Originally Posted by
inbruCHes
So let's say I book an Economy flight from SAN to LHR with BA, can I still use AA miles for an upgrade to Business? If so, I may just go with AA. There are very few flights within the US where I'd need lounge access.
From AA:
Q. Can I use my miles to upgrade from discount Economy fares?
A. You can use miles and a co-pay to upgrade from discount Economy fares on American Airlines flights. However, upgrades on itineraries that include British Airways and Iberia are valid from full fares only.
So you'd have to book in Y or B, and your upgrade would only be to World Traveller Plus (premium economy) and not Club (business.) The cost of an AA Y economy ticket would undoubtedly be greater than just buying a business class ticket directly from BA.
Originally Posted by
inbruCHes
This still seems very odd. What is the rationale behind not giving your own best customers access to your lounge? Doesn't seem to make sense.
AA and other US airlines have a different philosophy on lounges from most other (European, Asian) airlines. You buy a membership to the clubs and then can visit them regardless of the class of service you're flying or your elite status. There are so many domestic routes flown by AA, and so many elites, that allowing free access to the clubs for elites (or for premium-cabin domestic travelers) would probably swamp the system, or so I suspect the thinking goes. Plus club memberships are another revenue stream.