based lounge access when departing the present airport on an AS-operated flight. This lounge access would be per the AS lounge access rules, which are best to ask about in the AS forum.
The only AS-operated lounges are in LAX, PDX, SEA (3), and ANC.
As noted, the AA lounge access rules provide no status- or class of service-based lounge access when departing the present airport on an AS-operated flight. This lounge access would be per the AS lounge access rules, which are best to ask about in the AS forum.
#475
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: Berkeley, CA USA
Programs: Piggly Wiggly "Shop the Pig!" Preferred Shopper
Posts: 57,040
Hey, folks. Doesn't look good for my wife for access to the DFW lounge with this, but I thought I'd check to see:
SJO-DFW (4hr23min) in business
DFW-SFO in business
Looks like she misses the "long haul" international definition by 37 min. Out of luck, right? Thanks.
SJO-DFW (4hr23min) in business
DFW-SFO in business
Looks like she misses the "long haul" international definition by 37 min. Out of luck, right? Thanks.
#476
Join Date: Mar 2015
Programs: BA GGL
Posts: 2,447
At the airport... Doesn't seem like access is granted into The Club Las to OWE members.
I suspect this is correct. Do I have any decent alternatives? By decent I mean free...
Thanks
Forgot to mention lounge in the title. Bit of a fail there. Oops.
I suspect this is correct. Do I have any decent alternatives? By decent I mean free...
Thanks
Forgot to mention lounge in the title. Bit of a fail there. Oops.
Last edited by JDiver; Jul 7, 2017 at 1:06 pm Reason: Merge consecutive posts on same issue
#477
Moderator: American AAdvantage
Join Date: May 2000
Location: NorCal - SMF area
Programs: AA LT Plat; HH LT Diamond, Maître-plongeur des Muccis
Posts: 62,948
oneworld lounge access for frequent flyers by tier status link
"Enjoy exclusive access to premium airport lounges around the world with oneworld Emerald or Sapphire frequent flyer tier status. Members of oneworld airline frequent flyer programmes with the equivalent of oneworld Emerald or Sapphire tier status can use lounges offered by oneworld airlines when departing on any flight marketed and operated by any oneworld member airline, regardless of cabin class being flown (exceptions are noted below).
Emerald tier frequent flyers can use First Class, Business Class or frequent flyer lounges.
Sapphire tier frequent flyers are welcome in Business Class* or frequent flyer lounges. (*does not include Qantas Domestic Business Lounges)
Emerald and Sapphire members may invite one guest to join them in the lounge. The guest must also be travelling on a flight operated and marketed by a oneworld carrier.
You must be prepared to show your boarding pass and frequent flyer membership card, with oneworld Emerald or Sapphire tier status, to access a lounge."
Ah, LAS - Las Vegas. No Lounge there for one world access.
Last edited by JDiver; Jul 7, 2017 at 3:31 pm Reason: Correct
#478
Join Date: Oct 2014
Posts: 299
There's no Admirals Club so your only other option is The Centurion Lounge if you hold an Amex Platinum (free entry) or $50 if you hold a lower Amex
#479
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: try to stay home
Programs: AY, M&M, BAEC ...and don t care of status anymore
Posts: 2,041
Lounge question ORD
Hey what will be my best lounge option in ORD, if traveling on a AB ticket as a OW Emerald? Can I use the AA Flagship lounge?
#480
Join Date: May 2008
Location: NYC
Programs: DL PM; UA 1K; AA 1MM
Posts: 4,505
Yes, you will be able to access the Flagship Lounge, and that is your best option.