Originally Posted by
teabird
But in the course of my conversation with the agent, she told me that I can only ever use the lounge when flying international first class (unless I buy a membership, of course), and that I had been wrong when using it with international economy tickets.
The agent was wrong. As PLT (OW Sapphire) you are entitled to use the lounge when on a same-day OneWorld international itinerary even when travelling in economy. Unfortunately, a lot of AAngels don't know the access policies - on more than one occasion, I have been questioned about my entitlement to bring in a guest when the rules clearly state that as a OW Sapphire I am entitled to do so.
Following the advice of many on this forum, I now carry a print-out of the access rules with me to assist in politely pointing out any misunderstandings along the way.