Using BA status to gain lounge access
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: London
Programs: BAEC Silver
Posts: 8
Using BA status to gain lounge access
I've recently relocated from London to US. I have Silver status on BA (extended for 2 years thanks to being caught in London during the BA fiasco)
I'm flying AA from Texas to Shangahi regularly. Can I start getting status on AA while using my BA status to gain access to lounges?
Specifically, I'd use my Advantage# on tickets and use my BA status to gain access to the lounge (that would not be on the ticket).
Thanks for your help!
I'm flying AA from Texas to Shangahi regularly. Can I start getting status on AA while using my BA status to gain access to lounges?
Specifically, I'd use my Advantage# on tickets and use my BA status to gain access to the lounge (that would not be on the ticket).
Thanks for your help!
#5
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Brighton. UK
Programs: BA Gold / VS /IHG Diamond & Ambassador
Posts: 14,141
Though of course agents do make mistakes.
#6
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: LON
Programs: BA Gold; LH FTL; IHG Diamond; Marriott Gold; ALL Gold
Posts: 1,758
I've never done it, but I've heard from previous threads that you can add your status-holding FF number to your booking first, and enter the lounge based on that. After you're in the lounge, you can change your FF number online (I gather the Finnair website is good for this), and then the flight will credit to the updated FFP.
As I said, I can't guarantee that works, but might be worth a try.
As I said, I can't guarantee that works, but might be worth a try.
#7
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: PEK and BOS
Programs: BA - Blue
Posts: 4,530
I've never done it, but I've heard from previous threads that you can add your status-holding FF number to your booking first, and enter the lounge based on that. After you're in the lounge, you can change your FF number online (I gather the Finnair website is good for this), and then the flight will credit to the updated FFP.
As I said, I can't guarantee that works, but might be worth a try.
As I said, I can't guarantee that works, but might be worth a try.
To the OP: I'm presuming you are flying in economy, since otherwise lounge access would be included?
Another possibility is to do a "platinum challenge" (not sure if they still do them, but I think they do). If you are indeed taking regular DFW-PVG flights, even in economy, should be able to make plat status reasonably quickly.
To be honest, the AA lounges are not that special...and I wouldn't personally risk faffing about. If you have an Amex plat charge card, the Centurion lounge at DFW is significantly better in most respects than the AA offerings (although the biscuits and gravy in the Flagship dining for OWEs are pretty scrumptious).
tb
#8
No problems
I've entered AA lounges without a problem where my boarding pass had the AA # but I had entry via Oneworld sapphire (in my case it was AirBerlin status). They scan your boarding pass, then you show the other OW card (even the card is not necessary as long as you have the number - they can type it in). Then their system will show access for you and one guest. Just be clear on what the rules are, don't leave it up to the agent to come to a wrong conclusion.
#12
Join Date: Jan 2005
Programs: BA Gold, AA Lifetime Gold 1.8mm, IC Spire Ambassador, Hilton Diamond, SPG Gold et al
Posts: 4,350
While in the vast majority of cases I haven't encountered problems I have certainly come across the occasional lounge receptionist who seeks to apply their own rules of entry where this situation arises. IME it's more of a problem entering BA lounges with AA status than it is the other way around.
I can think of 1 location I visit regularly where a particular individual insists that it isn't within the rules. On those occasions I have always successfully argued that they are incorrect and gained entry but I dislike having to do that.
I can think of 1 location I visit regularly where a particular individual insists that it isn't within the rules. On those occasions I have always successfully argued that they are incorrect and gained entry but I dislike having to do that.
#13
Join Date: Aug 2010
Programs: AA,CX, BA, Priority Club, SPG, Hilton
Posts: 1,397
I just gainrd BA Gold status last year. I had done around 10 domestic segments (4 last year, 6 this year) that credits to AA on boarding pass. I had been in JFK, LGA, MIA, LAX, SFO, CLT, PHL. No problem whatsoever by showing the BA gold card for lounge access. Get in even the F lounge at JFK and LAX without any issue. I also been LAX QF lounge with a guest, no issue at all.
#15
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: From ORK, live LCY
Programs: BA Silver, EI Silver, HH Gold, BW Gold, ABP, Seigneur des Horaires des Mucci
Posts: 14,177
This isn't against the rules and can be done, but does sometimes result in overeager lounge dragons changing your FF number in the system to the one on which you have status. And a few will just say it isn't allowed.