Thanks for mentioning. I experienced issues with this published benefit back when it was first introduced. See
here and
here for links (which no longer work). It took a number of messages to (and apologies from) BA before the access books at T5 Galleries Arrivals were updated to correctly reflect BA policy.
Notably, today, AA's website doesn't mention anything about BA's lounge, and BA's website doesn't mention anything about AA's lounge.
Here is what
the BA website says today:
The Galleries Arrivals Lounge in London Heathrow Terminal 5 is available for passengers who are:
- flying on a scheduled British Airways flight in First or business (Club World)
- a Gold Member of the British Airways Executive Club arriving on a British Airways long haul flight
The American Airlines Arrivals Lounge at London Heathrow Terminal 3 is available for passengers who are:
- flying on a scheduled British Airways flight in First or Club World
- a Gold Member of the British Airways Executive Club arriving on a British Airways long haul flight
- travelling in first or business class on an American Airlines operated flight.
Capacity restrictions apply so you won't be able to bring guests into these lounges.
And here is what
the AA website says today:
Arrivals Lounge
London Heathrow (LHR)
Access
Flying American Airlines?
You can enter the Arrivals Lounge if you flew on American to LHR on a same-day flight and are*:
- Flying in Flagship First or Flagship Business
- AAdvantage Executive Platinum
- AAdvantage ConciergeKey
- oneworld Emerald
- British Airways Premier
Flying on British Airways, Cathay Pacific or Qantas?
British Airways
You can enter the Arrivals Lounge if you flew on British Airways to LHR on a same-day, long-haul international flight arriving in Terminal 3 and are**:
- Flying in First or Business Class
- oneworld Emerald
- British Airways Premier
Qantas
You can enter the Arrivals Lounge if you flew in First or Business Class to LHR on Qantas on a same-day, long-haul international flight.***
Cathay Pacific
You can enter the Arrivals Lounge if you flew to LHR Terminal 3 on a same-day, long-haul international flight marketed and operated by Cathay Pacific and are:
- Flying in First or Business Class
- oneworld Emerald
*Flights must be marketed and operated by American, or marketed by British Airways and operated by American. Customers traveling on airline industry non-revenue tickets can't access.
**Flights must be marketed and operated by British Airways or marketed by American and operated by British Airways.
***Flights must be marketed and operated by Qantas, or marketed by British Airways and operated by Qantas.
It would be great to know if any other AA travellers have experienced any problems lately. I still keep a copy of BA's letters in my travel bag, ready to show at T5 Galleries Arrivals if there is any problem getting in.