AA EXP status will get you into partner international first class lounges (think Cathay at HKG, Qantas in SYD, BA at LHR), even when you're flying in coach. UA 1K status, for comparison, will not get you into first class partner lounges but rather their business class lounges on an equivalent ticket.
Originally Posted by
Rb2487
To summarize the question, do each of the big three allow free access for gold and higher into 3rd party lounges when traveling in economy cabin? I can't seem to find the answer on their websites.
You have to be careful on terminology. Over at AA, a Gold level flyer only flies 25,000 miles a year. They have no lounge access on international itineraries.