<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by Efrem:
Not so, based on multiple recent personal experiences. I have used Flagship Lounges at BOS, ORD, DFW and LHR on arrival. (LHR requires a pass through the flight connections security check and a stamp on your arriving boarding pass.)
A careful reading of the rules will confirm that they say nothing about the lounge you use having to be at your departure airport.
Also, my usual route to Europe, time permitting, is BOS-ORD-LHR (or -CDG) for the extra miles. I have always been admitted to the BOS Flagship Lounge even though my international leg departs from ORD.
I have heard of one person who, on domestic trips, would buy a refundable ticket on any international flight departing from his real destination so he would appear to be on an international itinerary and therefore able to use the Flagship Lounge at his originating airport. The ethics of this approach aside, the reason it works is that you do not have to be at your international departure point to use it, as long as you're on an international itinerary on that day.</font>
AA may allow you into the lounge as an AA member on arrival, but it is not an entitlement. Try getting into a BA one on arrival at Heathrow.
When going BOS-ORD-LHR , as an AA member you are entitled access at BOS since you are travelling internationally the same day. A OW Emerald member , other than an AA one, would be allowed access just travelling BOS-ORD regardless.
A careful reading will show that it is only at an airport where you are departing from. Again, try getting into a BA one at JFK if you are actually travelling out of EWR. No chance.
From the One World web site
Access to airline lounges
"The oneworld alliance airlines provide over 340 lounges across the globe. If you are a top-tier member of one of our frequent flyer programs, you will have access to our lounges prior to departure.
At peak periods, access to certain lounges may be restricted due to capacity constraints. Access is available on the day of departure when your next onward flight is with a oneworld member airline. Access may not apply at a limited number of third-party-operated lounges. "
I think that that is fairly specific on the matter.
Dave
[This message has been edited by Dave Noble (edited 05-09-2002).]